Home Page

Directions

Contact

Chichester Congregational Church

By-Laws

of the

Chichester Congregational Church

Chichester, NH

Adopted November 20, 1987

Amended November 18, 1989, November 18, 2000, and November 19, 2011

Article 1 – Name

The name of the church will be Chichester Congregational Church.

Article 2 – Purpose

The purpose of this church is:

1. To worship and glorify God and to teach His Word.

2. To promote spiritual growth in the church membership, and to establish a Christian witness in the community.

3. To equip the body to minister to one another especially in times of need.

Article 3 – Membership

Section 1 – Introduction
The church is a regular assembly of people who profess and give evidence that they have been saved by God’s grace through faith alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone. God has chosen to maintain a distinct and clearly separate people in order to display His character. We join the membership of a church:

1. as a reflection of our salvation

2. to expose false gospels (Gal 1:6-9)

3. to edify the church (Eph 5:27, 1 Cor 14:12)

4. to evangelize the world (Mt 28:19; Acts 13:47)

5. to glorify God (Mt 5:16).

We are marked as members by:

1. our obedience in baptism (Mt 28:19)

2. taking of the sacraments (Mt 26:26-28, 1Cor 11:23-34)

3. attendance in worship (Heb 10:25)

4. service in ministry (Rom 15:17; 1 Cor 12)

5. attention to accountability (Mt 18; 1 Cor 5; Gal 6)

6. out flowing of love (Jn 13:35, Eph 5:1-2)

7. our obedience in financially supporting the church (2 Cor 8:7, 2 Cor 9:6-7)

Believing that the Bible commands Christians to make every effort to live at peace and to resolve disputes with each other in private or within the Christian church (e.g. I Cor 6:1–8), the church encourages its members to resolve conflict among themselves according to biblical principles, without reliance on the secular courts wherever possible. Consistent with its call to peacemaking, the church will encourage the use of biblical principles to resolve disputes between itself and those outside the church, whether Christian or pagan and whether individuals or corporate entities.

Church discipline should ordinarily be considered after individual private admonition has failed.  The purpose of discipline is for:

1. The repentance, reconciliation, and spiritual growth of the individual (Prov 15:5; I Cor 4:14; Eph 6:4; I Tim 3:4–5; Heb 12:1–11; Ps 119:115; 141: 5; Prov 17:10; 25:12; 27: 5; Ecc 7:5; Mt 7:26–27; 18:15–17; Lk 17:3; Acts 2:40; I Cor 5: 5; Gal 6:1–5; II Thess 3:6-7, 14–15; I Tim 1:20; Titus 1:13–14; Jas 1:22; Mt 5:24).

2. The instruction in righteousness and good of other Christians, as an example to them (Prov 13:20; Rom 15:14; I Cor 5:11; 15: 33-34; Col 3:16; I Thess 5:14-15; I Tim 5:20; Titus 1:11; Heb 10:24–25).

3. The purity of the church as a whole (I Cor 5:6–7; II Cor 13:10; Eph 5:27; II Jn 10; Jude 24; Rev 21:2).

4. The good of our corporate witness to non–Christians (Mt 5:13–16; Jn 13:35; Acts 5:1–14; Eph 5:11; I Tim 3:7; I Jn 3:10).

5. The glory of God by reflecting His holy character (Deut 5:11; I Kings 11:2; II Chr 19: 2; Ezra 6: 21; Neh 9:2; Isa 52:11; Ezek 36:20; Mt 5:16; Jn 15:8; 18: 17, 25; Rom 2:24; 15: 5–6; II Cor 6:14–7: 1; Eph 1:4; 5: 27; I Pet 2:12).

