CONSTITUTION OF ROCKY MOUNT CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Revised May 2019

Preamble

We, the members of the Rocky Mount Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), a congregationally governed body, in order to promote the work of the church in the spirit of Christ and thus advance His Kingdom, do hereby adopt this constitution.  We are affiliated with the Virginia Region and the General Assembly of the Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ) as listed in the current year book and directory.

Article I.  Name and Purpose

Section A. Name.

The name of this organization will be the Rocky Mount Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Section B. Purpose.

The purpose of this church as revealed in the New Testament is to win people to faith in Jesus Christ and commit them actively to the church, to help them grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ that increasingly they may know and do His will, and to work for the unity of all Christians and with them engage in the common task of building the Kingdom of God.

 

Article II.  Membership

The membership of this church will consist of those who are now identified as members of the congregation and those who will unite with it by baptism or by transfer of membership. A person will be admitted on the basis of any form of Christian baptism.  All those who are identified as members will have voting privileges.

This church will not discriminate against anyone on the basis of race or national origin.

 

Article III.   Church Leadership

Section A.  Spiritual life leadership elected from the church membership

 

 

1. Elders

The board of elders will consist of all ordained elders.

 

1. Function:

(1). The board of elders will elect a chair and conduct monthly (regular) meetings.

The chair will schedule elders serving communion at the Lord’s Table and at

nursing homes, and as Worship Leader.

(2). The board of elders has the right to establish its own bylaws.

(3). Any elder who transfers membership to another church is automatically

removed from the board of elders.

(4). Any elder who wishes to resign must submit his/her resignation to the board of

elders who will forward an approved request to the church board for official

action.

 

1. Expectations:

(1). Promote the growth and welfare of the church.

(2). Give spiritual oversight to the congregation.

(3). Visit the sick and bereaved.

(4). Give thoughtful consideration to the policies of the church that will enable it to

fulfill its complete mission.

(5). Encourage fulfillment of the missionary, evangelistic, education, and

stewardship responsibilities of the church.

(6). Serve at the Lord’s Table.

1. Nominations for elder

The nominating committee will consult with the board of elders concerning nominations for elder.  The board of elders will have the right to request that a current elder be removed.

2. Diaconate (Deacons)

 

1. Communion Servers

Their function will be to cooperate with the elders in promoting the growth and welfare of the church; distribute the Lord’s Supper and receive the offering; assist in financial canvasses, visitation projects, and preparation of candidates for baptism; give counsel and serve in the business affairs and program activities of the church; cooperate in ministering to the needy; and perform such other duties as may be assigned.

1. Communion Preparers

Their function will be to prepare communion and to cooperate with the deacons in promoting the growth and welfare of the church, counsel and serve in the business affairs and program activities to the church; and perform such duties as may be assigned.

1. Junior Diaconate

The junior diaconate will be composed of youth who are at least in the fifth grade at the beginning of the church year. Their function will be to assist in the serving of the elements of the Lord’s Table and in collecting the offering during the regular Sunday morning worship service.

 

3. Acolytes

Acolytes are not required to be members of Rocky Mount Christian Church, they will be children who attend Rocky Mount Christian Church.

4. Trustees

1. There shall be a Board of not more than five Trustees elected to serve until they are unable or do not wish to serve.
2. The trustees will be nominated by the nominating committee with the prior approval of the current trustees, elected by the congregation and approved by the Circuit Court of Franklin County to serve until replaced at the pleasure of the congregation or until they are unable or do not wish to serve.
3. The Board of Trustees shall be responsible for the following:

(1)       To act as legal agents of the Church in all business matters, under the direction of the Church Board and subject to the approval of the Congregation.

(2)       To hold legal title to all Church property and handle all business transactions related thereto.

(3)       To have supervision over all endowment and trust funds.

(4)       To provide maintained adequate insurance on all Church property.

(5)       To perform other duties as required by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Church Board, and the Congregation.

Section B.  The Board of the Rocky Mount Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, hereafter referred to as the church board.

1. The church board will consist of the four officers and eight or nine members as follows: two elected from the eldership, six from the diaconate, and, if available, one junior deacon elected annually.

2. One-half of the church board, being one elder and three diaconate, will be elected for a period of two years. Following the expiration of a two year term, such members will not serve as church board members for a period at least one year if other qualified persons are available.

