Revised by Congregational vote on May 6, 2001
Effective July 1, 2001

Article I: Standing Committees [Back to Top]

Section A:The Executive Committee

1. The Executive Committee shall be composed of the Minister, and the Moderator and Vice- Moderator of the Congregation; the chair of the Trustees and the chair of the Elders; it shall meet upon call of any one of its members;

2. It shall have the responsibility to work with the Minister in his/her responsibilities such as are described under the Minister's function as Administrator (FCC Constitution Article VI, Section A, paragraph 1e).

3. This committee shall oversee the work of all paid staff.

a. It shall be empowered to hire new support personnel (i.e.; nursery attendant, organist, pianist, custodian, financial secretary, etc.) to existing positions, with recommendations for releasing employees made to the Church Board, with the exception of the Minister.

b. All support positions to be filled should be advertised for a minimum of two weeks.

The Pastoral Relations Committee

1. The Pastoral Relations Committee shall serve as support group for minister of the church, but will not be formed for interim ministers. Should additional full time ministers be called, each would have a separate committee.

2. The committee shall cease to exist whenever a minister terminates from the church and shall be reformed when a new minister is called.

3. The committee shall serve to -

a. give support to the minister
b. be a sounding board for the minister
c. relate constructive criticism to the minister from the congregation
d. be an ear for the minister's concerns and criticisms
e. work with the minister on maintaining a peaceful, productive and loving relationship between congregation and minister.

4. The Pastoral Relations Committee shall initially be formed from the members of the Ministerial Search Committee. All members shall then continue at least six months following the start date of a new minister's employment. The Executive Committee, in consultation with the current chair of the Pastoral Relations Committee shall appoint 50% of members of the committee, each year, for a term of two years.

Article II: Departments of Ministry [Back to Top]

Section A: General Purpose

The task of planning and administering a program to carry out the Church's mission in today's world shall be delegated to Departments of Ministry. The ministry chairs shall collectively meet as the Minister's Cabinet to coordinate the process of ministering to God's people.

Section B: Shared Tasks

Each Department shall have the following tasks:

1. Identify the priorities for the year in their respective areas of ministry.
2. Develop and state specific goals which shall be presented to the Church Board for action.
3. Establish the necessary Task Groups or subcommittees to achieve the stated goals.
4. Coordinate their work with the other areas of ministry in such manner that the total program of the church receives support.
5. Submit reports of their work to the Church Board at the monthly Board meeting
6. Manage their departmental budget and submit budgetary requests to the Board by the September meeting.
7. All committee chairs should strive to have at least one young person serve as a member of their committee.

Section C: The Ministry of Financial Stewardship

1. The Stewardship Department shall be composed of its appointed chair, the Financial Secretary of the Church, the Treasurer, at least one Elder, at least one member of the Diaconate, the chair of the Bursary Committee (should that subcommittee exist), and such other members as the Department Chair may choose such that there are at least seven members.

2. It shall be the purpose of this department to develop within the membership an understanding of the full meaning of Christian financial stewardship and so to direct the financial program of the Church that it will not only supply the financial needs but prove a means of spiritual enrichment and character building.

3. In general, its tasks are -

a. Keep alive in the Congregation the realization of its stewardship obligations.
b. Promote stewardship education, evaluating offerings and other income to determine trends.
c. Supervise the preparation and subscribing of the Church budget.
d. Supervise the keeping of accurate records.
e. Encourage endowments for future development in the Church's mission.

Section D: The Ministry of Property

1. It shall be the purpose of this department to care for all properties of the Church.

2. In general, its tasks are, in cooperation with the trustees -

a. Keep all buildings, grounds, and equipment in proper condition, replacing equipment as necessary.
b. Study needs and make recommendations for improvements in the physical plant.
c. Supervise the use of all facilities by outside organizations, maintaining a written policy on the use of the Church.
d. Maintain an inventory of all church property

3. Recommend to the Senior Minister requests for tasking of the custodian or changes in the custodian's job description.

Section E: The Ministry of Worship

1. Membership of the worship department shall include the Chair of the Music Department, the Program Coordinator, Music Coordinator, and such other persons as the Department Chair may direct.

2. It shall be the purpose of this department to lead the membership in a genuine experience of worship in the public services and to enrich personal and family devotional life.

3. In general, its tasks are -

a. Oversee the style, content, and personnel in our public worship.
b. Fill the pulpit in the absence of the Minister.
c. Oversee the administration of the Lord's Supper.
d. Oversee special worship thrusts in the Christian Year in cooperation with the minister.
e. Encourage the devotional life in persons and families.
f. Be responsible for the appearance and decor of the worship spaces, in cooperation with the Property Department.
g. Make a concerted effort to encourage the production and display of visual arts within the total church facility (including Sanctuary) such as Sunday School class artwork and purchased art.

