It shall be the purpose of all officers of the General Board, the minister(s), and all Church organizations to work toward complete fulfillment of the purposes of the Church as stated in the Constitution.

1. The selection of a Senior Minister shall be according to the following plan:
   1. The Nominating Committee shall nominate nine (9) participating members representing a cross section of the congregation to be a Search Committee for a new Senior Minister. The nominees shall be approved by the General Board.
   2. The Regional Minister shall be notified of a vacancy and candidates’ credentials shall be cleared through him/her.
   3. The General Board shall consider the recommendation of the Search Committee, and if it is approved by eighty (80) percent of a quorum, recommend the prospective Senior Minister to the congregation.
   4. The recommendation of the General Board must be accepted by at least eighty (80) percent of the congregation’s participating members present and voting in a regular or special business meeting before a call may be extended.
   5. The congregational meeting at which a vote for a prospective Senior Minister will be held shall be publicized in some publication of general distribution to the congregation, the newsletter or independent mailing at least ten (10) days before the meeting.
   6. The term of the Senior Minister shall be for an indefinite period and may be terminated by either party on sixty (60) days notice. A written statement setting forth the salary to be paid and other conditions of the call shall be made in accordance with denominational procedures. The statement of agreement shall be signed by the Chair of the Search Committee, the Chair of the General Board, and the Senior Minister.
   7. An annual evaluation of the Senior Minister, his/her programs and administration shall be made by the Staff Relations Committee in consultation with the Senior Minister.
2. The Senior Minister shall be the spiritual leader of the Church; shall be ex-officio member of all organized groups in the Church; shall be counsel and guide in all Church activities and shall perform those duties which are in keeping with the profession of a minister of the Gospel of Jesus the Christ.
3. It shall be the responsibility of the Senior Minister to organize membership classes at such times as seems advisable. The classes shall instruct new members or candidates for membership in the belief, organization and procedure of the Church. Among those points discussed in full with new or potential members shall be the significance of baptism. Persons who shall confess Jesus shall be baptized and shall receive the hand of Christian fellowship from the congregation.
4. The Senior Minister shall be responsible for selecting all members of non-ministerial staff in consultation with the Staff Relations Committee.
5. The Senior Minister shall be responsible for selecting ministerial staff in consultation with the Staff Relations Committee and confirmation by a quorum of the General Board.
6. The Senior Minister, appropriate ministries, committees and organizations, and all individual members, shall work actively to increase and develop the membership of the congregation.

Duties of other ministerial staff shall be defined by the Senior Minister in conjunction with the Staff Relations Committee.

1. Members of the General Board shall be as follows:
   1. Elected by the Congregation:
      1. Officers of the General Board (they shall also serve in the same capacity for the Congregation):
         1. Chair
         2. Vice-Chair
         3. Secretary
      2. Officers of the Church:
         1. Financial Overseer
         2. Financial Secretary
         3. Church Clerk
      3. Others:
         1. Administrative Team Representative for Pre-School
   2. Selected from within groups elected by the Congregation:
      1. Trustee Chair
      2. Elder Chair
      3. Diaconate Chair
   3. Selected by members of groups:
      1. Christian Women’s Fellowship Representative
      2. Christian Men’s Fellowship Representative
      3. Christian Youth Fellowship Representative
   4. Appointed by General Board, Chair and Senior Minister:
      1. Chair of Functional Ministries of the Church
         1. Education
         2. Worship
         3. Church Growth
         4. Membership
         5. Outreach
         6. Stewardship
         7. Property
         8. Youth Committee
      2. Chair of Standing Committees of the General Board
         1. Nominating
         2. Staff Relations
         3. Library
   5. Ex-Officio Member:
      1. Senior Minister
2. The membership of the General Board shall be revolving. There shall be a total of twenty four (24) voting positions.
3. The following are also elected each year by the congregation but are not members of the General Board:
   1. Four (4) Elders to serve three (3) years.
   2. One (1) Trustee to serve five (5) years
   3. A minimum of seventeen (17) members of the Diaconate to serve up to (3) years
   4. Assistant Financial Secretary
4. Each group, ministry, committee shall report to each General Board meeting only on items of interest and an annual report at the end of the year.
5. A majority of the members of the General Board shall constitute a quorum.
6. Members of the General Board shall be notified by telephone, newsletter, e-mail or church bulletin before each meeting.
7. A special meeting of the General Board may be called by the Chair of the General Board or a quorum of the General Board. Notice shall be no less than three (3) days.
8. A vacancy shall be declared by the General Board upon resignation, death, removal from the community, or for a willful failure to carry out the duties of the office.
9. All members of the General Board shall be participating members of the Church.
10. Chairs of Ministries and Committees who are members of the General Board may appoint a person to represent them at General Board meetings with voting rights.

