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"...you’re welcome to come here and explore. ...We’re going to worship [Jesus] like He’s the king of glory. We’re going to teach his truth as if He’s God. We’re going to pray as if our lives depended upon it. We’re going to give sacrificially." -Pastor Kyle Boone
Key Doctrines of Our Faith
With Regard to the Key Doctrines of the Faith
Herein we have presented a SUMMARY of what we believe. For a more complete discussion see HCC’s Constitution and By-Laws
Before We Begin Let Us Remember:
1. About God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. (Genesis 1:1,26,27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
2. About Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. (Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13)
3. About the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He give every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily. (2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galations 5:25; Ephesians 5:18)
4. About the Bible
The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21; 2 Timothy 1:13;
Psalm 119:105,160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5)
5. About Human Beings
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin”. This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life. (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1, 2)
6. About Salvation
Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5)
7. About Eternity
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. (John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; 1 Cor. 2:7-9)
Herein we have presented a SUMMARY of what we believe. For a more complete discussion see HCC’s Constitution and By-Laws
Before We Begin Let Us Remember:
- In essential beliefs—we have unity.
- “There is one body and one Spirit . . . one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all” -Ephesians 4:4-6
- “There is one body and one Spirit . . . one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all” -Ephesians 4:4-6
- In non-essential beliefs—We have liberty.
- “Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.” -Romans 14:1
- “Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.” -Romans 14:1
- In all our beliefs—we show charity.
- “If I ... can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” -1 Corinthians 13:2
- “If I ... can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” -1 Corinthians 13:2
1. About God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. (Genesis 1:1,26,27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
2. About Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. (Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13)
3. About the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He give every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily. (2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galations 5:25; Ephesians 5:18)
4. About the Bible
The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21; 2 Timothy 1:13;
Psalm 119:105,160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5)
5. About Human Beings
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin”. This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life. (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1, 2)
6. About Salvation
Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5)
7. About Eternity
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. (John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; 1 Cor. 2:7-9)
The HCC Constitution
ARTICLE I: NAME
01.01.01 Name
The name of this church shall be the HAMBDEN CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
ARTICLE II: PREAMBLE
02.01.01 History
The movement toward Congregationalism began in Scrooby, England around 1567. There a small group of believers who held the Bible to be the sole authority of the Church, saw the need to separate themselves from the Church of England because of the growing dominance of the Church by King, Queen and appointed Bishops. This same group of believers, because of their beliefs, was persecuted by both civil and religious authorities. They therefore decided to separate themselves from the Church of England, and to seek an autonomy that allowed them to worship according to their own biblical convictions. They therefore fled the country and ultimately settled in the Americas. Here their churches were able to maintain their conviction of self-governance without outside control of church or state, and they continued to hold to their belief in the sole authority of Scripture with regard to Church life and doctrine. Thus the Congregational movement began in the United States.
Over time, though, many of these Congregational churches either ceased to exist, or were swallowed up through mergers with other denominations. And though Congregationalism continued in this country, the numbers were growing fewer until in 1942 several churches, all holding to the Congregational distinctive, felt an urgent need to protect the original intent of Congregationalism. There was therefore a calling together of all churches and pastors who saw this need, and together they agreed to unite around the Evangelical and Biblical Heritage of true Congregationalism. In 1948 this movement resulted in the "Conservative Congregational Christian Conference," of which we are a part.
02.01.02 Self-governance
We continue to hold to the self-governance of our local church and its independence of all other ecclesiastical control. We are united with the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference for counsel and cooperation in matters which are of common concern. Our invitation to worship and form a bond in fellowship is extended to all who share in the same doctrine and faith.
ARTICLE III: PURPOSE AND MISSION
03.01.01 Purpose
The purpose of the Hambden Congregational Church is to bring people to membership in Christ’s body—the Church, develop them to Christ-like maturity in the faith, and equip them for their ministry in the Church and life mission in the world, in order to magnify God’s name.
03.01.02 Invitation
This church offers a standing invitation for all to come to God through faith in the transforming work of our Lord Jesus Christ. It continues to be our prayerful hope that God use this church as an instrument for the hearing of His Word, so that all would choose to accept Jesus Christ as Personal Lord and Savior.
ARTICLE IV: DOCTRINE
Following are the foundational doctrines (beliefs/teachings) of the Hambden Congregational Church. These doctrines are not open to individual or personal interpretation, but are to be understood (1) As they are described in Scripture, and (2) As they were attested to by the early Church—as seen in such documents as the Apostle’s Creed, the Nicean Creed, and the Athanasian Creed. Where we speak of doctrines not covered in these creeds we wish it to be known that we derive these teachings from the Bible and from orthodox Christianity. Anyone who desires membership in this body of believers must agree with what is set forth below.
SECTION I: THE WORD OF GOD
04.01.01
We believe the Bible to be complete, consisting of the 39 books of the Old Testament and the 27 books of the New Testament. We believe that God has overseen the transmission of the Bible through each generation, and that He has maintained the integrity of Scripture. We believe that the Bible has the same identical message today as when it was originally given by God. Therefore we believe that the Word of God is the only authoritative guide for living the Christian Life.
04.01.02
We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, and is without error in the original writings. We believe the Bible to be (1) infallible, (2) God-breathed [i.e., given directly by God], and (3) the final authority for Christian faith and practice.
04.01.03
We believe that all Scripture (i.e., the Word of God, the Bible) was given by God through the Holy Spirit to the chosen men of old for the revelation of His Will to all humanity. (Matthew 5:18 & 24:35; Romans 10:17; II Timothy 3:16-17; II Peter 1:21)
SECTION 2: THE TRINITY
04.02.01
We believe in one God who has existed eternally in three persons: The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. We believe that these three are one in nature and are co-equal in power and authority. We believe that each is worthy of the same obedience, and are equally deserving of glory, honor and praise. (Genesis 1:26; Matthew 3:16-17 & 28:19; I Corinthians 12:4-6; Ephesians 4:3-6; I John 5:7.)
SECTION 3: THE DEITY OF CRIST
04.03.01
We believe in the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. As John the apostle stated, “In the beginning was the Word (the Son), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God . . . and the Word became flesh (Jesus) and made his dwelling among us (and) we have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only (Son of God), who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:1, 14).
We believe that this Word (the Son) became a man (Jesus) having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary - all without ceasing to be God. We believe that Jesus lived a sinless life which qualified him to act as the perfect sacrifice for our sins.
We believe that Jesus Christ, having fulfilled the righteous requirements of the Law, willingly offered his own life as a sacrifice for our sins; as a result he was crucified and died. We believe that God did not leave his body to decay, but did - as the Scriptures had prophesied - bodily raise our Savior Jesus Christ from the dead. Therefore we believe in His bodily resurrection and his ascension to the right hand of the Father in heaven. We believe, according to the Scripture, that he will personally return in power and glory. (Mark 16:19; Luke 1:35; John 1:12.14 & 20:1.16,28; Hebrews 1:8 & 4:15)
SECTION 4: THE FALL OF MAN
04.04.01
We believe that humanity was originally created in the image of God, and that our first parents - Adam and Eve - lived in a sinless, unbroken fellowship with one another and with God. But because of Adam’s singular act of disobedience this relationship was broken, sin entered into the world, and death - as a result of sin - came upon the whole of humanity (Genesis 3).
4.04.02
We believe that as a result of Adam’s disobedience the judgment of sin came upon the entire world. Humanity’s relationship with God was severed; the stain of sin (i.e., the “sin nature”) was passed from father to son/daughter leaving no one untouched; humanity found themselves dead in their trespasses and sins with no human remedy. Each person became subjected to the “prince of the power of the air,” that is, each person became the unwitting servant of Satan. We refer to this as “The Fall of Man.” Genesis 6:5; Psalm 14:1-3; Isaiah 64:6; Romans. 3:10, 23; 5:12, 19; Ephesians 2:1-3.
SECTION 5: SALVATION
04.05.01
Having fallen under the judgment of sin and finding themselves dead in their trespasses and sins with no human remedy, humanity found themselves in need of a Savior, One who could free them from the judgment of sin.
04.05.02
We believe that God provided humanity with the solution to this problem when He sent His only Son Jesus: Born of a woman, born under the law, to set free those cursed by the law (Galatians 4:4-5).
04.05.03
We believe that Jesus, being born of a virgin, was the only person since Adam to have been brought into this world without the stain of sin, and that he continued throughout his life without ever having committed sin. As a result, Jesus fulfilled the righteous requirements of the law. Having accomplished that, Jesus could then present himself to God as “the Lamb of God,” able to offer himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. His sacrificed provided humanity with that Savior they so desperately needed [See Section 6: the Atonement] (John 1:29; 36).
04.05.04
We believe that God sent His Son into the world for this specific purpose: To provide a means whereby humanity may be brought out from under this judgment of sin. This is what we mean by the term Salvation.
04.05.05
We believe that the only way for a person to be saved is for them to respond to God by faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (See The Gift of God by Grace through Faith below.) We believe that at the moment of a person’s faith he/she is born anew into the family of God by the powerful work of the Holy Spirit. At that moment the person is forgiven of their sin, set free from the power of sin and death, made alive to God by the working of the Holy Spirit, and equipped to live a new life in Christ Jesus (John 3:3; II Corinthians 5: 17, 18).
SECTION 6: ATONEMENT
04.06.01
We believe that Jesus offered himself as a sacrifice for the punishment (atonement) of our sins. That is, knowing that the penalty for sin was death [i.e., eternal separation from God, Romans 6:23], Jesus stood in our place and took our punishment upon himself, thereby freeing us to respond to God’s grace (see below).
04.06.02
We believe that Jesus, having taken our sins upon himself on the cross, fulfilled the Messianic prophecy of his first coming as given in the Old Testament. We believe that because of the shedding of his blood on the cross, and because of his resurrection from the dead, victory over sin and death is offered to all who will receive God’s gift of salvation through His Son Jesus Christ (Matthew 26:28; Romans 3:25 & 5:6,9; Ephesians 1:7; I Peter I:18-19).
SECTION 7: THE GIFT OF GOD BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH
04.07.01
We believe that salvation (see above) is offered to humanity “free of charge” as a gift. And though this gift is free to us, it is not cheap for it cost God greatly to provide us an opportunity for the forgiveness of our sins. We believe that God’s gift of salvation cannot be obtained through a person’s good works, but that salvation is offered by God to all who will receive His gift through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
04.07.02
We believe, that once a person receives God’s gift of salvation, that God pronounces a person free from the guilt and penalty of sin for eternity. We believe that this does not give a person the freedom to continue in sin - as Paul said, “May it never be!” But we do believe that Jesus Christ’s payment for our sin is eternal in nature, and will never be revoked (Romans 3:24 & 5:1; Ephesians 2:8, 9).
SECTION 8: ASSURANCE BY THE SAVING POWER OF THE CROSS
04.08.01
As stated above, we believe that all who truly respond to God’s gift of grace, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, are made alive by the Holy Spirit (where once each of us were dead in our trespasses and sins). We also hold that all who have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and have received him as their Savior are eternally secure, being kept by the power of God until the time when this salvation will be revealed in its completeness.
04.08.02
We believe that Scripture clearly forbids using our security in the faith as an excuse for sin, and that those who choose to practice sin do so at their own peril, knowing that each will face the chastening of our Lord (John 10:28-29; Romans 8:38-39; I Corinthians 5:5; Hebrews 10:12, 14 & 12:2-11; I Peter 1:23).
SECTION 9: THE TRUE CHURCH
04.09.01
We believe that the true Church is composed of all who have believed in Jesus Christ and have, through faith, received him as their Savior. We believe that we have all been brought together (i.e., baptized) into one body—whether Jew or Gentile—and are together members of the same spiritual community—the Body of Jesus Christ, His Church—with Christ Jesus being its Head.
04.09.02
We believe that the Bible paints a beautiful picture of the relation of Jesus to His Church. We are told that the Church is the Bride of Christ, and that once Jesus comes in His glory the Church will be united with him, i.e., in his physical presence, for eternity (Romans 12:5; I Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians 1:22-23).
SECTION 10: THE SECOND COMING
04.10.01
We believe in the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead; and in his physical ascension into heaven where he now sits at the right hand of the Father interceding for us as our High Priest. We also believe in the physical return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ from heaven. This is what we refer to as the Second Coming, and for this glorious event we look for attentively and pray for unceasingly (John 20:20; Acts I:9-11 & 15:16; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 4:14-16).
04.10.02
The Second Coming will occur at God’s appointed time and will serve to accomplish two things: First, Jesus will come for his Bride, the Church, and will forever take her unto himself. This he will do without ever stepping foot on the earth, as he comes and calls the Church to himself and we “meet with him in the clouds.” Second, after a period of severe tribulation that shall come upon the earth, Jesus will descend to the earth and will establish his kingdom on earth for a period of one thousand years, after which there shall be a judging of the living and the dead in the great White Throne judgment (see below) (I Corinthians 15:51-54; I Thessalonians 4:16-17).
04.10.03
We believe that each Christian will stand before his/her Savior and will have the quality of their service for the Lord judged. We refer to this as the Judgment Seat of Christ. We believe that the outcome will in no way affect the Christian’s eternal salvation, but will affect each person’s “reward for service” (Roman 14:10-12; I Corinthians 3:9-15; II Corinthians 4:10).
