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

Preamble: We, the members of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Pittsfield, Illinois, a congregationally governed body, in order to advance the Kingdom of God in the community and in the world and to promote the work of the Church in the spirit of Christ, join ourselves together as a body and pledge our lives and efforts to the accomplishment of these purposes, and do hereby establish this constitution and bylaws.

Section A: Eligibility
The membership of this Congregation shall consist of those who are now identified as members and those who unite with this Congregation by confession of faith and baptism or transfer of membership. Baptism is the symbolic re-enactment of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We practice inclusive membership, which means that we receive members from other congregations, accepting whatever mode of baptism they may have experienced. It is our practice to immerse those Christians who make to us their first confession of faith.

Section B: Transfer of Membership
Any person desiring to transfer membership from another Christian community may do so. The former church will then be notified of the transfer by letter. Any person who wishes to transfer membership to another faith community shall be granted a letter of transfer by the secretary and/or the Minister.

Section C: Associate (Dual) Membership
Associate Membership will be offered to anyone desiring to join our church yet who still wishes to maintain membership in another church of the Christian faith. Associate members would be able to participate fully in all levels of church life and leadership. This classification of membership would also be offered to those of our members who move to another community and wish to maintain affiliation with us yet who also wish to participate in another congregation in a distant community.

Section A: Elected Officers
The following officers shall be elected by the Congregation on or before the first Sunday in November to assume office January 1 for a term as designated for each, or until such time as the successor is elected and assumes office:
1. Moderator: For a term of one year, subject to re-election for one year only.
2. Vice Moderator: For a term of one year, subject to re-election for one year only.
3. Recording Secretary: For a term of one year, subject to re-election for one year only.
4. Treasurer: For a term of one year, subject to re-election for a term of one year only.
5. Church Historian: For a term of one year, subject to re-election.

Section B: Elected Leaders
The following Leaders shall be elected by the Congregation on or before the first Sunday in November to assume office January 1 for a term as designated for each, or until such time as the successor is elected and assumes office:
1. The Eldership: Shall consist of male and female members of the Congregation, a minimum of nine in number, one-third of whom shall be elected each year for a term of three years. No member shall be eligible for re-election until a lapse of one year.
2. The Diaconate: Shall consist of male and female members of the Congregation, a minimum of 36 in number, one-third of whom shall be elected each year for a term of three years. No member shall be eligible for re-election until a lapse of one year. All members of the Diaconate must be at least 18 years old by January 1 of the year they assume office.
3. Junior Deacons: Those high school aged members who have portrayed spiritual and emotional maturity and have been active in church functions may be selected as Junior Deacons and shall serve in a training capacity under the mentorship of the Diaconate.
4. Trustees: Not to exceed five in number, one-fifth of whom shall be elected each year for a term of five years. No member shall be eligible for re-election until a lapse of one year.
5. Honored Leaders: Those whose service and consecration to the Church merit this honor, may be retired from active responsibility. These to be known respectively as elder emeritus, deacon emeritus, teacher emeritus, or member emeritus. Deacon and elder emeritus members are considered ex-officio members of the Church Board for life.
6. Ex-Officio Members: Ex-Officio shall be the status of those whose membership on boards and committees is desired and valuable. It shall be the policy of this church that Ex-Officio members may make motions and otherwise participate as normal members. Ex-Officio members may vote only when serving as chair of a group and then only to break a tie.

Section C: Duties of Officers
1. The Moderator shall call and preside at all business meetings of the Congregation and Church Board and shall be an ex-officio member of all departments and committees with the exception of the Pastoral Relations Committee.
2. The Vice-Moderator, in the absence of the Moderator shall call and preside at all business meetings of the Congregation and Church Board.
3. The Recording Secretary shall keep minutes of all regular or special business meetings of the Congregation, serve as secretary of the Church Board, keep a record of all regular or called meetings, and perform such other duties as required.
4. The Church Treasurer shall disperse all funds of the Congregation according to the authority designated to him/her by the Church Board, make a report at each regular meeting of the Board, an annual report to the Congregation, assist with budget preparation and, in cooperation with the Senior Minister, supervise the activities of the Financial Secretary.
5. The Church Historian shall gather and preserve data pertaining to the history, life and work of the Congregation, make available for publication any historical materials authorized by the Congregation, and present to the Board an annual historical statement.

Section D: Duties of Elected Leaders
1. The Elders shall share with the Minister in carrying out the pastoral ministry, participate in promoting the growth and welfare of the Congregation, provide guidance and leadership in the spiritual affairs of the Congregation, and serve at the Lord's table.
2. The Diaconate, in addition to serving communion, shall cooperate in promoting the growth and welfare of the Congregation; assist as congregational greeters, help with financial and visitation projects and with baptismal services; lead in the expression of a caring/sharing fellowship in time of need.
3. The Trustees shall act as legal agents of the Congregation under authority of the Church Board in all business matters, hold legal title to all church real estate and handle all business transactions related to that real estate, have supervision over all endowments and trust funds, and perform such duties as required by the laws of the State of Illinois and the Church Board.