Section 2 – Qualifications

Anyone who meets the following criteria is eligible for membership in this church:

1. Confesses Jesus Christ to be their Savior and Lord.

2. Covenants to live a godly life.

3. Has been baptized in obedience to Christ.

4. Has reached 18 years of age or older.

Anyone interested in becoming a member must complete the following:

1. Attend the new members orientation class taught by the elders.

2. Share their personal testimony of salvation in the new members orientation class or other appropriate church event.

3. Agree to submit to the Statement of Faith in word and deed.

4. Agree to submit to the Covenant Church in word and deed.

5. Receive endorsement from the elders as a person qualified for membership in this church.

Section 3 – Admission of Members
The names of qualified candidates will be presented by the elders at a regularly or specially called members’ meeting and will be accepted by a two-thirds majority vote.  Once accepted, the new members will at that point resign their membership in other churches.

Section 4 - Duties and Privileges of Membership

Under Christ, this church is governed by its members.  Therefore, it is the privilege and responsibility of members to attend all members’ meetings and vote on the election of biblical leaders, on decisions regarding membership status, and on such other matters.

Members are expected to use their God given gifts, resources, time and energy to fulfill the duties laid out in the Church Covenant.

Only members may serve as biblical leaders in this church.

Only members may serve in church ministry positions, with an exception allowed for situations where the elders grant approval for a non-member to serve.  

Section 5 – Church Discipline
Members will be subject to the admonition of the elders and the discipline of the church if they
commit any of the following:  

1. Neglect of his or her duties.

2. Conduct themselves inappropriately in a way that causes the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to be dishonored.

3. Purposely opposing the welfare of the church.

Church discipline will address the severity of the offense and may include admonition by the elders and/or congregation, removal from their biblical leader position, termination of church membership, excommunication, or other action decided upon by a two thirds majority vote at a members’ meeting. (Mt 18:15–17; 2 Thess 3:14–15; 1 Tim 5:19–20; 1 Cor 5:4–5).

Section 6 – Termination of Membership
The church will terminate a person’s membership under the following circumstances, where the person has:

1. Voluntarily resigned.

2. Become a member of another church.

3. Been absent from worship meetings for over 9 consecutive weeks, without elder approval for extenuating circumstances.

4. Entered death.

5. Their membership terminated as a function of church discipline.

Article 4 - Meetings

Section 1 – Introduction  
The last and final court of appeal in a matter of the life of a church is the membership of that church. They are called to sit in judgment in matters of:

1. False doctrine. (Gal 1:8, II Tim 4:3)

2. Discipline. (I Cor 5)

3. Church membership. (II Cor 2:6-8)

4. Dispute between Christians. (Mt 18:15-17)

As for voting, although the members of the church are called to live in unity, this principle does not mean we are to be uniform in voting.  Rather, God uniquely created each person to have both a free will and individual opinion.  This benefits the church as each new member increases the abundance of ideas and creatively within the church body.  Add to these the fallen world we live in and it is no surprise to find agreement difficult to reach at times.

Therefore, differences in opinion should be expected and received in a spirit of mutual trust, openness, and loving consideration which is appropriate within the body of our Lord Jesus Christ.  The Bible allows us flexibility in the way we use voting to encourage forward movement in the business of the church.

The following are guidelines that outline the three types of votes used in these by-laws:

1. Simple majority - A simple majority vote passes when the “yes” votes outnumber the number of “no” votes.  This should be used as the default type of vote and therefore be the most commonly used vote.

2. Two-thirds majority - A two-thirds majority vote passes when the number of “yes” votes make up ⅔ or higher of the total votes.  This vote is as known as a super-majority vote and should be used for important votes like voting in biblical leaders and members as well as votes of discipline or dismissal

3. Three-quarters majority - A three-quarters majority vote passes when the “yes” votes make up ¾ or higher of the total votes.  This vote should be used rarely as it is considered a near unanimous vote.  Changes to the Church Covenant or the Statement of Faith are examples of where this vote should be used.

Section 2 – Worship Services
Worship services will be held each Sunday, and may be held throughout the week as the church determines appropriate and in accordance with its purpose and mission.

Section 3 - Meeting Guidelines
Members’ meetings will require a quorum of members to be present.  A quorum will be understood to be 25% of the current church membership.