04.10.04
We believe that there is coming a time when each human who has ever lived will stand before God, and will have to give an account for his/her life. We refer to this at the Great White Throne Judgment. It will be at this time when the “Book of Life” is opened, and whoever has his/her name written in this Book of Life will enter into the kingdom of God, and will live with Him eternally. Those whose name is not written in the Book of Life will be eternally separated from God and will be cast into hell—because they choose, wittingly or unwittingly, to reject God’s gracious gift of salvation and to pay the price for their own sin.
ARTICLE V: MEMBERSHIP
SECTION I: QUALIFICATIONS
05.01.01
Active church membership shall be extended to any born-again believer, of at least 17 years of age, who
SECTION 2: METHODS OF ACHIEVING MEMBERSHIP
05.02.01
Qualified candidates for membership shall make their intentions known to the Pastor. The Discipleship Team shall then take such steps as are necessary to school the prospective member(s) in the meaning of Christian faith, the work of the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference; and the operation of the local church. Having been instructed in the above, the Moderator shall present the candidates in a public service, at which time they shall be accepted into and become members of this local body of believers.
SECTION 3: DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERS
05.03.01
Members are expected to be faithful to the spiritual duties essential to Christian life. They shall support the objectives of this church (Article III) - as carried out through its worship service and programs - by their prayers, participation and gifts, as the Lord enables. Each member will also regularly review and recommit him/herself to living by the principles of the Membership Covenant they freely signed (Hebrews 10:25).
05.03.02
A member, who is physically unable to attend our services of worship, shall retain an active status as long as they desire, and as long as they continue to subscribe to 05.03.01 above. All physically challenged members who are unable to attend regular services may receive communion in the privacy of their own home upon making their desire known to the Pastor.
05.03.03 The HCC Membership Covenant
“Having received Christ as my Lord and Savior and having been or desiring to be baptized, and being in agreement with HCC’s statements, strategy and structure, I now feel led by the Holy Spirit to unite with the HCC church family. In doing so, I commit myself to God and to the other members to do the following:
I will protect the unity of my church
...By acting in love toward other members
...By refusing to gossip
...By following the leaders
“So let us concentrate on the things which make for harmony, and on the growth of one another's character.” Rom. 14:19 (Ph)
“Live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.” Rom 15:5 (NLT)
“... Love one another earnestly from a pure heart.” 1 Peter 1:22 (ESV)
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs...” Eph. 4:29 (NIV)
“Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be no advantage to you.” Heb. 13:17 (NIV)
I will share the responsibility of my church
...By praying for its growth
...By inviting the unchurched to attend
...By warmly welcoming those who visit
“We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly.” 1 Thess. 1:2 (NLT)
“... Go out into the country … and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full.” Luke 14:23 (NLT)
“Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Rom. 15:7 (ESV)
I will serve the ministry of my church
...By discovering my gifts and talents
...By being equipped to serve by my pastors
...By developing a servant’s heart
“Serve one another with the particular gifts God has given each of you ...” 1 Peter 4:10 (Ph)
“[God] gave … some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up ...” Eph. 4:11-12
“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus … taking the very nature of a servant ...” Phil 2:3-4, 7)
I will support the testimony of my church
...By attending faithfully
...By living a godly life
...By giving regularly
“Let us not give up meeting together … but let us encourage one another...” Heb. 10:25 (NIV)
“But whatever happens, make sure that your everyday life is worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Phil. 1:27 (Ph)
“On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned [for the offering].” 1 Cor. 16:2 (NLT)
“One tenth of the produce of the land … belongs to the Lord, and [is] holy.” Lev. 27:30 (NLT)
SECTION 4: RIGHTS OF MEMBERS
05.04.01
Only active church members shall be entitled to:
(a) Vote upon all matters presented to the congregation
(b) Hold elected or appointed office for which they are qualified
(c) Be included in any church statistics.
SECTION 5: MAINTAINING ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP 05.05.01
05.05.01
When in the view of the Board of Elders an active member is living in violation of the Membership Covenant, or has fallen from fellowship with the Church, and is no longer executing the duties and responsibilities of a member as defined in Article V Section 3, for a period of six (6) months, it shall be the duty of the Board of Elders to contact said member, determine the reason for his/her lack of commitment, and encourage his/her return to the body.
If six (6) more months elapse, and said member has not returned to the body, and it is obvious to the Board of Elders that said member is still not carrying out his/her duties, the Board of Elders shall remove his/her name from the membership roster, and his/her membership shall be terminated.
SECTION 6: TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
05.06.01
When one of our members goes home to be with the Lord - in essence graduating from our local body to Christ’s heavenly body - this member, whom we will deeply miss, shall have their name removed from the membership roster, knowing that his/her name has been recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
05.06.02
If a member has abandoned the Church and/or its covenant, and the Church, despite patient and kind endeavor, is unable to secure a continuance in fellowship, the Fellowship Team, after a period of one year, shall recommend to the Board of Elders to terminate the membership of the individual. The Board of Elders may then by a majority vote terminate the membership.
ARTICLE VI: CHURCH GOVERNANCE
SECTION 1: PREAMBLE
06.01.01
The members of the Hambden Congregational Church recognize and honor Jesus Christ as the head of the Church, both universally and locally.
SECTION 2: EXPLANATION OF THE PYRAMID STYLE OF CHURCH GOVERNANCE
06.02.01
Our Lord calls His people and empowers them to perform His ministry of grace to one another, to the community in which they live, to the community outside of where they live, and to the world in general (i.e., to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the earth—see Acts 1:8). He has also blessed His people with the necessary gifts to perform this ministry (see. 1 Cor. 12 and Rom. 12). In this way He offers His continued support. In a similar manner, the congregation is to support those who desire to carry out specific aspects of His ministry. This is accomplished by praying for, encouraging, participating in, and financially giving to the ministry (see illustration below).
01.01.01 Name
The name of this church shall be the HAMBDEN CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
ARTICLE II: PREAMBLE
02.01.01 History
The movement toward Congregationalism began in Scrooby, England around 1567. There a small group of believers who held the Bible to be the sole authority of the Church, saw the need to separate themselves from the Church of England because of the growing dominance of the Church by King, Queen and appointed Bishops. This same group of believers, because of their beliefs, was persecuted by both civil and religious authorities. They therefore decided to separate themselves from the Church of England, and to seek an autonomy that allowed them to worship according to their own biblical convictions. They therefore fled the country and ultimately settled in the Americas. Here their churches were able to maintain their conviction of self-governance without outside control of church or state, and they continued to hold to their belief in the sole authority of Scripture with regard to Church life and doctrine. Thus the Congregational movement began in the United States.
Over time, though, many of these Congregational churches either ceased to exist, or were swallowed up through mergers with other denominations. And though Congregationalism continued in this country, the numbers were growing fewer until in 1942 several churches, all holding to the Congregational distinctive, felt an urgent need to protect the original intent of Congregationalism. There was therefore a calling together of all churches and pastors who saw this need, and together they agreed to unite around the Evangelical and Biblical Heritage of true Congregationalism. In 1948 this movement resulted in the "Conservative Congregational Christian Conference," of which we are a part.
02.01.02 Self-governance
We continue to hold to the self-governance of our local church and its independence of all other ecclesiastical control. We are united with the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference for counsel and cooperation in matters which are of common concern. Our invitation to worship and form a bond in fellowship is extended to all who share in the same doctrine and faith.
ARTICLE III: PURPOSE AND MISSION
03.01.01 Purpose
The purpose of the Hambden Congregational Church is to bring people to membership in Christ’s body—the Church, develop them to Christ-like maturity in the faith, and equip them for their ministry in the Church and life mission in the world, in order to magnify God’s name.
03.01.02 Invitation
This church offers a standing invitation for all to come to God through faith in the transforming work of our Lord Jesus Christ. It continues to be our prayerful hope that God use this church as an instrument for the hearing of His Word, so that all would choose to accept Jesus Christ as Personal Lord and Savior.
ARTICLE IV: DOCTRINE
Following are the foundational doctrines (beliefs/teachings) of the Hambden Congregational Church. These doctrines are not open to individual or personal interpretation, but are to be understood (1) As they are described in Scripture, and (2) As they were attested to by the early Church—as seen in such documents as the Apostle’s Creed, the Nicean Creed, and the Athanasian Creed. Where we speak of doctrines not covered in these creeds we wish it to be known that we derive these teachings from the Bible and from orthodox Christianity. Anyone who desires membership in this body of believers must agree with what is set forth below.
SECTION I: THE WORD OF GOD
04.01.01
We believe the Bible to be complete, consisting of the 39 books of the Old Testament and the 27 books of the New Testament. We believe that God has overseen the transmission of the Bible through each generation, and that He has maintained the integrity of Scripture. We believe that the Bible has the same identical message today as when it was originally given by God. Therefore we believe that the Word of God is the only authoritative guide for living the Christian Life.
04.01.02
We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, and is without error in the original writings. We believe the Bible to be (1) infallible, (2) God-breathed [i.e., given directly by God], and (3) the final authority for Christian faith and practice.
04.01.03
We believe that all Scripture (i.e., the Word of God, the Bible) was given by God through the Holy Spirit to the chosen men of old for the revelation of His Will to all humanity. (Matthew 5:18 & 24:35; Romans 10:17; II Timothy 3:16-17; II Peter 1:21)
SECTION 2: THE TRINITY
04.02.01
We believe in one God who has existed eternally in three persons: The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. We believe that these three are one in nature and are co-equal in power and authority. We believe that each is worthy of the same obedience, and are equally deserving of glory, honor and praise. (Genesis 1:26; Matthew 3:16-17 & 28:19; I Corinthians 12:4-6; Ephesians 4:3-6; I John 5:7.)
SECTION 3: THE DEITY OF CRIST
04.03.01
We believe in the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. As John the apostle stated, “In the beginning was the Word (the Son), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God . . . and the Word became flesh (Jesus) and made his dwelling among us (and) we have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only (Son of God), who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:1, 14).
We believe that this Word (the Son) became a man (Jesus) having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary - all without ceasing to be God. We believe that Jesus lived a sinless life which qualified him to act as the perfect sacrifice for our sins.
We believe that Jesus Christ, having fulfilled the righteous requirements of the Law, willingly offered his own life as a sacrifice for our sins; as a result he was crucified and died. We believe that God did not leave his body to decay, but did - as the Scriptures had prophesied - bodily raise our Savior Jesus Christ from the dead. Therefore we believe in His bodily resurrection and his ascension to the right hand of the Father in heaven. We believe, according to the Scripture, that he will personally return in power and glory. (Mark 16:19; Luke 1:35; John 1:12.14 & 20:1.16,28; Hebrews 1:8 & 4:15)
SECTION 4: THE FALL OF MAN
04.04.01
We believe that humanity was originally created in the image of God, and that our first parents - Adam and Eve - lived in a sinless, unbroken fellowship with one another and with God. But because of Adam’s singular act of disobedience this relationship was broken, sin entered into the world, and death - as a result of sin - came upon the whole of humanity (Genesis 3).
4.04.02
We believe that as a result of Adam’s disobedience the judgment of sin came upon the entire world. Humanity’s relationship with God was severed; the stain of sin (i.e., the “sin nature”) was passed from father to son/daughter leaving no one untouched; humanity found themselves dead in their trespasses and sins with no human remedy. Each person became subjected to the “prince of the power of the air,” that is, each person became the unwitting servant of Satan. We refer to this as “The Fall of Man.” Genesis 6:5; Psalm 14:1-3; Isaiah 64:6; Romans. 3:10, 23; 5:12, 19; Ephesians 2:1-3.
SECTION 5: SALVATION
04.05.01
Having fallen under the judgment of sin and finding themselves dead in their trespasses and sins with no human remedy, humanity found themselves in need of a Savior, One who could free them from the judgment of sin.
04.05.02
We believe that God provided humanity with the solution to this problem when He sent His only Son Jesus: Born of a woman, born under the law, to set free those cursed by the law (Galatians 4:4-5).
04.05.03
We believe that Jesus, being born of a virgin, was the only person since Adam to have been brought into this world without the stain of sin, and that he continued throughout his life without ever having committed sin. As a result, Jesus fulfilled the righteous requirements of the law. Having accomplished that, Jesus could then present himself to God as “the Lamb of God,” able to offer himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. His sacrificed provided humanity with that Savior they so desperately needed [See Section 6: the Atonement] (John 1:29; 36).
04.05.04
We believe that God sent His Son into the world for this specific purpose: To provide a means whereby humanity may be brought out from under this judgment of sin. This is what we mean by the term Salvation.
04.05.05
We believe that the only way for a person to be saved is for them to respond to God by faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (See The Gift of God by Grace through Faith below.) We believe that at the moment of a person’s faith he/she is born anew into the family of God by the powerful work of the Holy Spirit. At that moment the person is forgiven of their sin, set free from the power of sin and death, made alive to God by the working of the Holy Spirit, and equipped to live a new life in Christ Jesus (John 3:3; II Corinthians 5: 17, 18).
SECTION 6: ATONEMENT
04.06.01
We believe that Jesus offered himself as a sacrifice for the punishment (atonement) of our sins. That is, knowing that the penalty for sin was death [i.e., eternal separation from God, Romans 6:23], Jesus stood in our place and took our punishment upon himself, thereby freeing us to respond to God’s grace (see below).