3. It will be the duty of the church board to:

1. Transact business of the church.
2. Direct the administration of the program of the church.
3. Consider and recommend to the congregation general policies.
4. Perform its duties according to the authority granted in this constitution or                   designated to it by the church in accordance with this constitution.
5. Hold monthly meetings.

4. The church board will hold special meetings by the call of the board chair or upon request to the chair or to any member of the board executive committee in the absence of the chair by any three members of the church board.

5.  The officers of the church board will be chair, vice-chair, secretary, and treasurer.  The chair and vice-chair will be elected for a period of one year, will not serve more than two successive years in each office, and will be voting members of the church board.  The secretary and the treasurer will be elected for a period of one year from the membership of the church and are voting members of the church board.  The secretary and the treasurer may hold these offices for a five year period of time, subject to congregational approval.

The duties of the above named will be as follows:

1. Chair – will preside at all regular or called business meetings of the church board, serve as chair of the congregation and the executive committee, and select the chairs of the standing committees.

1. Vice-Chair – will function as the chair in his/her absence. In the event the chair leaves office prior to the expiration of a full term, the Vice-chair will become the chair for the remainder of that term.

1. Secretary – will keep minutes of all regular or special business meetings of the church, serve as secretary of the church board, keep a record of all its regular or called meetings and perform such other assigned duties.

1. Treasurer – will disburse all funds of the church according to the approved budget or by motion of the church board; prepare and deliver reports at each meeting of the church board and at the annual meeting of the congregation; and serve as a member of the stewardship and finance committee.

1. At the discretion of the board chair, an assistant treasurer may be appointed to hold the office for a period of up to five years and to assist the treasurer as needed, but the assistant treasurer will not be a voting member of the board by virtue of this office. In the absence of the church treasurer, the assistant treasurer may serve in his/her place at committee meetings.

6. The executive committee will consist of the church board officers and the minister.

1. The executive committee will transact business specified by the constitution or delegated to it by the congregation between church board meetings.

1. The executive committee will hold meetings called at the discretion of any of its members.
2. The executive committee will serve as the personnel committee.

The responsibilities of the personnel committee are as follows:

(1). Maintain written personnel policies.

(2). Work with respective committees to develop contracts, job descriptions, and                             evaluations for church employees.

(3). Retain signed original contracts.

(4). Provide a grievance procedure for church employees.

Section C.  Standing Committees

 

1. The task of administering the program of the church will be delegated to the following standing committees:

1. Education e. Property
2. Evangelism and Outreach f. Stewardship and Finance
3. Fellowship g. Worship
4. Pastoral

Special committees will be appointed by the board as needed.

2. The chair of each standing committee will be appointed by the incoming board chair immediately following his/her election. Committee chairs will choose all committee members and each committee will include at least one elder as a member of the committee except for the pastoral committee which is already provided for in this constitution.

3. The purpose and duties of the standing committees will be as follows:

1. Education Committee

 

(1). It will be the purpose of this committee to develop an effective program of religious education for the entire constituency of the church.

(2). The responsibilities of this committee are as follows:

(a). Administer the Sunday school, vacation Bible school,  special educational

projects for various age groups, and youth and children’s programs.

(b). Provide leadership training programs to develop leaders for every phase

of church life.

(c).  Supervise the nursery.

(d). Order and distribute all educational supplies.

(e). Provide practical Christian aids for the betterment of home relations by                       sponsoring classes and institutes of family life, providing material of

premarital study by youth, and keeping available materials which will

help the home to be truly Christian.

(f). Coordinate the pastor’s class, lay studies, and other appropriate activities.

(g). Be responsible for the children’s Christmas program.

(h). Provide the church secretary with an annual roll of babies, children, and

youth.

(i). Be responsible for the job contracts of the youth director(s), and the

nursery worker(s).

(j). Submit an annual budget to the stewardship and finance committee.

B . Evangelism and Outreach Committee

(1).  It will be the purpose of this committee to cultivate an evangelistic spirit within the church and to help plan and administer the evangelistic program, and to assist in planning and administering the missionary program of the church as well as to foster world vision within the church.

(2).  The responsibilities of this committee are as follows:

(a). Notify the minister of prospective church members.

(b). Coordinate support for missions, special offerings, and other outreach

opportunities during the year.