Only “yes” and “no” votes will be recognized for voting purposes.  The majority will be determined by the number of “yes” votes in relation to the number of “no” votes.  

Within three months of a new fiscal year, a new budget will be approved at a members’ meeting.  The elders may choose to continue budget spending at the previous year’s level until a new budget is approved.  

Only members may address the church membership at a members’ meeting, unless granted permission by the elders.  Non-members are encouraged to attend members’ meeting in an observation role.

A moderator will be designated by the elders to preside at all regular and specially called members’ meetings of the church.

Section 4 – Members’ Meetings
Regular members’ meetings will be held at least twice per calendar year.  These meetings will be set by the elders and be held at a different time than a worship service.  Members’ meeting dates should be communicated to members well in advance, but, at a minimum, will be announced from the pulpit during Sunday worship services for at least two weeks before the meeting.

Section 5 - Special Members’ Meetings
Special members’ meetings may be called by the elders or at the written request of 10% of the membership, submitted to the elders.  Special members’ meeting dates should be communicated to members well in advance, but, at a minimum, will be announced from the pulpit during Sunday worship services for at least two weeks before the meeting.  In the event of a written request from the members, the elders will call a special meeting to be held no later than one month from their receipt of the request.

Special members’ meetings may be called by the elders during a worship meeting for the purpose of voting in new members only.

Article 5 – Biblical Leaders

Section 1 – Introduction

The church should recognize elders as men called, gifted and willing to serve in this church. These men should be received as gifts of Christ to His church.  Subject to the will of the church members, the elders will oversee the ministry and resources of the church.  

The role of pastor is based upon the role of elder and should be recognized as a man called and gifted to lead the full-time ministry of preaching and teaching in the church.

The church should recognize men and women as deacons and deaconesses, who are called, gifted and willing to give of themselves in service to the church. They should be encouragers, peace-makers and servants. These members should be received as gifts of Christ to His church.

Although the clerk and treasurer are included here under biblical leaders, their roles are administrative.

Section 2 – Guidelines

For purposes of compliance with nonprofit corporation laws, the elders will elect an elder to serve as the president of the corporation. They will also designate, from the church membership, a treasurer, clerk and any other positions as required for secular purposes.

Also for secular purposes only, the elders as a group will be considered the church’s sole interpreter of Scripture.

Any of the responsibilities for our biblical leaders may be temporarily delegated, with the approval of the elders. All interim appointments will expire at the next scheduled election.

Section 3 – Elders

The church will maintain a minimum of three men as elders based on the qualifications in I Timothy 3: 1–7 and Titus 1: 6–9.  Elders will be elected to serve for a three year term.

The elders will:

1. Devote their time to prayer, the ministry of the Word (by teaching and encouraging sound doctrine), and shepherding God’s flock based on Acts 6: 1–6 and I Peter 5: 1–4.  

2. Examine and instruct prospective members.

3. Recommend all prospective candidates for biblical leader positions.

4. Oversee the work of the deacons, deaconesses, and appointed church agents and committees.

5. Conduct worship services.

6. Administer the ordinances of baptism and communion.

7. Equip the membership for the work of the ministry.

8. Encourage sound doctrine and practice.

9. Admonish and correct error.

10. Oversee the process of church discipline.

11. Coordinate and promote the ministries of the church.

12. Mobilize the church for world missions.

13. Ensure that all who minister the Word to the congregation, including outside speakers, share our fundamental convictions.

14. Create ministry positions or committees, as needed, to assist them in fulfilling their responsibilities.

The elders will have primary responsibility for the employment, supervision, and evaluation of staff members. This responsibility may, on a case-by-case basis, be delegated to another staff member.

Each year the elders, after consultation with the deacons, deaconesses, and treasurer, will present to the church an itemized budget. This budget will be presented for discussion and vote at a members’ meeting.

If the elders as a group are physically unable to meet their obligations and responsibilities, the members of the church may elect three members to serve as interim elders.