04.06.02
We believe that Jesus, having taken our sins upon himself on the cross, fulfilled the Messianic prophecy of his first coming as given in the Old Testament. We believe that because of the shedding of his blood on the cross, and because of his resurrection from the dead, victory over sin and death is offered to all who will receive God’s gift of salvation through His Son Jesus Christ (Matthew 26:28; Romans 3:25 & 5:6,9; Ephesians 1:7; I Peter I:18-19).
SECTION 7: THE GIFT OF GOD BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH
04.07.01
We believe that salvation (see above) is offered to humanity “free of charge” as a gift. And though this gift is free to us, it is not cheap for it cost God greatly to provide us an opportunity for the forgiveness of our sins. We believe that God’s gift of salvation cannot be obtained through a person’s good works, but that salvation is offered by God to all who will receive His gift through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
04.07.02
We believe, that once a person receives God’s gift of salvation, that God pronounces a person free from the guilt and penalty of sin for eternity. We believe that this does not give a person the freedom to continue in sin - as Paul said, “May it never be!” But we do believe that Jesus Christ’s payment for our sin is eternal in nature, and will never be revoked (Romans 3:24 & 5:1; Ephesians 2:8, 9).
SECTION 8: ASSURANCE BY THE SAVING POWER OF THE CROSS
04.08.01
As stated above, we believe that all who truly respond to God’s gift of grace, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, are made alive by the Holy Spirit (where once each of us were dead in our trespasses and sins). We also hold that all who have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and have received him as their Savior are eternally secure, being kept by the power of God until the time when this salvation will be revealed in its completeness.
04.08.02
We believe that Scripture clearly forbids using our security in the faith as an excuse for sin, and that those who choose to practice sin do so at their own peril, knowing that each will face the chastening of our Lord (John 10:28-29; Romans 8:38-39; I Corinthians 5:5; Hebrews 10:12, 14 & 12:2-11; I Peter 1:23).
SECTION 9: THE TRUE CHURCH
04.09.01
We believe that the true Church is composed of all who have believed in Jesus Christ and have, through faith, received him as their Savior. We believe that we have all been brought together (i.e., baptized) into one body—whether Jew or Gentile—and are together members of the same spiritual community—the Body of Jesus Christ, His Church—with Christ Jesus being its Head.
04.09.02
We believe that the Bible paints a beautiful picture of the relation of Jesus to His Church. We are told that the Church is the Bride of Christ, and that once Jesus comes in His glory the Church will be united with him, i.e., in his physical presence, for eternity (Romans 12:5; I Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians 1:22-23).
SECTION 10: THE SECOND COMING
04.10.01
We believe in the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead; and in his physical ascension into heaven where he now sits at the right hand of the Father interceding for us as our High Priest. We also believe in the physical return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ from heaven. This is what we refer to as the Second Coming, and for this glorious event we look for attentively and pray for unceasingly (John 20:20; Acts I:9-11 & 15:16; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 4:14-16).
04.10.02
The Second Coming will occur at God’s appointed time and will serve to accomplish two things: First, Jesus will come for his Bride, the Church, and will forever take her unto himself. This he will do without ever stepping foot on the earth, as he comes and calls the Church to himself and we “meet with him in the clouds.” Second, after a period of severe tribulation that shall come upon the earth, Jesus will descend to the earth and will establish his kingdom on earth for a period of one thousand years, after which there shall be a judging of the living and the dead in the great White Throne judgment (see below) (I Corinthians 15:51-54; I Thessalonians 4:16-17).
04.10.03
We believe that each Christian will stand before his/her Savior and will have the quality of their service for the Lord judged. We refer to this as the Judgment Seat of Christ. We believe that the outcome will in no way affect the Christian’s eternal salvation, but will affect each person’s “reward for service” (Roman 14:10-12; I Corinthians 3:9-15; II Corinthians 4:10).
04.10.04
We believe that there is coming a time when each human who has ever lived will stand before God, and will have to give an account for his/her life. We refer to this at the Great White Throne Judgment. It will be at this time when the “Book of Life” is opened, and whoever has his/her name written in this Book of Life will enter into the kingdom of God, and will live with Him eternally. Those whose name is not written in the Book of Life will be eternally separated from God and will be cast into hell—because they choose, wittingly or unwittingly, to reject God’s gracious gift of salvation and to pay the price for their own sin.
ARTICLE V: MEMBERSHIP
SECTION I: QUALIFICATIONS
05.01.01
Active church membership shall be extended to any born-again believer, of at least 17 years of age, who
- Subscribes to the Policy, Doctrine, and Constitution of the Hambden Congregational Church.
- Has attended all required Membership classes.
- Has signed the membership covenant.
SECTION 2: METHODS OF ACHIEVING MEMBERSHIP
05.02.01
Qualified candidates for membership shall make their intentions known to the Pastor. The Discipleship Team shall then take such steps as are necessary to school the prospective member(s) in the meaning of Christian faith, the work of the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference; and the operation of the local church. Having been instructed in the above, the Moderator shall present the candidates in a public service, at which time they shall be accepted into and become members of this local body of believers.
SECTION 3: DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERS
05.03.01
Members are expected to be faithful to the spiritual duties essential to Christian life. They shall support the objectives of this church (Article III) - as carried out through its worship service and programs - by their prayers, participation and gifts, as the Lord enables. Each member will also regularly review and recommit him/herself to living by the principles of the Membership Covenant they freely signed (Hebrews 10:25).
05.03.02
A member, who is physically unable to attend our services of worship, shall retain an active status as long as they desire, and as long as they continue to subscribe to 05.03.01 above. All physically challenged members who are unable to attend regular services may receive communion in the privacy of their own home upon making their desire known to the Pastor.
05.03.03 The HCC Membership Covenant
“Having received Christ as my Lord and Savior and having been or desiring to be baptized, and being in agreement with HCC’s statements, strategy and structure, I now feel led by the Holy Spirit to unite with the HCC church family. In doing so, I commit myself to God and to the other members to do the following:
I will protect the unity of my church
...By acting in love toward other members
...By refusing to gossip
...By following the leaders
“So let us concentrate on the things which make for harmony, and on the growth of one another's character.” Rom. 14:19 (Ph)
“Live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.” Rom 15:5 (NLT)
“... Love one another earnestly from a pure heart.” 1 Peter 1:22 (ESV)
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs...” Eph. 4:29 (NIV)
“Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be no advantage to you.” Heb. 13:17 (NIV)
I will share the responsibility of my church
...By praying for its growth
...By inviting the unchurched to attend
...By warmly welcoming those who visit
“We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly.” 1 Thess. 1:2 (NLT)
“... Go out into the country … and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full.” Luke 14:23 (NLT)
“Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Rom. 15:7 (ESV)
I will serve the ministry of my church
...By discovering my gifts and talents
...By being equipped to serve by my pastors
...By developing a servant’s heart
“Serve one another with the particular gifts God has given each of you ...” 1 Peter 4:10 (Ph)
“[God] gave … some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up ...” Eph. 4:11-12
“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus … taking the very nature of a servant ...” Phil 2:3-4, 7)
I will support the testimony of my church
...By attending faithfully
...By living a godly life
...By giving regularly
“Let us not give up meeting together … but let us encourage one another...” Heb. 10:25 (NIV)
“But whatever happens, make sure that your everyday life is worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Phil. 1:27 (Ph)
“On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned [for the offering].” 1 Cor. 16:2 (NLT)
“One tenth of the produce of the land … belongs to the Lord, and [is] holy.” Lev. 27:30 (NLT)
SECTION 4: RIGHTS OF MEMBERS
05.04.01
Only active church members shall be entitled to:
(a) Vote upon all matters presented to the congregation
(b) Hold elected or appointed office for which they are qualified
(c) Be included in any church statistics.
SECTION 5: MAINTAINING ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP 05.05.01
05.05.01
When in the view of the Board of Elders an active member is living in violation of the Membership Covenant, or has fallen from fellowship with the Church, and is no longer executing the duties and responsibilities of a member as defined in Article V Section 3, for a period of six (6) months, it shall be the duty of the Board of Elders to contact said member, determine the reason for his/her lack of commitment, and encourage his/her return to the body.
If six (6) more months elapse, and said member has not returned to the body, and it is obvious to the Board of Elders that said member is still not carrying out his/her duties, the Board of Elders shall remove his/her name from the membership roster, and his/her membership shall be terminated.
SECTION 6: TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
05.06.01
When one of our members goes home to be with the Lord - in essence graduating from our local body to Christ’s heavenly body - this member, whom we will deeply miss, shall have their name removed from the membership roster, knowing that his/her name has been recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
05.06.02
If a member has abandoned the Church and/or its covenant, and the Church, despite patient and kind endeavor, is unable to secure a continuance in fellowship, the Fellowship Team, after a period of one year, shall recommend to the Board of Elders to terminate the membership of the individual. The Board of Elders may then by a majority vote terminate the membership.
ARTICLE VI: CHURCH GOVERNANCE
SECTION 1: PREAMBLE
06.01.01
The members of the Hambden Congregational Church recognize and honor Jesus Christ as the head of the Church, both universally and locally.
- We also recognize that Jesus came to minister God’s grace to the world, and commanded that we minister God’s grace to the world in His stead (Matt. 28:18-20).
- Therefore, the central focus of the Hambden Congregational Church shall be ministry. Every position within the Church—whether volunteered, voted, or paid—exists to enhance, encourage, oversee, develop and/or equip those desiring to perform said ministry.
- Traditionally, many Churches, in attempting to do ministry, have approached the overseeing and carrying out of that ministry in the same way as would any company in the business world. Rather than seeing the Church as a business, though, we believe the Bible defines the Church as a living organism - i.e., the Body of Christ. We desire to emphasize that quality in our manner of church governance.
- To this end we envision our system of self-governance as a pyramid with Christ serving as both the Foundation (Chief Cornerstone) and the Apex (Head).
SECTION 2: EXPLANATION OF THE PYRAMID STYLE OF CHURCH GOVERNANCE
06.02.01
Our Lord calls His people and empowers them to perform His ministry of grace to one another, to the community in which they live, to the community outside of where they live, and to the world in general (i.e., to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the earth—see Acts 1:8). He has also blessed His people with the necessary gifts to perform this ministry (see. 1 Cor. 12 and Rom. 12). In this way He offers His continued support. In a similar manner, the congregation is to support those who desire to carry out specific aspects of His ministry. This is accomplished by praying for, encouraging, participating in, and financially giving to the ministry (see illustration below).
06.02.02
The Bible tells us that Jesus did not come to be served, “but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28; Mark 10:45). The Bible also tells us that those whom God calls to positions of leadership must not lord over those in their charge, but must serve them as Christ has served and still serves the Church (Matt. 20:25-28; Mark 10:42-45). In order to do this, our Lord has gifted some to be leaders of the Church in order “to prepare God’s people for works of service” (Ephesians 4:12). As the Lord serves His Church so the leaders of any given congregation must serve its people (see illustration below).
The Bible tells us that Jesus did not come to be served, “but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28; Mark 10:45). The Bible also tells us that those whom God calls to positions of leadership must not lord over those in their charge, but must serve them as Christ has served and still serves the Church (Matt. 20:25-28; Mark 10:42-45). In order to do this, our Lord has gifted some to be leaders of the Church in order “to prepare God’s people for works of service” (Ephesians 4:12). As the Lord serves His Church so the leaders of any given congregation must serve its people (see illustration below).
06.02.03
The complete pyramid system of self-governance functions as shown below:
The complete pyramid system of self-governance functions as shown below:
ARTICLE VII: MINISTRY
SECTION 1: MINISTRY AND MINISTRY TEAMS
07.01.01 Ministry: Definition and Goal
A “ministry” is defined as any service done in, for, by, or through the Church and has as its goal the satisfaction of one or more of the following desires:
07.01.02 A Ministry and a Ministry Team
Whenever a need arises to minister as stated above, those who recognize the need for such a ministry should form a Ministry Team. This Ministry Team may consist of one or more persons whose intent is to carry out a single ministry on behalf of the Hambden Congregational Church. When more than one person is needed to undertake a ministry, those who assist in the ministry can come from either the membership roster or from anyone who faithfully attends the Hambden Congregational Church.
07.01.03 Ministry Representation
All ministries shall appoint one person to represent said ministry. That representative must be a member of the Hambden Congregational Church; must be a part of that Ministry Team; and shall serve to represent the ministry, and serve as a liaison before its corresponding Purpose Team Leader and the Board of Elders.