Section F: The Ministry of Music

1. Membership of the music Department shall include the Music Coordinator, Organists, Pianists, Choir/Ensemble group directors, at least two members of the general congregation, and such other persons as the Department Chair may direct.

2. It shall be the purpose of this department to oversee, nurture and assist in the development of the musical ministry of First Christian Church in cooperation with the Church Staff.

3. In general, its tasks are to -

a. Creatively recruit and encourage the development and preparation of choirs, vocal and instrumental solos and ensembles.
b. In cooperation with the Music Coordinator, Pastor, and Worship Department, oversee the quality, variety, and style of music in the worship services considering all age groups.
c. Assist the Music Coordinator and Vesper Choir Director in planning special music, particularly during times when the choir is not singing for worship services as well as seasonal events (ex. caroling).
d. Provide assistance to the Music Coordinator in the selection and production of children's programs, special concerts and programs, and dramatic productions.

Section G: The Ministry of Shepherding

1. It shall be the purpose of this department to maintain the closest possible contact with the entire Church membership (the body of Christ) to the end that each member may find a welcome place in the life of the Church, and to develop a spirit of care and love within the Church, which willingly embraces potential members and all souls who are the responsibility of this parish.

2. In general, its task are-

a. Pastoral oversight of all members in cooperation with the elders. They shall help keep the minister and elders informed on those who might need visits, prayer, or special attention.
b. Work with the Church Financial Secretary to oversee the keeping of accurate Church membership records, reporting to the Board any membership changes and maintaining a constant count of membership.
c. Promote fellowship and mutual strengthening through the various fellowship groups (ChiRho, CYF, CCF, CWF, CMF and Bethany) or special efforts.
d. Orient new members into the life of the Church, providing them a membership package (which this department shall maintain) and ensuring this is sent to all new members.
e. In cooperation with the Church staff, coordinate the formulation of new groups to address the concerns and needs of the congregation (i.e., widows group, singles group, fun & games group, gender orientation group, parenting group, new member group, etc.).
f. Supervise Wednesday Fellowship Meals (including schedule of cooks) and working with the staff to provide programs as appropriate. Ensure kitchen is stocked in necessary items (sugar, tea, coffee, kool-aid, etc.).
g. Generate ideas and develop plans for all-church fellowship events such as:

1. Consider planning membership recognition days (over 50 year members, etc.)
2. Plan a Game Day event
3. Ice Cream Socials
4. Pool Parties
5. Work with Property on a Church Work Day event.
6. A coffee/fellowship time after church

h. Work with the pastor and elders on providing spiritual retreat opportunities for the congregation.

i. Develop a network to ensure that all members have transportation to church functions.

Section H: The Ministry of Evangelism

1. It shall be the purpose of this department to promote an outward centered spirit within the congregation so that this local manifestation of the body of Christ will seek to nurture the awareness of God's presence within the community in which we have been called - Pittsfield,Pike County, Illinois.

2. In general its tasks are -

a. Encourage the entire congregation to be participants in reaching out the hand of Christ in fellowship to the local community by conducting training, workshops, seminars, or other events in order to foster this mission.

b. Develop lists of prospective members

c. Develop, maintain and send out welcome kits to prospective members

d. Visit prospective members and encourage the pastor, elders and others to do likewise

e. Promote the program of the church through publicity (i.e., radio, television, newspaper, flyers, etc.). Such possibilities might include:

1. Develop and maintain brochures
2. Develop and with the staff, maintain a church Web site
3. Should the church broadcast its service on radio or television, this department would be responsible for making tapes, coordinating with the station, etc.
4. Make recommendations to the church board regarding commercials or other public awareness messages.

f. Encourage participation of the membership in ecumenical and community events to proclaim Christ's mission through word and action.

Section I: The Ministry of Education

1. Membership of this Department shall include all regular Church School teachers, the director of the Vacation Church (Bible) School, the Program Coordinator and such other members as the Department Chair shall select.

2. It shall be the purpose of this department to develop an effective program of religious education for the Congregation.

3. In general, its tasks are -

a. Oversee the Church School.
b. Oversee special educational efforts such as VBS (or VCS).
c. Provide leadership education through teacher training events throughout the year.
d. Provide and distribute religious resources, such as literature and curriculum.
e. Work towards fostering Christian home life.
f. Schedule nursery attendants as necessary
g. Conduct Promotion Sunday
h. Conduct Graduation Sunday
i. Provide for teacher recognition
j. Supervise the Youth Sunday experience with the church staff and other appropriate leaders
k. Make decisions regarding decorating of classrooms and the Education hallway
l. Coordinate with the church staff, the Music Department and Worship Department any children's program
m. Explore all means possible for expanding the Christian Education program of the church
n. Attend appropriate seminars or workshops sponsored by the Cluster, Region, or General offices of the church as funding and time permit.