(c). Educate the congregation about local, national, and international social

needs.

(d). Be responsible for the prayer chain.

(e). Submit an annual budget to the stewardship and finance committee.

1. Fellowship Committee

 

(1). It will be the duties of this committee to foster fellowship among the congregation.

(2). The responsibilities of this committee are as follows:

(a). Plan with the minister and/or board members the church meals and the annual

church picnic except for meals which occur as a part of other committees’ work

which will be the responsibility of those committees.

(b). Order food and kitchen supplies.

(c). Orient new members into the life and fellowship of the church.

(d). Assist the church secretary to provide memorial tributes and to send cards as

necessary.

(e). Submit an annual budget to the stewardship and finance committee.

1. Pastoral Committee

 

Understanding the joy, commitment and challenges of pastoral ministry, the pastoral committee will serve as a support group for the minister and the minister’s family.  They will help to facilitate positive and insightful communication between the minister and the congregation; serve as a mediator between the congregation and the minister in all matters of concern; and provide an oversight of the duties of the minister as written in the constitution. It is understood that all members of the Pastoral Committee will act confidentiality in all its actions and communications.

(1). The pastoral committee will consist of: the current board chair, one elder appointed by the church board, one deacon appointed by the church board and two members of the congregation selected by the minister and approved by the church board. members desiring to resign from the Pastoral Committee shall be replaced in the same manner selected.  Members will serve for two-year staggered terms.  Once a newly formed committee is in place, three members will be appointed for a full two-year term and two members will be appointed for one year’s terms, thus establishing the rotation process.  A committee member has to take at least one year off before serving again. The committee will elect a chair and vice-chair from the members of the committee.  It is important that committee members be persons the pastor trusts and with whom he feels comfortable, but also persons who will be open and honest with giving and sharing feedback from the congregation.

(2). The committee will hold quarterly meetings, unless cancelled by the chair or the minister. The committee may hold additional meetings requested by the minister or a member of the committee. It is expected that once a quarter, the chair/vice chair of the committee provide an update to the board of directors. All meetings of the committee will be one of the following types:

(a). A meeting with committee members and the minister.

(b). A meeting with the committee members only.

(c). A meeting with the committee, minister, and congregation.

(d). A meeting with the committee and the congregation only.

(3).      The committee will partner with the personnel committee in writing an initial 3-year contract for the minister and then an annual contract thereafter. The committee will conduct an initial 6-month performance review and annual performance reviews thereafter. In addition, the committee will provide an annual recommendation for the minister’s compensation package, including salary, benefits, vacation, and other time away, to the stewardship and finance committee for budget consideration after the initial 3-year contract.

(4). When the minister leaves the congregation, the pastoral committee concludes its work in that no committee of this nature will be formed during a period of an interim minister.  The search and call committee will serve as the pastoral committee for the new minister during the call and relocation process and for the first year of service.

 

1. Property Committee

(1). It will be the purpose of this committee to care for and to maintain all the properties of the church.

(2). The responsibilities of this committee are as follows:

(a). Prepare a written long-range plan and update it annually.

(b). Care for all buildings and grounds by recommending and supervising all

repairs and improvements.

(c). Keep all church equipment in proper condition and secure additional

equipment as needed.

            (d.) Care for any rental property owned by the church including management

                  and rent collection.

            (e). Keep an on-going record of improvements.

(f).  Consult with the personnel committee to recommend the employment or                      release of the custodian to the church board.

(g).  Supervise the work of the custodian.

(h).  Submit an annual budget to the stewardship and finance committee.

1. Stewardship and Finance Committee

 

 

(1). It will be the purpose of this committee to develop within the congregation an understanding for the full meaning of Christian stewardship and to direct the financial program of the church so that it will not only supply the financial needs, but prove a means of spiritual enrichment and character building for each one participating.

(2). The responsibilities of this committee are as follows:

(a). Promote Christian stewardship.

(b). Encourage pledging.

(c). Educate the congregation as to the stewardship needs of the church.

(d). Conduct an annual pledge or subscription to provide for the fiscal needs

of the church.

(e). Plan the annual church budget.

(f). Present the budget to the board for approval.

(g). Present the board approved budget at the annual congregational meeting.