07.01.04 Types of Ministries
Regarding the ministries of the Hambden Congregational Church, there exist three types of ministries:
07.01.05 Development of New Ministries
For a ministry to be recognized as a ministry of the Hambden Congregational Church, and/or for a ministry to be funded by the Hambden Congregational Church, a Ministry Team shall be established subject to the following:
Evangelism Team
Missions
Short Term Missions
Outreach
Live Nativity
Keeping Church Sign Updated
Discipleship Team
Children’s Church
Children’s Sunday School
Adult Sunday School
Vacation Bible School
Youth Groups
Home Bible Study
Life Development Classes
Library
Fellowship Team
Greeters
Ushers
Coffee Hour
6+2 Dinner
Men of Promise
Women’s Promise Sharers
Softball
Golf
Service Team
Lay Counseling
Support Groups
Sunshine Ministry (Cards /Flowers)
Nursery
Bereavement Reception Meal
Meals Ministry
Worship Team
Multimedia
Music /Piano
Communion Preparation
Worship Leader
Special Music
Choir
Drama
Prayer Chain
Bulletin Preparation
Building & Grounds Team
Grounds Keeping
Church Property Maintenance
Maintain Calendar for Church Use
07.01.06 Ministry Accountability and Support
Every Ministry Team is accountable to a Purpose Team Leader. Here at the Hambden Congregational Church we have seven Purpose Teams, all of which have a Team Leader. These Purpose Teams are as follows:
For information as to who fills these positions see the latest Annual Report.
Each Ministry Team Representative shall coordinate with their respective Purpose Team Leader to establish a schedule in order to keep them apprised of (1) the progress of their ministry, (2) any changes to the ministry, (3) any expansion or contraction of the ministry, (4) any cost of their ministry, and/or (5) any needs of the ministry. The Purpose Team leader will represent the concerns of each ministry or Ministry Team before both the Pastor and the Board of Elders. It is of utmost importance that each Ministry Team Representative keeps in close contact with their respective Purpose Team Leader so that all respective parties will be informed about what is happening on behalf of the Hambden Congregational Church.
07.01.07 Ministry Finances
For a Ministry Team to secure financial support for the upcoming year, a request shall be presented to the Board of Elders by September 30th for consideration in the Church’s annual budget.
For a ministry to secure additional funds, or funds that have not been budgeted, a request must be made to the Ministry Team’s Purpose Team Leader.
07.01.08 Ministry Evaluation
Each ministry must set a goal that is measurable, and must be willing to evaluate the ministry to see if it is accomplishing its goal.
07.01.09 Ministry Problems or Misunderstandings
If a disagreement occurs between a Ministry and/or its Representative and/or a Purpose Team Leader, both must come to have their issues addressed by the Board of Elders. All decisions made by the Board of Elders regarding this problem or misunderstanding shall be considered final, and both parties must conduct themselves accordingly.
SECTION 2: SPECIAL MINISTRY TEAMS – THE PURPOSE TEAMS
07.02.01 The Six Special Ministry Teams Known as the Purpose Teams
There exists within the ministry of the Hambden Congregational Church six specialized Ministry Teams known as Purpose Teams. The Purpose Teams are distinguished from the Ministry Teams in that:
07.02.02 The Six Purpose Teams Defined
The Purpose Teams are:
07.02.03 Requirements for the Purpose Team Leaders
07.02.04 Appointment of Purpose Team Leaders
Because of the unique qualifications of the Purpose Team Leaders, five of these Team Leaders shall be appointed by the Pastor and confirmed by the Congregation at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Hambden Congregational Church.
The Purpose Team Leaders shall be appointed for a one year term, and may be renewed annually without term limitations.
Those Purpose Team Leaders that shall be appointed by the Pastor and confirmed by the Congregation are:
SECTION 3: GROUPS
07.03.01 Definition and Purpose
A group is defined as a gathering of people assembled for the express purpose of receiving the benefits of one of the ministries of the Hambden Congregational Church. That definition differentiates a group from a ministry in that a group receives the benefits of ministry; a ministry exists to provide the said benefits. Examples of groups within the Church include, but are not limited to, Men of Promise, Women’s Fellowship, Pioneer Club, Youth Club, home Bible studies and support groups.
07.03.02 Leadership
All groups within the church shall have a leader or leaders. Therefore,
07.03.03 Development of Groups
Individuals interested in establishing a group should establish a Ministry Team to lead the proposed group as outlined in the Submission of Ministry Plan.
07.03.04 Funding of Groups
Leaders of a group may seek funding as part of their ministry.
ARTICLE VIII: ELECTED & APPOINTED POSITIONS
SECTION 1: BOARD OF ELDERS
08.01.01 Composition and Qualifications
The Board of Elders is composed of the following ten (10) offices: the Senior Pastor, the Moderator, the Treasurer, the Financial Secretary, the Building and Grounds Team Leader and all five Team Leaders.
Members of the Board of Elders must be members of the Hambden Congregational Church. Individuals can hold only one regular position on the Board of Elders except for Pro Tem positions as defined below.
All offices of the Board of Elders are open to members of either gender. The use of masculine pronouns for church officeholders is not to imply that preference is to be made to the male gender.
The same qualifications required for the Purpose Team Leaders shall also be required for all who serve on the Board of Elders (see 07.02.03).
08.01.02 Duties
It shall be the function of the Board of Elders to visualize the five-fold mission of the church (see 08.01.07) and implement a strategy to achieve that mission by coordinating the efforts of the various ministry teams and the financial resources that God has provided. The Board of Elders may represent the church in general matters, and the members of the Board of Elders shall constitute the Directors of the Church Corporation.
The Board of Elders shall have fiduciary custody of the property of the church, both real and financial, and have charge of its financial affairs, subject to regulations prescribed by the laws of the State of Ohio and the United States of America. They shall review and authorize the payment of operating expenses, as presented by the Treasurer. Having received general directives from the congregation at the Annual Meeting or a special meeting, they may spend up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) to carry out any such directive without a further vote of the church congregation. They may spend three thousand dollars ($3,000.00) to carry out the needed expenditures not specifically authorized by the congregation. They may invest the church’s financial assets on behalf of the congregation. However, the Board of Elders has no power to buy, sell, mortgage, or transfer real property, or to indebt the church to any person, entity, or institution without the specific authority by vote of the congregation.
The Board of Elders, less the Treasurer and Financial Secretary, shall annually audit the financial records of the Treasurer and Financial Secretary, attest to their accuracy or error, and publish the result in the Annual Report for acceptance. Minor errors discovered after acceptance by the congregation shall be reported and corrected in the Annual Report of the subsequent year. Errors identified after acceptance by the congregation and considered to be major by the Board of Elders shall be investigated by an independent auditor. The results of said independent audit shall be presented at a congregational meeting.
The Board of Elders shall propose a budget for the forthcoming year to the congregation at the Annual Meeting.
The Board of Elders shall keep a faithful record of:
08.01.03 Meetings
The Board of Elders shall hold a monthly meeting at a regular time and place. Additional meetings of the Board of Elders may be continued or convened as the need presents. Meetings of the Board of Elders are routinely open to members of the congregation. However, the Moderator or the Senior Pastor may order the Board of Elders into Executive Session as the need presents.
08.01.04 Operating Procedures
A quorum shall exist when six members of the Board of Elders are present.
With the exception of the Moderator, each member of the Board of Elders may submit one and only one vote on an issue or motion to be decided. The Moderator only shall vote instances of a tie. A simple majority of the votes cast shall carry a motion.
08.01.05 Right of Appeal
A minority of three (3) Elders may appeal the decision of the entire Board. If the minority chooses to appeal a decision, the minority shall immediately make their intentions known to the Moderator (or presiding officer) before further business is conducted. If a decision is appealed, the Moderator shall order a duly called congregational meeting to be held to resolve the decision. The action of the congregation shall be considered final.
08.01.06 Presiding Officers
In the absence of the Moderator from a meeting of the Board of Elders, the following individuals, in order, shall chair the meeting: the Pastor, the Treasurer, the Financial Secretary and the Building and Grounds Team Leader.
SECTION 2: MODERATOR
08.02.01 Term of Office
The Moderator shall be elected by the congregation at the Annual Meeting for a period of one year beginning at the close of the Annual Meeting of the congregation at which election is held. He may repeat terms of office without limitation.
08.02.02 Duties
The Moderator shall be first in line to preside at all meetings of the congregation and the Board of Elders. He shall seek to counsel, aid and coordinate the efforts of the six Purpose Teams as they carry out the mission of the church. He shall seek to resolve grievances concerning the Pastor. He may write written correspondence on behalf of the church. The Moderator shall be the President/Chief Executive Officer of the Church Corporation.
08.02.03 Vacancy
If a vacancy occurs in the office of the Moderator, a regular or special meeting of the Board of Elders shall be called with the Pastor presiding. The first order of business shall be to elect from the nine remaining members of the Board of Elders a Moderator Pro Tem. The Moderator Pro Tem shall carry out all duties of the Moderator, including but not limited to, presiding over meetings of the Board of Elders and/or the congregation until a new Moderator shall be elected at the next Annual Meeting of the congregation. The Moderator Pro Tem shall relinquish his regular vote on the Board of Elders and only vote in the instance of a tie.
08.02.04 Candidates for Office
Persons interested in running for the office of Moderator should make their intentions known to the Pastor no later than the first (1st) day of January of the year in which they intend to run. The Pastor should meet with the candidate to discuss the duties involved in holding said office.
SECTION 3: TREASURER
08.03.01 Term of Office
The Treasurer shall be elected by the congregation at the Annual Meeting for a period of one year beginning at the close of the Annual Meeting of the congregation at which election is held. He may repeat terms of office without limitation.
08.03.02 Duties
The Treasurer shall be a full voting member of the Board of Elders.
He shall receive receipts of deposits made by the Financial Secretary. He shall pay all bills of the church on order from the Board of Elders. He shall keep an accurate account of all receipts and disbursements and hold such bond as the Board of Elders shall prescribe. He shall have custody of and be responsible for all papers relating to material property of the church. The Treasurer shall be the Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer of the Church Corporation.
08.03.03 Vacancy
If a vacancy occurs in the office of the Treasurer, a regular or special meeting of the Board of Elders shall be called with the Moderator presiding. The Board of Elders shall elect and appoint a Treasurer Pro Tem to fully assume the all the duties described for the balance of the term. Said individual serving as Treasurer Pro Tem may or may not be an existing member of the Board of Elders.
08.03.04 Candidates for Office
Persons interested in running for the office of Treasurer should make their intentions known to the Moderator no later than the first (1st) day of January of the year in which they intend to run. The Moderator should meet with the candidate to discuss the duties involved in holding said office.
SECTION 4: FINANCIAL SECRETARY
08.04.01 Term of Office
The Financial Secretary shall be elected by the congregation at the Annual Meeting for a period of one year beginning at the close of the Annual Meeting of the congregation at which election is held. He may repeat terms of office without limitation.
08.04.02 Duties
The Financial Secretary shall be a full voting member of the Board of Elders. He shall develop a system of receiving financial gifts, offerings, tithes and benevolences, acceptable to the Board of Elders, that allows for an accurate accounting of incoming money, and also provide total confidentiality of the donor. He shall be responsible for the prompt depositing of said monies in the appropriate church accounts and provide notice thereof to the Treasurer. He shall keep an accurate record of each donor’s financial gift(s) and provide each donor an annual receipt. He shall acknowledge the donor of all special gifts. In the case of memorial gifts in recognition of a deceased individual, he shall acknowledge the donor and advise the deceased individual’s family that a gift was made in memory of their loved one.
The Financial Secretary is to be the only person with specific knowledge regarding the existence or size of any individual’s monetary gifts to the church. He shall hold such bond as required by the Board of Elders. The Financial Secretary shall be the Secretary of the Church Corporation, and shall be responsible for taking and keeping the Minutes of all meetings of the Board of Elders and of the Congregation.
08.04.03 Vacancy
If a vacancy occurs in the office of the Financial Secretary, a regular or special meeting of the Board of Elders shall be called with the Moderator presiding. The Board of Elders shall elect and appoint a Financial Secretary Pro Tem to fully assume the all the duties described for the balance of the term. Said individual serving as Financial Secretary Pro Tem may or may not be an existing member of the Board of Elders.
08.04.04 Candidates for Office
Persons interested in running for the office of Financial Secretary should make their intentions known to the Moderator no later than the first (1st) day of January of the year in which they intend to run. The Moderator should meet with the candidate to discuss the duties involved in holding said office.
SECTION 5: BUILDING AND GROUNDS TEAM LEADER
08.05.01 Term of Office
The Building and Grounds Team Leader shall be elected by the congregation at the Annual Meeting for a period of one year beginning at the close of the Annual Meeting of the congregation at which election is held. He may repeat terms of office without limitation.
08.05.02 Duties
The Building and Grounds Team Leader shall be a full voting member of the Board of Elders. The Building and Grounds Team Leader shall lead his Purpose Team in the coordination and encouragement of the various ministry teams developed within the church that pertain to the use, upkeep, maintenance, repair, enhancement, or expansion of the church’s physical plant. He shall lead his Purpose Team in identifying areas where the needs of the church’s physical plant are not being addressed by existing ministry teams, and call them to the attention of the Board of Elders for consideration and resolution.
08.05.03 Vacancy
If a vacancy occurs in the office of the Building and Grounds Team Leader, a regular or special meeting of the Board of Elders shall be called with the Moderator presiding. The Board of Elders shall elect and appoint a Building and Grounds Team Leader Pro Tem to fully assume the all the duties described for the balance of the term. Said individual serving as Building and Grounds Team Leader Pro Tem may or may not be an existing member of the Board of Elders.
08.05.04 Candidates for Office
Persons interested in running for the office of Building and Grounds Team Leader should make their intentions known to the Moderator no later than the first (1st) day of January of the year in which they intend to run. The Moderator should meet with the candidate to discuss the duties involved in holding said office.