Section J: Ministry of Local Outreach

1. It shall be the purpose of this department to develop a Christian concern within the Church over the social, economic, moral, and political problems, especially within the community, but also beyond in some cases, and to provide a program of action and/or service.

2. In general, its tasks are -

a. Initiate programs of study on evident needs.
b. Education of the Congregation regarding prevalent needs.
c. Organize an approved effort to meet needs we can help, through service or action.
d. Coordinate the efforts of the whole congregation in such a way that everyone is involved in some form of ministry
e. Be continuously on the lookout for and subsequently informing the church on the needs of the community.
f. Assist in cooperative efforts with other churches and community organizations to minister to the needs of our community.
g. Ensuring our first priority in rendering aid to the needy is making sure the needs of our own members are met.
h. Provide harvest baskets in October to selected families.
i. Promote/supervise/give Christmas gifts to "adopted families" (Through Pike County Christmas program in the Courthouse).
j. Provide Fruit Baskets in February to the elderly for Valentine's Day (through Health Department's contacts).
k. Additional projects may include: After-Prom, Transient traveler's assistance, authorizing emergency assistance funds as necessary

Section K: The Ministry of World Outreach

1. It shall be the purpose of this department to create and foster a world vision within the Church and to lead in administering the world outreach program of the Church.

2. In general, its tasks are -

a. Implement a program of missionary education.
b. Recommend the Church's annual World Outreach Goal.
c. Enlist support for denominational causes, i.e., Disciples of Christ, including regular and special outreach offerings.
d. Enlist support for agreed upon general benevolent needs.
e. Promote participation in denominational and inter-denominational events/projects.

Section L: Selection of Membership for Departments of Ministry

1. The Executive Committee shall select the respective Chairs for the Departments of Ministry. Their recommendations for these positions shall be presented to the Church Board at the November meeting.

2. The Executive Committee and the Chairs of the Departments shall meet in November to discuss the membership for each department.

3. Chairs of the Departments of Ministry shall be selected from the membership of the Congregation on the basis of their qualification for the task. The Chair shall become members of the Church Board by virtue of their office.

4. Each Chair shall be appointed for a term of one year and may be reappointed to the same position for a maximum of three terms in succession.

5. In the event of a vacancy in the office of a Department Chair, the Executive Committee shall recommend to the Church Board a person to fill the unexpired term.

Article III: Fellowship/Auxiliary Organizations [Back to Top]

All church Fellowships and organizations (exclusive of Sunday School Classes) with regularly elected officers and definite group programs are auxiliary to the Church Board. They shall cooperate with the Departments of Ministry in supporting the total program of the Church and shall do nothing that will conflict with the Constitution and Bylaws.

Article IV: The Minister's Cabinet [Back to Top]

The Minister's Cabinet shall coordinate the work of the Departments of Ministry and Church organizations by scheduling projects and events, working to promote efficiency, prevent duplication and eliminate tensions. It shall function under the informal chairing of the Minister and consist of the following persons:

1. Minister
2. Moderator of the Congregation
3. Vice-Moderator of the Congregation
4. Chairs of the Departments
5. Chairs or Presidents of the Auxiliary Organizations/Fellowship Groups.

Article V: Dates and Meetings [Back to Top]

1. The fiscal year for the Church shall be January 1 to December 31.

2. The Church Board shall meet monthly unless the Executive Committee determines that special conditions exist which can postpone business until the next monthly meeting (allowing only one such exception per year). Special meetings may be held at the call of the Moderator, or upon request of four or more members of the Church Board.

3. Though most meetings of the Board are open to all interested parties, the Board reserves the right to move into a closed session should the need for confidentiality be determined.

Article VI: Memorials and Trusts [Back to Top]

Any money or property given to the church should be considered a gift to God and as such, persons should be encouraged to give without condition.

However, all monies or property bequeathed or given to the Church as memorials shall be used as designated by the will or by the family of the person in whose name a memorial is established. If no designation is made after six months, the Financial Secretary and the Trustees will consult with the family as to their wishes, and if there is still no designation expressed, the Trustees will assume full responsibility for use as deemed fitting and necessary.

If the Trustees determine that the church does not desire the money or property or cannot use it as requested by the will or family, they shall consult with the family or executor about altering the conditions of the gift or determine how it can be returned.

Article VII: Amendments [Back to Top]

These Bylaws may be amended by a 2/3 vote of members of the Church Board present and voting at a regular or called meeting, provided the proposed amendment has been submitted to the membership of the Church Board at least ten days prior to the meeting.