section #1  GOVERNMENT

A.  The name of this church shall be “Northwest Bible Church.”  It shall be incorporated under the laws of the State of

Minnesota as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

B.  The government of this church shall be vested in its membership.

C. The fiscal and business year shall coincide with the calendar year (January 1 – - December 31).  An annual business

meeting shall take place on the last Wednesday night of January each year.

D.  A special meeting of the congregation may be called by the Officers of the church to transact any needed business.  At

least a two week notice must be given before a special meeting is convened.

E.  Official voting is available to all those members who are at least 18 years of age.

F.  A quorum to transact official business shall be one fourth (25%) of the church voting membership.

G. Official voting will be done in person and will not include proxy ballots or absentee ballots.

H.  All business of the church, requiring voting action, shall be determined by a majority vote (51%), unless otherwise

designated in these by-laws.

I.   No less than two tellers will be appointed by the moderator to tally votes.

J.  An elected Officer will serve as the moderator of the church during all official business.

K.  The Deacons will serve as trustees of this corporation.

section #2  MEMBERSHIP

A.  Qualifications – Anyone desiring to become a member of this church shall:

1.  Give testimony of an authentic personal faith in Jesus Christ.

2.  Have been baptized by immersion as a Christian.

3.  Be committed to changing and growing (progressive sanctification) as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

4.  Be committed to a general understanding and upholding of the doctrines and membership covenant of this church.

B.  Becoming a Member – Potential members may join in one of three ways:

1.  by baptism and testimony.

2.  by testimony, having previously been baptized as a Believer.

3.  by restoration from discipline.

Potential members shall meet with the Pastor(s) and Deacons, who shall pass upon their qualifications. Having been

recommended by the Pastor(s) and Deacons, the person’s name shall be submitted to the membership for a majority (51%)

vote.  The Pastor(s) and Deacon(s) shall evaluate the membership roll twice per year.

C.  Removal of Members – A member may be removed from the membership roll for the following reasons:

1.  death – their names will automatically be removed upon notification

2.  voluntary withdrawal – the person requests their name to be removed from the membership roll for reasons such as a

move, a change in personal doctrinal convictions, to join a different local church and the like.

3.  Biblical discipline – unrepentantly carried to its end, requires a majority vote by the church body.

section #3  OFFICERS

A.  Pastor(s)

All pastors shall be called for an indeterminate term.  He shall qualify according to the prescribed Biblical requirements and shall be committed to a specific understanding and upholding of the doctrines, by-laws, and membership covenant of this church. .  The specific guidelines for calling a pastor shall be spelled out in the document “NWBC Pastor Search Workbook” which should be reviewed on a regular basis and remain on file.  He shall minister the affairs of the church in keeping with the NT.  Notice of any proposed choice of pastor shall be given at least two weeks preceding the voting.  He shall be recommended by the Pastor(s) (if applicable) and the Deacons and shall be elected by the membership with at least a seventy five percent (75%) majority ballot vote.  His pastorate may be terminated by either voluntary resignation or seventy five percent (75%) majority ballot vote with tenure or pay not to exceed sixty (60) days without church approval.  The pastor(s) shall be a member ex-officio of all groups, committees, and other organizations within the church.  The pastor(s) and his spouse(s) shall automatically become members of the church at the start date of his term.

1.  The Senior Pastor may be the moderator of the church and shall be the moderator of the Deacons.

2.  Any Associate pastor shall be responsible directly to the Senior Pastor.

3.  An Interim Pastor may be secured, should the church be without the services of a pastor for a prolonged period

of time.  He shall assume the pastoral responsibilities as defined by the Deacons for that interim period.  He shall be elected in the same way as

any other pastor(s).  His term shall end upon completion of a predetermined time period or the calling of a new pastor,

whichever comes first.

B.  Servants / Deacons

1.  Qualification of Deacon – - He shall qualify according to the prescribed Biblical requirements and shall minister the

affairs of his office in keeping with the NT.  He shall be a member of this church for at least six months and be

committed to a specific understanding and upholding of the doctrines, by-laws, and membership covenant of this

church.

2.  Election of Deacon – - A deacon shall be elected for a three year term.  The number of Deacons shall be determined

by need and by a simple consensus of the Pastor(s), Deacons, and membership.  He shall be nominated by the

membership, approved by the Pastor(s) and Deacons, and elected by the membership with at least a fifty one percent

(51%) majority ballot vote.  [In the event that a tie occurs or a proper majority is not reached, the membership will re-

vote, removing from the ballot, the nominee with the lowest tally of votes.] He is eligible to serve for three consecutive

elected terms, before vacating his office for at least one full year.  In the event of a premature vacancy of his office, the

Pastor(s) and Deacons may appoint a qualified man to fulfill the vacated office for the remainder of the year.  At the

subsequent annual business meeting, the vacated office may then be replaced by standard procedure.

section #4  MINISTRY POSITIONS

Other ministry positions are expedient to the administration of the overall ministry of this church.  Such positions may include, but are not limited to, Deaconess, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Clerk, and the like.  These positions shall be determined by need and created under the direction of the Pastor(s) and the Deacons. These positions shall be recommended by the Pastor(s) and Deacons, approved and appointed by the Pastor(s) and Deacons.  These individuals shall be members of this church for at least six months.  Each position shall be for a term of one year and is subject to reappointment on an annual basis.  In the event of a premature vacancy of a ministry position, the Pastor(s) and Deacons may appoint a qualified person to fill a vacated position.

section #5  COMMITTEES / ORGANIZATIONS

Committees and Organizations are expedient to the administration of the overall ministry of this church.  Such Committees/Organizations may include, but are not limited to, Missions, Building, and the like.  These Committees/Organizations shall be determined by need and created under the direction of the Pastor(s) and the Deacons. These Committees/Organizations members shall be recommended by the Pastor(s) and Deacons, approved and appointed by the Pastor(s) and Deacons These individuals shall be members of this church for at least six months.  Each Committee/Organization appointment shall be for a term of one year and is subject to reappointment on an annual basis.  In the event of a premature vacancy on a Committee/Organization, the Pastor(s) and Deacons may appoint a qualified person to fill a vacated role based on the specific Committee’s/Organization’s request.

section #6  TEACHERS

Teachers are approved by and appointed by the Pastor(s) and Deacon(s).  They shall be members of this church for at least six months and shall be committed to a specific understanding and upholding of the doctrines and membership covenant of this church.

section #7  AMENDMENTS

This Constitution may be amended by at least a seventy five percent (75%) voting majority ballot vote of the membership.  Any proposed changes, shall be submitted to the membership in writing, at least two weeks preceding an official vote.

section #8  DISSOLUTION

In the event of the disbanding of this church, all assets shall be given to a non-profit organization(s) [such as churches, missions, schools, and other ministries].  A seventy five percent (75%) majority ballot vote shall be required to both dissolve this corporation and to designate the recipient(s) of its assets.  No individual shall personally benefit from the assets of the church.