ARTICLE IX: PAID POSITIONS
09.01 PASTOR
09.01.01 Vacancy
When a vacancy in the pastorate occurs, the nine remaining members of the Board of Elders shall serve as the Pulpit Committee. This committee shall confer with, but are not limited to, the Placement Chairman of the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference and shall canvas and screen available candidates; agree upon one, who in their opinion should be called to the senior pastorate; develop a proposed employment contact agreeable to both parties; request the candidate to appear before the congregation at a regular Sunday Service; and propose his election. An eighty percent (80%) vote of the members present shall constitute a call. The candidate is then to be informed at once of his election or rejection. If the candidate is accepted, the contract is to be signed. If the candidate is rejected, Board of Elders continues its work as a Pulpit Committee.
09.01.02 Contract & Covenant
The call shall be in writing, and shall consist of a contract and a covenant.
The contract shall govern the employment relationship including, but not limited to: compensation, housing, annuity, retirement, moving expense, vacation and sick time, car allowance and education/conference allowances. The term of the initial contract shall be for a period of one to three years, as the Board of Elders shall determine.
In addition, a covenant shall exist between the Pastor and the church, as represented by the Board of Elders, in order to assure mutual accountability of both parties. The church and the Board of Elders agree to submit to the authority of the Pastor in his responsibility as the shepherd of the flock. Concurrently, the Pastor agrees to respect the fact that he is a paid employee of the church. To that end, the following covenant has been prepared:
THE HAMBDEN CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH LEADERSHIP COVENANT
PURPOSE
The purpose of this document is to express the relationship that is to exist between the Pastor and the Board of Elders of the Hambden Congregational Church
RELATIONSHIP OF THE PASTOR AND THE BOARD OF ELDERS
The Board of Elders of the Hambden Congregational Church recognizes that the position of Pastor is a special and unique position. It is a position that demands dignity in its performance, and should be given the respect afforded it in the Scriptures.
On the same note, the Scriptures also tell us that those who hold the position of Elder hold a special and unique position, and the Pastor should give to those who hold this office the respect this office deserves.
THE BOARD'S RELATIONSHIP TO THE PASTOR
With that in mind, the Board of Elders of Hambden Congregational Church recognizes that the Pastor is given to us by God to be our chief spiritual leader. As long as the Pastor submits himself to God's leadership and direction, and as long as the Pastor continues to grow spiritually, and as long as the Pastor shows proper humility in the conducting of his business, we shall yield to him and to his leadership as yielding to the leadership of Christ.
The Elder Board also commits itself to a higher standard of spiritual commitment, a standard befitting the position. We agree to submit ourselves to God in all matters of church and life. We will also yield to the Pastor's spiritual guidance as he yields to Christ's. The Pastor shall hold us accountable to our commitment to spiritual growth and to our commitment to his spiritual leadership.
THE PASTOR'S RELATIONSHIP TO THE BOARD
It is then to be understood that the Pastor of Hambden Congregational Church shall willingly place himself under the accountability of the Board of Elders. This means that he is answerable to them for his relationship with God, his relationship with the Board, and his relationship with the church in general.
With regard to the duties of the Pastor and the members of the Board of Elders, these shall be spelled out in the Constitution of the Hambden Congregational Church.
09.01.03 Renewal
At the time of contract renewal the Board of Elders shall review the Pastor’s performance, and amend and renew the contract for a period not to exceed five (5) years upon approval of seven (7) members of the Board of Elders. If the Board of Elders does not renew the contract, as amended, a congregational vote is to be taken at a legally called congregational meeting at which time an eighty percent vote must be reached to renew the contract.
09.01.04 Tenure
It shall be the objective of the Hambden Congregational Church to secure the services of a Pastor on long-term basis with the hope that candidate intends to stay in the position for his entire career. Upon twelve years continuous service, the Pastor shall be considered tenured. A tenured Pastor shall continue in the church’s employment as long as he continues to abide by the covenant originally agreed upon by the church and the Pastor. Salary, benefit, and other adjustments to the Pastor's contract shall be handled annually by the Board of Elders as part of the budget process.
09.01.05 Termination
The Pastor shall give sixty (60) days notice in case he wishes to leave of his own volition. Other arrangements may be made by mutual consent of the Pastor and the Board of Elders.
09.01.06 Membership
The Pastor shall become a member of the Hambden Congregational Church, and shall hold ministerial standing within the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference.
09.01.07 Duties
The Pastor shall have charge of the five-fold purpose of the Christ’s church: (1) to bring glory to God through worship, (2) to draw together the Body of Believers in fellowship, (3) to disciple Christians to spiritual maturity, (4) to supervise the membership as they use their spiritual gifts in ministry to others within and outside the local church, and (5) to make known the gospel to others.
09.01.08 Office
The Pastor shall serve as a voting member of the Board of Elders, except in matters involving the Pastor.
09.01.09 Complaints
Grievances against the Pastor can result in undesired gossip and division within the congregation. Concerns against the Pastor shall be addressed to the Moderator with the desire that mediation between the parties occur. Should that fail, the Board of Elders shall be charged to resolve the issue. As a matter of last resort in issues involving a breach of the covenant between the Pastor and the church, the Board of Elders may instruct the Moderator to call a congregational meeting to resolve the dispute. An eighty percent (80%) vote for the Pastor shall continue the ministerial relationship. Upon failure of reaching this goal, the church shall request his resignation with the expectation that it be presented within sixty (60) days.
09.02 ASSOCIATE PASTORS
09.02.01 Need
When the Board of Elders recognizes the need for one or more Associate Pastors, the Board of Elders shall present a request to the congregation at a regular or special meeting. Said request must (1) determine the position needed, (2) define the job-description of the proposed position, (3) be an agenda item at the meeting and (4) make known when the meeting is announced. The institution of an Associate Pastor position shall require an eighty percent (80%) vote of the members present. Once one or more Associate Pastors have been appointed, the Pastor (as described in Section 08.01) shall be deemed and referred to as the Senior Pastor.
09.02.02 Vacancy
When a vacancy occurs within the office of Associate Pastor, the Senior Pastor shall secure from the Board of Elders an employment contract, survey potential candidates, interview them, and recommend to Board of Elders a single recommendation for employment. The Board of Elders shall review the Senior Pastor’s recommendation, and upon a favorable vote of seven (7) members of the Board of Elders, the candidate shall be offered a contract. The Senior Pastor shall not participate in this vote, and his voting rights shall be assigned to the Moderator.
09.02.03 Lines of Authority
All Associate Pastor(s) shall report to the Senior Pastor as their supervisor in all matters other than compensation, where the Board of Elders shall have responsibility.
09.02.04 Membership
All Associate Pastor(s) shall become members of the Hambden Congregational Church and shall hold Ministerial standing within the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference.
Associate Pastor(s) may participate fully in the various ministries and teams of the church, and hold office as appropriate. However, they are prohibited from voting on matters pertaining to the Senior Pastor or any Associate Pastorship.
09.02.05 Termination
Should the Senior Pastor feel that an Associate Pastor is no longer an asset to the church, the Senior Pastor may recommend the dismissal of that Associate Pastor to the Board of Elders. Upon a simple majority of those Elders present at a regularly scheduled meeting, the Associate Pastor may be dismissed.
09.02.06 Termination of Office
Should the Board of Elders determine that an Associate Pastor’s office is no longer an asset to the church (e.g. inability to financially support the position), the Board of Elders may direct the Moderator to call a congregational meeting to address the issue. A simple majority of the members present shall be necessary to eliminate the position. Should an individual be in the church’s employment when the position is eliminated, the church is responsible for making every good and reasonable effort to minimize the adverse impact on said individual.
09.03 NON-PASTORAL STAFF
09.03.01 Need
When the Board of Elders recognizes the need for non-pastoral staff, the Board of Elders shall present a request to the congregation at a regular or special meeting. Non-pastoral staff may include, but are not limited to: custodial, maintenance, clerical, administrative or musical tasks. Said request must (1) define the job-description of the proposed position, (2) be an agenda item at the meeting and (3) be made known when the meeting is announced. The institution of a non-pastoral position shall require an eighty percent (80%) vote of the members present.
09.03.02 Vacancy
When a vacancy occurs within a non-pastoral staff position, the Board of Elders shall interview potential candidates, determine the individual that best meets the church’s needs, offer a contract and hire the candidate upon a simple majority of the Board of Elders vote. The employee is not required to be a member of the church.
09.03.03 Lines of Authority
All non-pastoral staff are responsible to the Board of Elders, with the Moderator serving as their primary contact person and the Senior Pastor as an alternate contact.
09.03.04 Termination of Position
Should the Board of Elders determine that a non-pastoral staff position is no longer of value to the church, the position may be eliminated by a majority vote of the Board of Elders present at the meeting.
ARTICLE X: CHURCH SERVICES AND MEETINGS
10.01.01 Worship Services
One or more services of worship shall be held at specified times each Sunday. Special services may be held upon recommendation of the Pastor or any of the Team Leaders for worship, inspiration, prayer and study.
10.01.02: Communion
At the least, Communion shall be celebrated quarterly.
Hambden Congregational Church holds that the Bible describes Communion as a conscious act undertaken by an individual: (1) who is born again, and (2) who is of sufficient age and maturity to understand its meaning and importance.
10.01.03: Baptism
Hambden Congregational Church holds that the Bible describes baptism as a conscious act undertaken by an individual: (1) who is born again, and (2) who is of sufficient age and maturity to understand its meaning and importance.
Individuals joining the Hambden Congregational Church who have not participated in the ordinance of baptism as described above in the past are expected to do so.
Hambden Congregational Church notes that the Bible most commonly describes the act of baptism as total immersion in water. As such, Hambden Congregational Church considers total immersion in water to be its standard practice of baptism. However, when physical limitations or other special circumstances make this impractical, the Pastor may, at his discretion, utilize a suitable alternative.
Non-members of Hambden Congregational Church (e.g. young people not eligible for member- ship) may be baptized.
Candidates for baptism shall meet with the Pastor to insure their understanding of this ordinance. Baptism shall be administered at such times as the Pastor deems appropriate.
Hambden Congregational Church does not practice infant baptism; rather we support infant dedication.
10.01.04: Infant/Child Dedications
Parents desiring dedication of an infant/child may do so upon having met with the Pastor to learn the meaning and purpose of dedication and the duties of Christian parenting. Infant/Child Dedications shall be administered at such times as the Pastor deems appropriate.
10.01.05: Marriage and Weddings
Hambden Congregational Church holds that the Bible describes marriage as a sacred union occurring exclusively between one man and one woman.
The church further notes that the Bible cautions Christians of either gender to enter into this relationship only with another follower of Christ. Whereas non-members of Hambden Congregational Church (who may of may not be followers of Christ) ask to hold weddings at the church, the following shall apply to all weddings performed at Hambden Congregational Church:
10.01.06: Annual Meetings
An Annual Meeting of the Hambden Congregational Church congregation shall be held at a time in the month of January and at a place set by the Board of Elders for the expressed purposes of: (1) receiving reports, (2) conducting scheduled business, (3) adopting an annual budget, and (4) proposing plans for the new year.
The Moderator shall post an agenda of the meeting in the church foyer not less than two weeks prior to the Annual Meeting.
New items of business not scheduled on the agenda shall be discussed only upon more than 80% majority of those voting.
10.01.07: Special Meetings
Special meetings of the congregation may be called for the transaction of scheduled business upon the recommendation of three or more members of the Board of Elders. Any member may petition the Board of Elders to hold such a meeting. The Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Church Corporation shall be held immediately following the Annual Meeting of the congregation.
Special meetings shall have an agenda limited to the topic(s) announced in advance. No new business can be entertained.
10.01.08: Presiding Officer at Meetings
The Moderator shall routinely preside at meetings of the congregation and of the Board of Elders of the Hambden Congregational Church.
In the absence of the Moderator, if no business on the agenda pertains to the Pastor or his contract, the Pastor shall preside over the meeting. If the Pastor is the presiding officer, new business pertaining to the Pastor or his contract shall not be entertained.
If: (1) both the Moderator and the Pastor are absent or (2) the Moderator is absent and the scheduled business pertains to the Pastor or his contract, then the remaining members of the Board of Elders shall: (1) elect from the Board of Elders a Presiding Officer Pro Tem or (2) elect to reschedule the meeting to another date.
10.01.09: Notice of Meetings
Notice of every Annual or Special Meeting stating the time, place, and agenda shall be given no less than two weeks prior to the meeting by one or more of the following:
10.01.10: Quorum
A quorum for the Annual Meeting or any special congregational meeting shall consist of twenty percent (20%) of the church’s membership on the date of the meeting.
10.01.11: Cancellation of Services or Meetings
In times of inclement weather, the Pastor, the Moderator, and the Building and Grounds Team Purpose Leader shall determine if any service, activity or meeting needs to be cancelled. A decision by two of the three shall be considered binding. Cancellation of a scheduled service or meeting for any other reason shall be by majority vote of the Board of Elders. The decision to cancel an activity undertaken by a particular ministry team shall be made by said ministry team.
ARTICLE XI: OPERATING PROCEDURES
11.01.01: Voting Procedures
The congregation, the Board of Elders and any other church entity conducting business shall use the following voting procedures.