(3). The church treasurer is a required committee member, but may not serve as committee chair. In the absence of the church treasurer, the assistant treasurer may serve in his/her place at committee meetings.

 

1. Worship Committee

(1). This committee will assist the minister in worship experiences for the congregation.

(2). The responsibilities of this committee are as follows:

(a). Schedule and train acolytes, children’s moment leaders, greeters, and

ushers.

(b). Assist the minister in planning and conducting special services.

(c). Assist the minister and candidates at baptismal services.

(d). Encourage personal and family devotions.

(e). Order materials for worship and devotions.

(f). Assist the minister in providing speakers and lay persons for the Sunday                     service whenever the regular minister is not available or as needed.

(g). Coordinate the annual 24 hour Lenten prayer vigil.

(h). Decorate the church for special services.

(i). Consult with the personnel committee to recommend choir directors and

organists to the church board when a vacancy occurs.

(j). Submit an annual budget to the stewardship and finance committee.

 

Section D.  Congregation

1. The congregation will consist of the church membership as described in Article II and others who participate in activities of the church.

2.  There will be a board of not more than five trustees. The trustees will be elected by the congregation and approved by the Circuit Court of Franklin County to serve until replaced at the pleasure of the congregation or until they are unable or do not wish to serve. They will act as the legal agents of the church in all business matters under the direction of the church board and subject to the approval of the congregation; hold legal title to all church property and handle all business transactions related thereto; have supervision over all endowment and trust funds; see that adequate insurance is maintained on all church property; and perform such duties as are required by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

3. The congregation will hold the following meetings:
4. An annual business meeting.
5. Special meetings will be called by the chair or vice-chair, or upon the

request of the church board.

4. Written notice and purpose of all regular or special business meetings of the congregation will be given at least two weeks in advance of the meeting.

 

Section E.  Election of Church Leaders

 

1. A nominating committee of five composed of at least two members of the church board and at least two non-board members will be appointed by the executive committee. This committee will be announced to the congregation via the church bulletin and newsletter. The committee will nominate candidates for elder, diaconate, junior diaconate, acolytes, membership on the church board, and officers of the board.

2. The nominating committee may solicit suggestions for nomination from the congregation. Any church member will have the right to submit suggestions for nomination to the committee.

3. The nominating committee will report its nominations to the church board at least one month prior to the congregational meeting. The church board may approve or alter the nominations.

4. All nominees who receive a majority of the votes cast by those present and voting at the annual meeting of the congregation will be declared elected.

5. The unexpired term for a vacancy in any office of the church will be filled through appointment by the executive committee. The congregation will be notified of the change via the church bulletin and newsletter.

6. The nominating committee will consult with the board of elders concerning all nominations for elder.

Section F.  Rules of Order

1. The church fiscal year will begin on January 1 and end on December 31.

2. All business of the church and related organizations will be governed by Robert’s Rules of Order.

Article IV. Minister

The minister of the congregation is a person serving Jesus Christ in response to God’s call to the Christian ministry.

1. Expectations:

1. A disciplined spiritual life of prayer and study.
2. The embodiment of Christian ethics and conduct.
3. A keen sense of balance between the demands of the church, family and personal health.

The minister will serve as the spiritual leader of the church; administer the total program of the church as approved by the church board, congregation, and constitution; and will perform the duties that pertain to the office upholding the ministerial guidelines as set forth by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Virginia.

1. Duties:

1. Preach the good news of Jesus Christ and encourage the congregation

through the truth of its message in the life of Christian discipleship.

2. Prepare and conduct weekly and/or special worship services.
3. Ensure that qualified individuals are available to conduct the worship service

in the minister’s absence (i.e. vacation, special guests and/or Laity Sunday).

4. Conduct weddings, funerals, or other special events as requested.
5. Covenant with church eldership to provide an ongoing ministry of pastoral

care and visitation within the congregation during times of illness,

bereavement, and personal and/or family crisis.

6. Use skills of leadership, teaching, and administration to support church life

and growth and to serve as an ex-officio member to all official and unofficial

boards and committees.

7. Oversee the work of the church office and supervise all paid employees.

1. Term of Ministry

The term of ministry will be for such period as is agreeable to both the minister and the congregation and may be terminated by either party upon thirty days written notice to the church board.  The church board will approve the required recommendation to terminate the minister’s term and present it to the congregation for final action.  The minister may terminate the term only by written notice to the church board.