Section E: Election of Officers and Leaders
1. A Nominating Committee shall be appointed by the Moderator at the September meeting. The committee shall be composed of two Elders whose terms do not expire in the current year, two members of the Diaconate whose terms do not expire in the current year, and two members of the Congregation who are not members of the Church Board. One of the members shall be designated as Chair of the committee by the Moderator.
2. Anyone may be eligible for nomination to office or leadership, without regard to race or gender, provided he/she is an active member of the Congregation.
3. All suggestions from the Congregation for nominees shall be in the hands of the Nominating Committee at least two weeks prior to the October Board meeting. The committee shall then consider qualifications, secure consent from nominees and prepare a slate consisting of one nominee for the offices of Moderator, Vice-Moderator, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, and Historian. The slate of nominees for Elders and Diaconate shall consist of one nominee for each vacancy. The committee shall present the slate of nominees to the Church Board on or before the October meeting for consideration.
4. The nominating committee shall present its nominations to the Congregation on or before the first Sunday in November for action.
5. All nominees who receive a 2/3 majority of votes cast by those present and voting shall be declared elected.
6. Vacancies in any office of the Congregation shall be filled for the unexpired term by nomination of the Moderator in consultation with the Minister and election by the Church Board.

Section A: Membership
1. The Church Board shall be comprised of the following:
a. The Moderator of the Congregation
b. Vice-Moderator of the Congregation
c. Recording Secretary
d. Treasurer
e. Historian
f. The Chair of the Elders and no more than three other Elders who shall be elected by the Eldership.
g. The Chair of the Diaconate and no more than three other members of the Diaconate who shall be elected by the Diaconate. Note: Following the annual election of officers, the Elders and Diaconate shall meet and elect a new representative to the Church Board from the new members of their bodies; one elder and one deacon shall be elected for a term of three years. Each term of office shall coincide with the nominee's term on the Church Board. Should a representative be unable to complete his/her term, the respective chair shall appoint a replacement.
h. The Chairs of all departments, standing committees, special committees and task groups (but not heads of subcommittees appointed by Department Chairs).
i. The President or a representative of each auxiliary or fellowship organization, provided they are at least 13 years of age.

Section B: Purpose
1. The Church Board shall conduct the business affairs of the Congregation and supervise the planning and execution of programs according to the general policies and desires of the Congregation.
2. The Church Board shall have authority to create and fund all paid support staff, provided the budget for such position(s) is approved at the annual congregational meeting. Support staff shall include all personnel who are not ministerial staff.
3. The Church Board shall recommend to the congregation the hiring or termination of any ministerial staff to include Associate Ministers and Youth Ministers. The Church Board is empowered to hire or terminate non-ordained/licensed support staff to include Christian Education Directors, Program Directors, or Music Coordinators, and others.

Section C: Special Task Groups/ Committees
When needed to administer the work of the Congregation, the Moderator shall appoint, with the approval of the Church Board, such special Task Groups/Committees as may be needed (e.g., Search Committee). These task groups shall perform duties assigned and shall continue for such time as designated.

Section D: Reporting
The Church Board shall make an annual report to the Congregation.

A: Responsibilities
1. The Minister of the Congregation shall be responsible for the functions normally associated with that office. We understand the various rolls of the minister as pastor, preacher, prophet, teacher, and administrator. We define these rolls as follows:
a. Pastor (Shepherd): Has the responsibility for the 'pastoral care' of all souls in the parish. As pastor, the care is extended to the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of every person in 'the flock," especially the 'lost sheep.' The pastor is a general practitioner with emphasis on physician of the soul.
b. Preacher: Communicates God's Eternal Truth as applied to the human situation. Speaks, explains and declares in deed the understood truth of God. Strives to inspire the Congregation to become participants in God's mission.
c. Prophet: Shall speak the hard truth of God's living word, calling the community of faith and the community at large to be accountable for their actions and attitudes as part of God's reign.
d. Teacher: Does basic and essential teaching in the training of the Congregation, especially in the areas of theological training in biblical studies. Teaches also by example, being a moral pillar of the community.
e. Administrator: Is responsible for the following:
~ The articulation of the basic purposes of the Congregation's need and program.
~ The administration of the processes of planning and implementation of the program;
~ The development of a creative attitude towards tension and conflict;
~ Helping the laity develop an effective program of action in the life and witness of the Congregation;
~ The recruitment and development of leaders.
2. The Minister shall be considered an ex-officio member of all organizations, including the Church Board.
3. The Minister shall supervise all employed personnel.

Section B: Selection of the Minister
1. The Moderator shall appoint a committee of nine members with one individual designated as Chair and approved by the Church Board, to serve as a Ministerial Search Committee. This committee shall be as representative of the congregation as possible in respect to a variety of ages (at least one should be a youth), gender, theological perspective, and longevity of membership. Additionally, at least one member shall be an elder. They shall be responsible for recommending the prospective minister to the Church Board. The committee should act in consideration of the procedures recommended by the Regional Office of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Illinois/ Wisconsin.
2. The Church Board shall consider the recommendation of the Ministerial Search Committee and, if approved, recommend the prospective minister to the Congregation.
3. The recommendation of the Church Board must be accepted by at least 3/4 majority of members present and voting in a regular or special business meeting of the Congregation before a call may be extended.
4. The terms of the ministry shall be for an indefinite period and may be terminated by the Congregation or the Minister upon 60 days written notice. A written statement setting forth the salary to be paid and other conditions of the call shall be made in duplicate, one copy for the Minister and one for the Congregation's records.