A simple majority shall be required for passage unless an alternative is specifically described by this document or the accepted Parliamentary Rules of Order.
A simple majority is defined as more than one half of the votes cast. Special congregational votes specifically requiring a higher percentage (e.g. calling a new Pastor or to entertain new business at the Annual Meeting) require at least 80% percent of the votes cast.
Votes are tallied from only those ballots properly cast from the available choices. A voter who refuses to vote or a voter who “abstains” has not cast a vote (i.e., abstentions do not favor the negative).
Votes on issues offering more than two alternatives still require a simple majority for passage. After the first vote, if no majority is attained, the alternative receiving the fewest number of votes cast shall be dropped and a new vote taken. The process is repeated until a simple majority is attained.
Standard orders of business shall be by a show of hands unless a voter requests a secret ballot.
Confirmation and election of officers shall be as follows:
11.01.02: The Church Year
For purposes of records, the fiscal year shall begin with the calendar year on January 1 and end on December 31st.
Elected or confirmed positions within the church shall begin immediately following the Annual Meeting, and continue until their successors are established at the next Annual Meeting.
The budget shall be proposed to start at the end of the Annual Meeting at which it was proposed and terminate when the subsequent budget is approved at the next Annual Meeting.
11.01.03: Parliamentary Procedures
Areas of parliamentary procedure not specifically addressed by this Constitution shall be subject to the most current edition of Sturgis’ The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure.
Article XII: THE CONSTITUTION
12.01.01: Effective date
This Constitution shall replace the January 2005 revision, and become effective immediately upon its acceptance at a congregational meeting.
12.01.02: Amendments
This Constitution may be amended or replaced at any Annual Meeting or any special meeting of the congregation provided that a notice specifying the date, time, and location of the meeting and the substance of the proposed amendment(s) have been given as hereinbefore provided. A majority of at least 80% of the members present and voting shall be required for passage.
[1] All who were members before transitioning to the present membership requirements were grandfathered in, and it is not necessary for those to have signed a membership covenant.
SECTION 1: MINISTRY AND MINISTRY TEAMS
07.01.01 Ministry: Definition and Goal
A “ministry” is defined as any service done in, for, by, or through the Church and has as its goal the satisfaction of one or more of the following desires:
- The desire to worship and glorify our Heavenly Father and to enable or enhance another’s ability to do so (Worship).
- The desire to care for the physical and/or emotional needs of another person or persons, thus carrying out the command to love one another (Service).
- The desire to assist another person—whether inside or outside of the Church - in developing his or her relationship with Jesus Christ and with our Heavenly Father (Evangelism). This would include, but not be limited to:
- Evangelistic endeavors designed to lead people to salvation in Jesus Christ.
- Missionary endeavors designed either:
- To have our people help directly at any given missions location; or
- To have our people help financially the work done through any person or missions organization, either at home or abroad that endeavors to fulfill one of the criteria listed here.
- The desire to see people grow in the faith of Jesus Christ (Discipleship)
- The desire to bring people together for the enhancement of their Christian relationship and fellowship (Fellowship).
- The desire to attend to the physical needs of the Church property in order to help the Church fulfill its God ordained mission (Building and Grounds).
07.01.02 A Ministry and a Ministry Team
Whenever a need arises to minister as stated above, those who recognize the need for such a ministry should form a Ministry Team. This Ministry Team may consist of one or more persons whose intent is to carry out a single ministry on behalf of the Hambden Congregational Church. When more than one person is needed to undertake a ministry, those who assist in the ministry can come from either the membership roster or from anyone who faithfully attends the Hambden Congregational Church.
07.01.03 Ministry Representation
All ministries shall appoint one person to represent said ministry. That representative must be a member of the Hambden Congregational Church; must be a part of that Ministry Team; and shall serve to represent the ministry, and serve as a liaison before its corresponding Purpose Team Leader and the Board of Elders.
07.01.04 Types of Ministries
Regarding the ministries of the Hambden Congregational Church, there exist three types of ministries:
- Ongoing Ministries: These are ministries that continue week to week, month to month, year to year. (Sunday school is considered an ongoing ministry.)
- Seasonal Ministries: These are ministries that are repetitive, but are only active during part of the year (e.g., Vacation Bible School; Grounds Keeping; etc.)
- Provisional Ministries: These are ministries that have a limited length of service and then come to an end (e.g., a missions trip to a given mission field).
07.01.05 Development of New Ministries
For a ministry to be recognized as a ministry of the Hambden Congregational Church, and/or for a ministry to be funded by the Hambden Congregational Church, a Ministry Team shall be established subject to the following:
- All ministries must conform to the stated Purpose and Mission of the Hambden Congregational Church (See Article III, 03.01.01 and 03.01.02).
- For a new ministry to be recognized as a ministry of, and/or receive financial support from, the Hambden Congregational Church a Submission of Ministry Plan must be made to the Board of Elders for approval. This written request must include the following information:
- Ministry Purpose (why is this ministry is important).
- Ministry Goal (what will this ministry will attempt to accomplish).
- Ministry Team (who will be participating in this ministry).
- Ministry Representative (who will represent this ministry before its respective Purpose Team Leader.)
- Ministry Cost (how much money is this ministry is expected to need).
- Ministry Question (how does this suggested ministry help the Hambden Congregational Church fulfill its purpose statement).
- Ministry Length (what is the life expectancy of this new ministry).
- All new ministries must be approved by the Board of Elders before they can be recognized as a ministry of the Hambden Congregational Church and/or be financed by the Hambden Congregational Church. When a Submission of Ministry Plan is presented to and approved by the Board of Elders, the Board will assign said ministry to a Purpose Team.
- It is recognized that the following ministries were in existence at the inception of this document and have been assigned to the following Purpose Teams.
Evangelism Team
Missions
Short Term Missions
Outreach
Live Nativity
Keeping Church Sign Updated
Discipleship Team
Children’s Church
Children’s Sunday School
Adult Sunday School
Vacation Bible School
Youth Groups
Home Bible Study
Life Development Classes
Library
Fellowship Team
Greeters
Ushers
Coffee Hour
6+2 Dinner
Men of Promise
Women’s Promise Sharers
Softball
Golf
Service Team
Lay Counseling
Support Groups
Sunshine Ministry (Cards /Flowers)
Nursery
Bereavement Reception Meal
Meals Ministry
Worship Team
Multimedia
Music /Piano
Communion Preparation
Worship Leader
Special Music
Choir
Drama
Prayer Chain
Bulletin Preparation
Building & Grounds Team
Grounds Keeping
Church Property Maintenance
Maintain Calendar for Church Use
07.01.06 Ministry Accountability and Support
Every Ministry Team is accountable to a Purpose Team Leader. Here at the Hambden Congregational Church we have seven Purpose Teams, all of which have a Team Leader. These Purpose Teams are as follows:
- The Leadership Team: Team Leader is the Church Moderator; other members are the Pastor, Financial Secretary, and Treasurer.
- The Building and Grounds Team
- The Fellowship Team
- The Discipleship Team
- The Service Team
- The Evangelism Team
- The Worship Team
For information as to who fills these positions see the latest Annual Report.
Each Ministry Team Representative shall coordinate with their respective Purpose Team Leader to establish a schedule in order to keep them apprised of (1) the progress of their ministry, (2) any changes to the ministry, (3) any expansion or contraction of the ministry, (4) any cost of their ministry, and/or (5) any needs of the ministry. The Purpose Team leader will represent the concerns of each ministry or Ministry Team before both the Pastor and the Board of Elders. It is of utmost importance that each Ministry Team Representative keeps in close contact with their respective Purpose Team Leader so that all respective parties will be informed about what is happening on behalf of the Hambden Congregational Church.
07.01.07 Ministry Finances
For a Ministry Team to secure financial support for the upcoming year, a request shall be presented to the Board of Elders by September 30th for consideration in the Church’s annual budget.
For a ministry to secure additional funds, or funds that have not been budgeted, a request must be made to the Ministry Team’s Purpose Team Leader.
07.01.08 Ministry Evaluation
Each ministry must set a goal that is measurable, and must be willing to evaluate the ministry to see if it is accomplishing its goal.
- For example, if a ministry develops around the idea of hospitality (let’s call it the hospitality team) then that ministry must establish a goal or goals that can be measured for success. It might look something like this: The goal of the Hospitality Team is to provide sort-term assistance for those who are in need because of surgery or because of health related problems. We will do this: (1) By providing a daily meal for the person or family, and/or (2) By assisting in home maintenance when there is a need.
- When it comes time to evaluate this ministry two questions need to be asked: (1) for how many persons or families were meals prepared? And (2) how often was home maintenance provided for any person or family?
- In light of the ministry’s stated goal it can be determined whether a ministry is doing what is has set out to do or if it needs to be revamped or eliminated.
- Every ministry is designed to accomplish something specific. Therefore, each year before submitting a budget request to the Board of Elders each ministry must do a self-evaluation to determine whether or not they have accomplished their stated goals. Only after going over this evaluation with the respective Purpose Team Leader can a ministry’s proposed budget be included for consideration in the Church’s Annual Budget.
- When a Ministry Team completes its stated goal, or when a Ministry Team no longer performs its chosen ministry, the Ministry Team shall seek guidance and direction from its Purpose Team Leader or choose to dissolve its ministry altogether.
07.01.09 Ministry Problems or Misunderstandings
If a disagreement occurs between a Ministry and/or its Representative and/or a Purpose Team Leader, both must come to have their issues addressed by the Board of Elders. All decisions made by the Board of Elders regarding this problem or misunderstanding shall be considered final, and both parties must conduct themselves accordingly.
SECTION 2: SPECIAL MINISTRY TEAMS – THE PURPOSE TEAMS
07.02.01 The Six Special Ministry Teams Known as the Purpose Teams
There exists within the ministry of the Hambden Congregational Church six specialized Ministry Teams known as Purpose Teams. The Purpose Teams are distinguished from the Ministry Teams in that:
- Each Purpose Team is required to exist in order to assist in the overall ministry of the Hambden Congregational Church.
- Each Purpose Team has a designated leader - one who is appointed by the Pastor and approved by the Church or who is elected by the Congregation itself. Their purpose is to encourage the ongoing ministry of the Hambden Congregational Church.
- Each Purpose Team Leader must meet more stringent requirements in order to serve in that position.
07.02.02 The Six Purpose Teams Defined
The Purpose Teams are:
- The Worship Team exists to enable or enhance the worship experience conducted at the Hambden Congregational Church.
- The Service Team exists to care for the physical and/or emotional needs of the Church people, and for anyone who come to the Church seeking help—as the Lord gives us means.
- The Evangelism Team exists to see people brought to salvation through Jesus Christ.
- The Fellowship Team exists to bring people together for the enhancement of their Christian relationship and fellowship.
- The Discipleship Team exists to encourage and to provide the means whereby people can grow in their faith.
- The Building and Grounds Team exists to attend to the physical needs of the Church property in order to help the Church fulfill its God ordained mission.
07.02.03 Requirements for the Purpose Team Leaders
- To be considered for Purpose Team Leader a person must be a member of the Hambden Congregational Church, and must have signed the Membership Covenant.[1]
- To be considered for Purpose Team Leader a person must have been a member of the Hambden Congregational Church for a period of at least one year.
- To be considered for Purpose Team Leader a person must be actively seeking a deeper fellowship with our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ through Bible reading and prayer.
- To be considered for Purpose Team Leader a person must understand and believe in the Purpose Team concept, and must be willing support it with his or her spiritual gifts and time.
07.02.04 Appointment of Purpose Team Leaders
Because of the unique qualifications of the Purpose Team Leaders, five of these Team Leaders shall be appointed by the Pastor and confirmed by the Congregation at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Hambden Congregational Church.
The Purpose Team Leaders shall be appointed for a one year term, and may be renewed annually without term limitations.
Those Purpose Team Leaders that shall be appointed by the Pastor and confirmed by the Congregation are:
- The Worship Team Leader
- The Fellowship Team Leader
- The Discipleship Team Leader
- The Service Team Leader
- The Evangelism Team Leader
SECTION 3: GROUPS
07.03.01 Definition and Purpose
A group is defined as a gathering of people assembled for the express purpose of receiving the benefits of one of the ministries of the Hambden Congregational Church. That definition differentiates a group from a ministry in that a group receives the benefits of ministry; a ministry exists to provide the said benefits. Examples of groups within the Church include, but are not limited to, Men of Promise, Women’s Fellowship, Pioneer Club, Youth Club, home Bible studies and support groups.
07.03.02 Leadership
All groups within the church shall have a leader or leaders. Therefore,
- Since leading a group is an act of ministry the leader or leaders of any group make up a Ministry Team.
- The Ministry Team directing a group shall be assigned to one of the Purpose Teams and must have a designated Ministry Representative to represent the ministry before their assigned Purpose Team Leaders.
07.03.03 Development of Groups
Individuals interested in establishing a group should establish a Ministry Team to lead the proposed group as outlined in the Submission of Ministry Plan.
07.03.04 Funding of Groups
Leaders of a group may seek funding as part of their ministry.
ARTICLE VIII: ELECTED & APPOINTED POSITIONS
SECTION 1: BOARD OF ELDERS
08.01.01 Composition and Qualifications
The Board of Elders is composed of the following ten (10) offices: the Senior Pastor, the Moderator, the Treasurer, the Financial Secretary, the Building and Grounds Team Leader and all five Team Leaders.