1. The General Board Chair and the Senior Minister shall appoint all ministry and committee chairs and in conference with these chairs, appoint all ministry and committee members for standing and special committees.
2. General Board officers, ministry chairs and other members selected by the minister shall be members of the Senior Minister’s Cabinet.

1. Preside over all General Board meetings and over the business meetings of the Congregation.
2. Represent the Church in the community or elsewhere when official lay representation is required.
3. Counsel with the Senior Minister in development of a well-rounded and unified program for the Church.
4. Call special General Board meetings and all Congregational meetings.
5. Appoint an outside entity to audit the financial reports at the end of each year as the General Board deems necessary.

1. Perform all duties of the Chair in the absence of the Chair.
2. Serve with the Chair and other officers in making appointments and developing and conducting the total Church program.
3. Be prepared to serve as the next General Board Chair.

The General Board Secretary shall keep the minutes of the General Board, Congregational and Senior Minister’s Cabinet meetings.

The Financial Overseer shall make an annual review of the Church books and financial records and make an annual report to the General Board.

1. The Financial Secretary shall be responsible for the collection and immediate deposit of all Church funds, and shall be responsible for the records of gifts, pledges, and other financial contributions to the Church. The Financial Secretary shall report to the General Board as it requires.
2. The Congregation shall elect the Assistant Financial Secretary to assist the Financial Secretary. The Assistant Financial Secretary is not a Board position and shall have a voting position on the Board only in the absence of the Financial Secretary.

The Church Clerk shall keep up-to-date records of participating and nonparticipating members of the Church; shall prepare letters of transfer under the provisions provided in SECTION II, B. of the Bylaws; and shall make bimonthly reports to the General Board and a yearly report to the General Board.

1. The Trustees shall organize themselves as soon after the annual meeting as is possible and no later than January 15. They shall elect a Chair and Vice-Chair. The Trustees shall meet on call of the Chair, but not less than once each quarter. A special meeting of the Trustees may be called by a majority of the Trustees.
2. The principle responsibilities of the Trustees shall be those outlined in Article V. Section II, of the Constitution. In addition, the Trustees shall:
   1. Be responsible for the insurance program of the Church.
   2. Be responsible for major repairs or maintenance on the Church properties. If these projects cost more than could be properly handled in the Church budget, then the acceptance of the project by the General Board shall be required.
   3. Provide bonds for those officers handling church funds.
   4. Oversee the Memorials and Gifts Committee and the Scholarship Committee. See Section XXV for Memorials and Gifts Committee responsibilities and Section XXVI for Scholarship Committee responsibilities.
   5. Make regular reports to the General Board on all special and permanent funds.

1. The Elders shall organize themselves as soon as possible after the annual meeting and no later than January 15. They shall have a Chair and Vice-Chair. They shall meet on call of the chair but not less than bi-monthly. The Vice-Chair shall be prepared to serve as Chair the following year.
2. The main responsibilities of the Elders shall be to serve Communion at the Lord’s Table and to discover and employ ways to develop the spiritual life of the Church and its members. In carrying out these obligations, all Elders shall be active church members and cooperate with the work of the functional ministries.
3. Elders shall take communion to homebound and nursing home members each month and to hospital patients each Sunday.

1. The Diaconate shall organize itself as soon as possible after the annual meeting and not later than January 15. It shall elect a Chair and a Vice-Chair.
2. It shall be the duty of the Diaconate to prepare and serve communion and receive the offering on such occasions as these functions are performed by the Church. The Diaconate will care for the communion trays and emblems following each such function in preparation for future use.
3. The Diaconate shall be considered leaders of the Church and in that capacity are to actively participate in the functional program of the Church. The Diaconate shall be active church members
4. Youth in grades 9-12 who actively participate in the life of the Church, while not necessarily being members of the Church, may be elected to serve one (1) year terms as members of the Youth Age Diaconate. These terms of service may be successive. The Chair of the Diaconate shall not be selected from the Youth Age Diaconate.