Section 4 – Pastor

The pastor will be an elder called for the full time dedication to the ministry of the Word in return for pay. He will take the lead in preaching the Word, administering the ordinances of baptism and communion, in establishing a church-wide ministry vision, and perform any other duties common to pastors.

In his absence, the elders will assume responsibility for his duties.

Section 5 – Deacons & Deaconesses
The church will elect men and women as deacons and deaconesses based on the qualifications in I Tim 3: 8–13 and Acts 6: 1–7.  They will serve for a three year term.  

The deacons and deaconesses will:

1. Fully support the elders’ ministry of the Word of God.

2. Care for the temporal needs of church members.

3. Attend to the accommodations for public worship.

4. Encourage and support those gifted to help others.

5. Receive, hold, and disburse a fund for benevolence, reporting on its use to the elders at their request, and reporting to the church only its total receipts and total disbursements.

Section 6 – Clerk

The clerk will be nominated by the elders and elected to serve a one year term.  If the clerk will be absent from a members’ meeting, the elders will appoint a member to serve as an interim clerk.

The clerk will:

1. Record the minutes of all regular and special members’ meetings.

2. Preserve an accurate roll of the membership.

3. Render reports as requested by the pastor, the elders, the deacons, or the deaconesses.

Section 7 – Treasurer
The treasurer will be nominated by the elders and elected to serve a one year term.  This person can be any member except an elder, deacon, deaconess or existing paid church staff. The treasurer may receive pay in return for their work.

The treasurer will:

1. Ensure that all funds and securities of the church are properly secured in such banks, financial institutions, or depositories as appropriate.

2. Render an account of all transactions and the financial condition of the church upon the request of the elders.

3. Ensure that full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements are kept in books belonging to the church, and that adequate controls are implemented to guarantee that all funds belonging to the church are appropriately handled by any biblical leader, employee, or agent of the church.

Section 8 – Dismissal

A biblical leader’s term may be terminated by resignation or as a course of disciplinary action.

Article 6 – Elections

Section 1 – Introduction

The process for church elections should be carried out using substantial prayer, both individually and corporately.  Nominations should proceed with the support of the elders.  All candidates for a biblical leader position should be treated with grace, kindness, and honesty. The election process should express that spirit of mutual trust, openness, and loving consideration that is appropriate within the body of our Lord Jesus Christ.  

Section 2 – Guidelines

The elders will seek recommendations and involvement from the membership in the nomination process. A ballot containing the names of nominees will be made available to members two weeks prior to the relevant members’ meeting. Any member with reason to believe that a nominated candidate is unqualified for a biblical leader position may express such concern to the elders before the relevant members’ meeting. No biblical leader nominations will be received from the floor at a members’ meeting.

Section 3 – Selection of Biblical Leaders

The election of biblical leaders will be held at a members’ meeting. The elders will present a ballot containing the names of nominees to serve as elders, deacons, deaconesses, clerk, and treasurer.  A two-thirds majority vote is required to pass the ballot of names.

Section 4 – Selection of Pastor
When selecting a pastor, the church will require a candidate to serve a minimum of three worship services to allow the membership to assess his preaching gifts.

The election of a pastor will be held at a regular or specially called member’s meeting.  The elders will present the name of the candidate.  A three-quarters majority vote is required for pastoral election.  This election includes election as a member and therefore requires the candidate to complete the criteria for church membership.

Article 7 – Definition of Marriage

The church will recognize marriage as between one man and one woman. All other sexual relationships are not recognized as marriage.

Article 8 - Amendments

The By-Laws of the Chichester Congregational Church, the Statement of Faith, and the Church Covenant may be amended at a member’s meeting, provided the following criteria have been met:

1. The meeting was announced from the pulpit and the amendment made available in writing during Sunday worship services for at least two weeks before the vote.

2. The By-Laws of the Chichester Congregational Church receives a two-thirds majority vote to be amended.

3. The Statement of Faith or Church Covenant receives a three-quarters majority vote to be amended.