Members of the Board of Elders must be members of the Hambden Congregational Church. Individuals can hold only one regular position on the Board of Elders except for Pro Tem positions as defined below.
All offices of the Board of Elders are open to members of either gender. The use of masculine pronouns for church officeholders is not to imply that preference is to be made to the male gender.
The same qualifications required for the Purpose Team Leaders shall also be required for all who serve on the Board of Elders (see 07.02.03).
08.01.02 Duties
It shall be the function of the Board of Elders to visualize the five-fold mission of the church (see 08.01.07) and implement a strategy to achieve that mission by coordinating the efforts of the various ministry teams and the financial resources that God has provided. The Board of Elders may represent the church in general matters, and the members of the Board of Elders shall constitute the Directors of the Church Corporation.
The Board of Elders shall have fiduciary custody of the property of the church, both real and financial, and have charge of its financial affairs, subject to regulations prescribed by the laws of the State of Ohio and the United States of America. They shall review and authorize the payment of operating expenses, as presented by the Treasurer. Having received general directives from the congregation at the Annual Meeting or a special meeting, they may spend up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) to carry out any such directive without a further vote of the church congregation. They may spend three thousand dollars ($3,000.00) to carry out the needed expenditures not specifically authorized by the congregation. They may invest the church’s financial assets on behalf of the congregation. However, the Board of Elders has no power to buy, sell, mortgage, or transfer real property, or to indebt the church to any person, entity, or institution without the specific authority by vote of the congregation.
The Board of Elders, less the Treasurer and Financial Secretary, shall annually audit the financial records of the Treasurer and Financial Secretary, attest to their accuracy or error, and publish the result in the Annual Report for acceptance. Minor errors discovered after acceptance by the congregation shall be reported and corrected in the Annual Report of the subsequent year. Errors identified after acceptance by the congregation and considered to be major by the Board of Elders shall be investigated by an independent auditor. The results of said independent audit shall be presented at a congregational meeting.
The Board of Elders shall propose a budget for the forthcoming year to the congregation at the Annual Meeting.
The Board of Elders shall keep a faithful record of:
- The minutes of all meetings of the Board of Elders
- The minutes of all meetings of the congregation
- A register of the membership of the Hambden Congregational Church
- All baptisms, infant dedications, weddings and funerals
- Electing an Elder responsible for record keeping from within their number;
- Accept as a ministry the efforts of a member of the Hambden Congregational Church; or
- Employ a member to serve as a church secretary.
- A Pastor’s Report on the State of the Church
- A Moderator’s Report on the State of the Church
- A Financial Secretary’s Report on the Income of the Church
- A Treasurer’s Report on the Expenditures and Assets of the Church
- A Proposed Budget for the forthcoming year
- A Report of the Fellowship Team
- A Report of the Discipleship Team
- A Report of the Service Team
- A Report of the Evangelism Team
- A Report of the Worship Team
- A Report of the Activities including changes in membership, baptisms, dedications, funerals and weddings
- A Roster of the Church’s Membership
08.01.03 Meetings
The Board of Elders shall hold a monthly meeting at a regular time and place. Additional meetings of the Board of Elders may be continued or convened as the need presents. Meetings of the Board of Elders are routinely open to members of the congregation. However, the Moderator or the Senior Pastor may order the Board of Elders into Executive Session as the need presents.
08.01.04 Operating Procedures
A quorum shall exist when six members of the Board of Elders are present.
With the exception of the Moderator, each member of the Board of Elders may submit one and only one vote on an issue or motion to be decided. The Moderator only shall vote instances of a tie. A simple majority of the votes cast shall carry a motion.
08.01.05 Right of Appeal
A minority of three (3) Elders may appeal the decision of the entire Board. If the minority chooses to appeal a decision, the minority shall immediately make their intentions known to the Moderator (or presiding officer) before further business is conducted. If a decision is appealed, the Moderator shall order a duly called congregational meeting to be held to resolve the decision. The action of the congregation shall be considered final.
08.01.06 Presiding Officers
In the absence of the Moderator from a meeting of the Board of Elders, the following individuals, in order, shall chair the meeting: the Pastor, the Treasurer, the Financial Secretary and the Building and Grounds Team Leader.
SECTION 2: MODERATOR
08.02.01 Term of Office
The Moderator shall be elected by the congregation at the Annual Meeting for a period of one year beginning at the close of the Annual Meeting of the congregation at which election is held. He may repeat terms of office without limitation.
08.02.02 Duties
The Moderator shall be first in line to preside at all meetings of the congregation and the Board of Elders. He shall seek to counsel, aid and coordinate the efforts of the six Purpose Teams as they carry out the mission of the church. He shall seek to resolve grievances concerning the Pastor. He may write written correspondence on behalf of the church. The Moderator shall be the President/Chief Executive Officer of the Church Corporation.
08.02.03 Vacancy
If a vacancy occurs in the office of the Moderator, a regular or special meeting of the Board of Elders shall be called with the Pastor presiding. The first order of business shall be to elect from the nine remaining members of the Board of Elders a Moderator Pro Tem. The Moderator Pro Tem shall carry out all duties of the Moderator, including but not limited to, presiding over meetings of the Board of Elders and/or the congregation until a new Moderator shall be elected at the next Annual Meeting of the congregation. The Moderator Pro Tem shall relinquish his regular vote on the Board of Elders and only vote in the instance of a tie.
08.02.04 Candidates for Office
Persons interested in running for the office of Moderator should make their intentions known to the Pastor no later than the first (1st) day of January of the year in which they intend to run. The Pastor should meet with the candidate to discuss the duties involved in holding said office.
SECTION 3: TREASURER
08.03.01 Term of Office
The Treasurer shall be elected by the congregation at the Annual Meeting for a period of one year beginning at the close of the Annual Meeting of the congregation at which election is held. He may repeat terms of office without limitation.
08.03.02 Duties
The Treasurer shall be a full voting member of the Board of Elders.
He shall receive receipts of deposits made by the Financial Secretary. He shall pay all bills of the church on order from the Board of Elders. He shall keep an accurate account of all receipts and disbursements and hold such bond as the Board of Elders shall prescribe. He shall have custody of and be responsible for all papers relating to material property of the church. The Treasurer shall be the Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer of the Church Corporation.
08.03.03 Vacancy
If a vacancy occurs in the office of the Treasurer, a regular or special meeting of the Board of Elders shall be called with the Moderator presiding. The Board of Elders shall elect and appoint a Treasurer Pro Tem to fully assume the all the duties described for the balance of the term. Said individual serving as Treasurer Pro Tem may or may not be an existing member of the Board of Elders.
08.03.04 Candidates for Office
Persons interested in running for the office of Treasurer should make their intentions known to the Moderator no later than the first (1st) day of January of the year in which they intend to run. The Moderator should meet with the candidate to discuss the duties involved in holding said office.
SECTION 4: FINANCIAL SECRETARY
08.04.01 Term of Office
The Financial Secretary shall be elected by the congregation at the Annual Meeting for a period of one year beginning at the close of the Annual Meeting of the congregation at which election is held. He may repeat terms of office without limitation.
08.04.02 Duties
The Financial Secretary shall be a full voting member of the Board of Elders. He shall develop a system of receiving financial gifts, offerings, tithes and benevolences, acceptable to the Board of Elders, that allows for an accurate accounting of incoming money, and also provide total confidentiality of the donor. He shall be responsible for the prompt depositing of said monies in the appropriate church accounts and provide notice thereof to the Treasurer. He shall keep an accurate record of each donor’s financial gift(s) and provide each donor an annual receipt. He shall acknowledge the donor of all special gifts. In the case of memorial gifts in recognition of a deceased individual, he shall acknowledge the donor and advise the deceased individual’s family that a gift was made in memory of their loved one.
The Financial Secretary is to be the only person with specific knowledge regarding the existence or size of any individual’s monetary gifts to the church. He shall hold such bond as required by the Board of Elders. The Financial Secretary shall be the Secretary of the Church Corporation, and shall be responsible for taking and keeping the Minutes of all meetings of the Board of Elders and of the Congregation.
08.04.03 Vacancy
If a vacancy occurs in the office of the Financial Secretary, a regular or special meeting of the Board of Elders shall be called with the Moderator presiding. The Board of Elders shall elect and appoint a Financial Secretary Pro Tem to fully assume the all the duties described for the balance of the term. Said individual serving as Financial Secretary Pro Tem may or may not be an existing member of the Board of Elders.
08.04.04 Candidates for Office
Persons interested in running for the office of Financial Secretary should make their intentions known to the Moderator no later than the first (1st) day of January of the year in which they intend to run. The Moderator should meet with the candidate to discuss the duties involved in holding said office.
SECTION 5: BUILDING AND GROUNDS TEAM LEADER
08.05.01 Term of Office
The Building and Grounds Team Leader shall be elected by the congregation at the Annual Meeting for a period of one year beginning at the close of the Annual Meeting of the congregation at which election is held. He may repeat terms of office without limitation.
08.05.02 Duties
The Building and Grounds Team Leader shall be a full voting member of the Board of Elders. The Building and Grounds Team Leader shall lead his Purpose Team in the coordination and encouragement of the various ministry teams developed within the church that pertain to the use, upkeep, maintenance, repair, enhancement, or expansion of the church’s physical plant. He shall lead his Purpose Team in identifying areas where the needs of the church’s physical plant are not being addressed by existing ministry teams, and call them to the attention of the Board of Elders for consideration and resolution.
08.05.03 Vacancy
If a vacancy occurs in the office of the Building and Grounds Team Leader, a regular or special meeting of the Board of Elders shall be called with the Moderator presiding. The Board of Elders shall elect and appoint a Building and Grounds Team Leader Pro Tem to fully assume the all the duties described for the balance of the term. Said individual serving as Building and Grounds Team Leader Pro Tem may or may not be an existing member of the Board of Elders.
08.05.04 Candidates for Office
Persons interested in running for the office of Building and Grounds Team Leader should make their intentions known to the Moderator no later than the first (1st) day of January of the year in which they intend to run. The Moderator should meet with the candidate to discuss the duties involved in holding said office.
ARTICLE IX: PAID POSITIONS
09.01 PASTOR
09.01.01 Vacancy
When a vacancy in the pastorate occurs, the nine remaining members of the Board of Elders shall serve as the Pulpit Committee. This committee shall confer with, but are not limited to, the Placement Chairman of the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference and shall canvas and screen available candidates; agree upon one, who in their opinion should be called to the senior pastorate; develop a proposed employment contact agreeable to both parties; request the candidate to appear before the congregation at a regular Sunday Service; and propose his election. An eighty percent (80%) vote of the members present shall constitute a call. The candidate is then to be informed at once of his election or rejection. If the candidate is accepted, the contract is to be signed. If the candidate is rejected, Board of Elders continues its work as a Pulpit Committee.
09.01.02 Contract & Covenant
The call shall be in writing, and shall consist of a contract and a covenant.
The contract shall govern the employment relationship including, but not limited to: compensation, housing, annuity, retirement, moving expense, vacation and sick time, car allowance and education/conference allowances. The term of the initial contract shall be for a period of one to three years, as the Board of Elders shall determine.
In addition, a covenant shall exist between the Pastor and the church, as represented by the Board of Elders, in order to assure mutual accountability of both parties. The church and the Board of Elders agree to submit to the authority of the Pastor in his responsibility as the shepherd of the flock. Concurrently, the Pastor agrees to respect the fact that he is a paid employee of the church. To that end, the following covenant has been prepared:
THE HAMBDEN CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH LEADERSHIP COVENANT
PURPOSE
The purpose of this document is to express the relationship that is to exist between the Pastor and the Board of Elders of the Hambden Congregational Church
RELATIONSHIP OF THE PASTOR AND THE BOARD OF ELDERS
The Board of Elders of the Hambden Congregational Church recognizes that the position of Pastor is a special and unique position. It is a position that demands dignity in its performance, and should be given the respect afforded it in the Scriptures.
On the same note, the Scriptures also tell us that those who hold the position of Elder hold a special and unique position, and the Pastor should give to those who hold this office the respect this office deserves.
THE BOARD'S RELATIONSHIP TO THE PASTOR
With that in mind, the Board of Elders of Hambden Congregational Church recognizes that the Pastor is given to us by God to be our chief spiritual leader. As long as the Pastor submits himself to God's leadership and direction, and as long as the Pastor continues to grow spiritually, and as long as the Pastor shows proper humility in the conducting of his business, we shall yield to him and to his leadership as yielding to the leadership of Christ.
The Elder Board also commits itself to a higher standard of spiritual commitment, a standard befitting the position. We agree to submit ourselves to God in all matters of church and life. We will also yield to the Pastor's spiritual guidance as he yields to Christ's. The Pastor shall hold us accountable to our commitment to spiritual growth and to our commitment to his spiritual leadership.
THE PASTOR'S RELATIONSHIP TO THE BOARD
It is then to be understood that the Pastor of Hambden Congregational Church shall willingly place himself under the accountability of the Board of Elders. This means that he is answerable to them for his relationship with God, his relationship with the Board, and his relationship with the church in general.