Article V. Church Employees

Employees of the church may include but not be limited to the following:

1. Music Director

1. Organist

1. Youth Director

1. Custodian

1. Nursery Worker

1. Secretary

A written job contract which includes a job description approved by the church board is required for employment.

Article VI. Amendments

 

This constitution will be amended by a two-thirds approval of the church board and by the two-thirds vote of the congregation.

All amendments shall be listed at the end of the constitution and a corresponding number for the amendment assigned to appear in the body of the constitution at the relevant section.  The church secretary, under the direction of the board chair, shall be responsible for the addition of amendments to the master copy of the constitution.

Standing Rules

Standing rules are adopted motions which have continuous effects.  They may be amended, suspended, or rescinded by a two-thirds vote at any meeting of the church board.  The secretary and chair of the board are to add other motions that are designated standing rules at the time of the motion and voting to additions or corrections of the standing rules.

1. The procedure governing church employees will be as follows:

1. Any employee may be released when necessary upon the recommendation of the

minister and the relevant committee and upon a two-thirds vote of the church

board members present and voting.

1. If an employee resigns, it will be recorded in the board minutes.

2. The Search and Call Process will be as follows:

a. A representative committee of at least five consisting of at least one elder, at least

    one diaconate, at least one member of the congregation at large, and at least one

    junior diaconate (if available) will be selected by the executive committee and

    approved by the church board to serve as a search committee and be responsible

    for recommending a prospective minister to the church board.

1. The committee will work in partnership with the Regional Church (Disciples of

Christ) in Virginia to conduct a ministerial search and call for the congregation.

1. The church board will consider the recommendation of the search committee and,

if approved, recommend the prospective minister to the congregation.  The

approval by the church board must be made by at least a two-thirds majority vote

of the members present and voting. If a meeting of the church board is called to

approve a prospective minister, two weeks notice must be given to the board

members.

3. If the prospective minister is properly approved by the church board, a meeting of

the congregation will be called to vote on the recommendation of the search

committee and the church board by secret ballot.  A two-thirds affirmative vote of

the church members present and voting is necessary to approve the calling of a

new minister.

4. No non-church group or any individual will be permitted to use the church

facilities for holding sales or other money raising projects.

5. Non-profit, non-church groups or organizations may use church facilities only if

the board grants permission.

6. For members of this church there will be no charge for the use of facilities for

weddings and/or receptions of any type other than a $75.00 custodial fee paid in

advance.

7. For non-church members there will be charges as follows:

200. $200.00 for use of all the church facilities for a wedding with a reception, with

$75.00 of that paid in advance for custodial fees

100. $100.00 for use of all the church facilities for a wedding without a reception, with

$75.00 of that paid in advance for custodial fees

100. $100.00 for use of facilities for a reception of any type, with $75.00 of that paid in

advance for custodial fees

8. To use the church organ and pianos, persons will obtain permission from the

church board for lessons and practice.  Such use must be supervised by the

church organist or minister.

9. A church calendar shall be posted on the main bulletin board at the church

entrance, and maintained by the church secretary.  Meetings and programs

shall be listed on the calendar.

10. The positions of elder emeritus and pastor emeritus will be awarded by the

church board as appropriate.

11. The establishment of any special fund must be approved by the board.

12. The minister and the board chair, or vice-chair if the chair is not available, will

make the decision to cancel church services for any reason.  It is understood

that if the Town of Rocky Mount blocks West Church Street to traffic, services

will not be held.

13. Emergency Outreach Policy / Contingency Fund:

The Official Board of Rocky Mount Christian Church has adopted a policy

establishing an annual emergency outreach /contingency fund as a part of the

church’s efforts to assist those in our church family and in our community as

needs may arise.

Each year this fund will be replenished to a total of $1,000.00 from the general

fund. Contributions to this fund may be made at any time by anyone desiring to

do so. These contributions will be deposited in the general fund and passed

through to this account.

The Outreach and Evangelism Committee will work with the Senior Pastor will

approved any requests for outreach.

14. The annual congregational meeting will be held following worship on the third

Sunday in October.

15. The church board will meet at 7:00 pm on the fourth Monday of each month.

The regular meeting may be cancelled by the chair of the board as

circumstances dictate.