With regard to the duties of the Pastor and the members of the Board of Elders, these shall be spelled out in the Constitution of the Hambden Congregational Church.
09.01.03 Renewal
At the time of contract renewal the Board of Elders shall review the Pastor’s performance, and amend and renew the contract for a period not to exceed five (5) years upon approval of seven (7) members of the Board of Elders. If the Board of Elders does not renew the contract, as amended, a congregational vote is to be taken at a legally called congregational meeting at which time an eighty percent vote must be reached to renew the contract.
09.01.04 Tenure
It shall be the objective of the Hambden Congregational Church to secure the services of a Pastor on long-term basis with the hope that candidate intends to stay in the position for his entire career. Upon twelve years continuous service, the Pastor shall be considered tenured. A tenured Pastor shall continue in the church’s employment as long as he continues to abide by the covenant originally agreed upon by the church and the Pastor. Salary, benefit, and other adjustments to the Pastor's contract shall be handled annually by the Board of Elders as part of the budget process.
09.01.05 Termination
The Pastor shall give sixty (60) days notice in case he wishes to leave of his own volition. Other arrangements may be made by mutual consent of the Pastor and the Board of Elders.
09.01.06 Membership
The Pastor shall become a member of the Hambden Congregational Church, and shall hold ministerial standing within the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference.
09.01.07 Duties
The Pastor shall have charge of the five-fold purpose of the Christ’s church: (1) to bring glory to God through worship, (2) to draw together the Body of Believers in fellowship, (3) to disciple Christians to spiritual maturity, (4) to supervise the membership as they use their spiritual gifts in ministry to others within and outside the local church, and (5) to make known the gospel to others.
09.01.08 Office
The Pastor shall serve as a voting member of the Board of Elders, except in matters involving the Pastor.
09.01.09 Complaints
Grievances against the Pastor can result in undesired gossip and division within the congregation. Concerns against the Pastor shall be addressed to the Moderator with the desire that mediation between the parties occur. Should that fail, the Board of Elders shall be charged to resolve the issue. As a matter of last resort in issues involving a breach of the covenant between the Pastor and the church, the Board of Elders may instruct the Moderator to call a congregational meeting to resolve the dispute. An eighty percent (80%) vote for the Pastor shall continue the ministerial relationship. Upon failure of reaching this goal, the church shall request his resignation with the expectation that it be presented within sixty (60) days.
09.02 ASSOCIATE PASTORS
09.02.01 Need
When the Board of Elders recognizes the need for one or more Associate Pastors, the Board of Elders shall present a request to the congregation at a regular or special meeting. Said request must (1) determine the position needed, (2) define the job-description of the proposed position, (3) be an agenda item at the meeting and (4) make known when the meeting is announced. The institution of an Associate Pastor position shall require an eighty percent (80%) vote of the members present. Once one or more Associate Pastors have been appointed, the Pastor (as described in Section 08.01) shall be deemed and referred to as the Senior Pastor.
09.02.02 Vacancy
When a vacancy occurs within the office of Associate Pastor, the Senior Pastor shall secure from the Board of Elders an employment contract, survey potential candidates, interview them, and recommend to Board of Elders a single recommendation for employment. The Board of Elders shall review the Senior Pastor’s recommendation, and upon a favorable vote of seven (7) members of the Board of Elders, the candidate shall be offered a contract. The Senior Pastor shall not participate in this vote, and his voting rights shall be assigned to the Moderator.
09.02.03 Lines of Authority
All Associate Pastor(s) shall report to the Senior Pastor as their supervisor in all matters other than compensation, where the Board of Elders shall have responsibility.
09.02.04 Membership
All Associate Pastor(s) shall become members of the Hambden Congregational Church and shall hold Ministerial standing within the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference.
Associate Pastor(s) may participate fully in the various ministries and teams of the church, and hold office as appropriate. However, they are prohibited from voting on matters pertaining to the Senior Pastor or any Associate Pastorship.
09.02.05 Termination
Should the Senior Pastor feel that an Associate Pastor is no longer an asset to the church, the Senior Pastor may recommend the dismissal of that Associate Pastor to the Board of Elders. Upon a simple majority of those Elders present at a regularly scheduled meeting, the Associate Pastor may be dismissed.
09.02.06 Termination of Office
Should the Board of Elders determine that an Associate Pastor’s office is no longer an asset to the church (e.g. inability to financially support the position), the Board of Elders may direct the Moderator to call a congregational meeting to address the issue. A simple majority of the members present shall be necessary to eliminate the position. Should an individual be in the church’s employment when the position is eliminated, the church is responsible for making every good and reasonable effort to minimize the adverse impact on said individual.
09.03 NON-PASTORAL STAFF
09.03.01 Need
When the Board of Elders recognizes the need for non-pastoral staff, the Board of Elders shall present a request to the congregation at a regular or special meeting. Non-pastoral staff may include, but are not limited to: custodial, maintenance, clerical, administrative or musical tasks. Said request must (1) define the job-description of the proposed position, (2) be an agenda item at the meeting and (3) be made known when the meeting is announced. The institution of a non-pastoral position shall require an eighty percent (80%) vote of the members present.
09.03.02 Vacancy
When a vacancy occurs within a non-pastoral staff position, the Board of Elders shall interview potential candidates, determine the individual that best meets the church’s needs, offer a contract and hire the candidate upon a simple majority of the Board of Elders vote. The employee is not required to be a member of the church.
09.03.03 Lines of Authority
All non-pastoral staff are responsible to the Board of Elders, with the Moderator serving as their primary contact person and the Senior Pastor as an alternate contact.
09.03.04 Termination of Position
Should the Board of Elders determine that a non-pastoral staff position is no longer of value to the church, the position may be eliminated by a majority vote of the Board of Elders present at the meeting.
ARTICLE X: CHURCH SERVICES AND MEETINGS
10.01.01 Worship Services
One or more services of worship shall be held at specified times each Sunday. Special services may be held upon recommendation of the Pastor or any of the Team Leaders for worship, inspiration, prayer and study.
10.01.02: Communion
At the least, Communion shall be celebrated quarterly.
Hambden Congregational Church holds that the Bible describes Communion as a conscious act undertaken by an individual: (1) who is born again, and (2) who is of sufficient age and maturity to understand its meaning and importance.
10.01.03: Baptism
Hambden Congregational Church holds that the Bible describes baptism as a conscious act undertaken by an individual: (1) who is born again, and (2) who is of sufficient age and maturity to understand its meaning and importance.
Individuals joining the Hambden Congregational Church who have not participated in the ordinance of baptism as described above in the past are expected to do so.
Hambden Congregational Church notes that the Bible most commonly describes the act of baptism as total immersion in water. As such, Hambden Congregational Church considers total immersion in water to be its standard practice of baptism. However, when physical limitations or other special circumstances make this impractical, the Pastor may, at his discretion, utilize a suitable alternative.
Non-members of Hambden Congregational Church (e.g. young people not eligible for member- ship) may be baptized.
Candidates for baptism shall meet with the Pastor to insure their understanding of this ordinance. Baptism shall be administered at such times as the Pastor deems appropriate.
Hambden Congregational Church does not practice infant baptism; rather we support infant dedication.
10.01.04: Infant/Child Dedications
Parents desiring dedication of an infant/child may do so upon having met with the Pastor to learn the meaning and purpose of dedication and the duties of Christian parenting. Infant/Child Dedications shall be administered at such times as the Pastor deems appropriate.
10.01.05: Marriage and Weddings
Hambden Congregational Church holds that the Bible describes marriage as a sacred union occurring exclusively between one man and one woman.
The church further notes that the Bible cautions Christians of either gender to enter into this relationship only with another follower of Christ. Whereas non-members of Hambden Congregational Church (who may of may not be followers of Christ) ask to hold weddings at the church, the following shall apply to all weddings performed at Hambden Congregational Church:
- The Pastor shall participate in the wedding service, although other clergy may participate, subject to approval of the Pastor.
- The Pastor shall meet with the prospective bride and groom to discuss the meanings and responsibilities of the Biblical institution of marriage.
- The Pastor, at his sole discretion, may elect not to marry any couple he deems inappropriate, thereby denying said couple use of the church’s buildings and grounds.
10.01.06: Annual Meetings
An Annual Meeting of the Hambden Congregational Church congregation shall be held at a time in the month of January and at a place set by the Board of Elders for the expressed purposes of: (1) receiving reports, (2) conducting scheduled business, (3) adopting an annual budget, and (4) proposing plans for the new year.
The Moderator shall post an agenda of the meeting in the church foyer not less than two weeks prior to the Annual Meeting.
New items of business not scheduled on the agenda shall be discussed only upon more than 80% majority of those voting.
10.01.07: Special Meetings
Special meetings of the congregation may be called for the transaction of scheduled business upon the recommendation of three or more members of the Board of Elders. Any member may petition the Board of Elders to hold such a meeting. The Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Church Corporation shall be held immediately following the Annual Meeting of the congregation.
Special meetings shall have an agenda limited to the topic(s) announced in advance. No new business can be entertained.
10.01.08: Presiding Officer at Meetings
The Moderator shall routinely preside at meetings of the congregation and of the Board of Elders of the Hambden Congregational Church.
In the absence of the Moderator, if no business on the agenda pertains to the Pastor or his contract, the Pastor shall preside over the meeting. If the Pastor is the presiding officer, new business pertaining to the Pastor or his contract shall not be entertained.
If: (1) both the Moderator and the Pastor are absent or (2) the Moderator is absent and the scheduled business pertains to the Pastor or his contract, then the remaining members of the Board of Elders shall: (1) elect from the Board of Elders a Presiding Officer Pro Tem or (2) elect to reschedule the meeting to another date.
10.01.09: Notice of Meetings
Notice of every Annual or Special Meeting stating the time, place, and agenda shall be given no less than two weeks prior to the meeting by one or more of the following:
- Announcement from the Pulpit by either the Pastor or the Moderator during all regularly scheduled Sunday Worship Services.
- USPS first class mail (In cases of multiple members residing at one address, one notice per household shall suffice unless any member at the household has requested personalized delivery.)
- E-mail (In cases of multiple members residing at one E-mail address, one notice per household shall suffice unless any member at the household has requested personalized delivery.)
10.01.10: Quorum
A quorum for the Annual Meeting or any special congregational meeting shall consist of twenty percent (20%) of the church’s membership on the date of the meeting.
10.01.11: Cancellation of Services or Meetings
In times of inclement weather, the Pastor, the Moderator, and the Building and Grounds Team Purpose Leader shall determine if any service, activity or meeting needs to be cancelled. A decision by two of the three shall be considered binding. Cancellation of a scheduled service or meeting for any other reason shall be by majority vote of the Board of Elders. The decision to cancel an activity undertaken by a particular ministry team shall be made by said ministry team.
ARTICLE XI: OPERATING PROCEDURES
11.01.01: Voting Procedures
The congregation, the Board of Elders and any other church entity conducting business shall use the following voting procedures.
A simple majority shall be required for passage unless an alternative is specifically described by this document or the accepted Parliamentary Rules of Order.
A simple majority is defined as more than one half of the votes cast. Special congregational votes specifically requiring a higher percentage (e.g. calling a new Pastor or to entertain new business at the Annual Meeting) require at least 80% percent of the votes cast.
Votes are tallied from only those ballots properly cast from the available choices. A voter who refuses to vote or a voter who “abstains” has not cast a vote (i.e., abstentions do not favor the negative).
Votes on issues offering more than two alternatives still require a simple majority for passage. After the first vote, if no majority is attained, the alternative receiving the fewest number of votes cast shall be dropped and a new vote taken. The process is repeated until a simple majority is attained.
Standard orders of business shall be by a show of hands unless a voter requests a secret ballot.
Confirmation and election of officers shall be as follows:
- Team Leaders may be confirmed by verbal affirmation.
- Uncontested elected offices may be elected by verbal affirmation.
- Contested elected offices other than the Moderator shall be by secret ballot with the Moderator, the Pastor, and a member of the congregation designated by the Moderator serving as election tellers.
- Contested elections of the Moderator shall be by secret ballot with the Pastor and two members of the congregation designated by the Pastor serving as election tellers.
11.01.02: The Church Year
For purposes of records, the fiscal year shall begin with the calendar year on January 1 and end on December 31st.
Elected or confirmed positions within the church shall begin immediately following the Annual Meeting, and continue until their successors are established at the next Annual Meeting.
The budget shall be proposed to start at the end of the Annual Meeting at which it was proposed and terminate when the subsequent budget is approved at the next Annual Meeting.
11.01.03: Parliamentary Procedures
Areas of parliamentary procedure not specifically addressed by this Constitution shall be subject to the most current edition of Sturgis’ The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure.
Article XII: THE CONSTITUTION
12.01.01: Effective date
This Constitution shall replace the January 2005 revision, and become effective immediately upon its acceptance at a congregational meeting.
12.01.02: Amendments
This Constitution may be amended or replaced at any Annual Meeting or any special meeting of the congregation provided that a notice specifying the date, time, and location of the meeting and the substance of the proposed amendment(s) have been given as hereinbefore provided. A majority of at least 80% of the members present and voting shall be required for passage.
[1] All who were members before transitioning to the present membership requirements were grandfathered in, and it is not necessary for those to have signed a membership covenant.