1. The Education Ministry Chair, the Church School Superintendent and at least three (3) additional members, shall meet on call of the Chair, but not less than bimonthly.
2. It shall be the duty of the Education Ministry to:
   1. Administer and supervise the Church School, including the setting of educational standards and the selection of teachers.
   2. Plan, develop and carry out leadership training activities.
   3. Plan, develop and carry out a Vacation Bible School.
   4. Keep abreast of denominational educational material and provide that information to the Church School Superintendent.
   5. The Church School Superintendent as appointed by the Chair of the Education Ministry shall keep records of attendance and offering of the Church School.
   6. Develop and maintain any literature program that the Church deems advisable for its membership and recommend educational books for the library.
   7. Report activities of the ministry to the General Board and to the Congregation as requested.

1. The Worship Ministry shall include but not be limited to the Senior Minister, the Music Minister, a representative of the elders, the diaconate, and the CYF, and shall meet on call of the Chair, but not less than bimonthly.
2. It shall be the duty of the Worship Ministry to:
   1. Discuss and evaluate ways of improving the worship service. These suggestions shall be carried out with the knowledge and approval of the Senior Minister.
   2. Be available for assistance to the Senior Minister in helping to carry out the worship responsibilities of the Church at Easter, Christmas, or at any other time when the Senior Minister might feel a need for help.
   3. Provide and direct use of inspirational material and physical aids to worship in the Church and its departments.
   4. Develop the music program of the Church, including the recommendation of the paid music personnel to the Senior Minister in consultation with the Staff Relations Committee.
   5. Maintain a smooth and efficient greeter program.
   6. Encourage individual and family devotions.

1. The Church Growth Ministry composed of a Chair and at least three (3) additional members shall meet on call of the Chair, but not less than bimonthly.
2. It shall be the duty of the Church Growth Ministry to:
   1. Provide a means for visitors to register.
   2. Meet and welcome newcomers to the congregation and try to develop an atmosphere in the Church that is immediately friendly to those strangers who might enter the Church.
   3. Develop and maintain an adequate and accurate evangelistic prospect roll, cultivating such persons to develop an interest in the Church.
   4. Develop procedures for meeting and visiting persons in the community who should be won to Christ and active membership in the Church, and plan and promote visitation programs.
   5. Be responsible for any Church wide programs that might be helpful in carrying out the above duties.

1. The Membership Ministry, composed of a Chair and at least three (3) additional members, shall meet on call of the Chair, but not less than bimonthly.
2. It shall be the duty of the Membership Ministry to:
   1. Orient new members into the life, fellowship and program of the Church by providing them with a new member packet.
   2. Seek every possible way to use the talents of each member of the Church in some part of the program of the Church.
   3. Create a spirit and program of fellowship among all members through the fellowship time after Worship and Church dinners.
   4. Seek to restore all inactive members to full participation.
   5. Maintain contact with the shut-ins.

1. The Outreach Ministry, composed of a Chair and at least three (3) additional members shall meet on call of the Chair but not less than bimonthly.
2. It shall be the duty of the Outreach Ministry to:
   1. Plan, promote and carry out an outreach program each year.
   2. Develop programs that will assist in the education of the congregation in their denomination missions program.
   3. Encourage outreach giving and make recommendations to the Stewardship Ministry for mission outreach giving through the budget.
   4. Promote our denomination’s special offerings through the newsletter and minutes for mission in Worship Services.
   5. Seek out local outreach possibilities for Church participation.

1. The Stewardship Ministry composed of a Chair and at least two (2) additional members shall meet on call of the Chair, but not less than bimonthly.
2. It shall be the duty of the Stewardship Ministry to:
   1. Develop the financial budget of the Church each year and monitor its status throughout the year.
   2. Plan and carry out an every member financial estimate of giving program each year.
   3. Provide stewardship education for the Church through newsletter articles and minutes for stewardship in Worship.
   4. Develop a knowledge among the ministry of the financial records and management of the Church.
   5. Develop a program or bring in a program for encouraging bequests and special gifts to the Church and its causes.
   6. Make a year to date financial report of income and expenses at each General Board meeting.

1. The Property Ministry, composed of a Chair and at least four (4) additional members, shall meet on call of the Chair but not less than bimonthly.
2. It shall be the duty of the Property Ministry to:
   1. Maintain a system of use or rental of the Church by member and non-member groups.
   2. Maintain a system through which members may borrow items from the Church.
   3. Plan and coordinate fix-up and cleanup activities for the Church including recruiting volunteers to carry out the activities.
   4. Check on a regular basis for any maintenance needs.
   5. Arrange for and supervise inside cleaning, outside mowing and snow removal. All required contract work shall be approved by the Trustees.
   6. Arrange for the stocking of disposable goods for the kitchen.
   7. Coordinate van drivers and service the van as needed.
   8. Monitor expenses for Church utilities including summer watering schedule, sprinkler repair and provide the Stewardship Ministry with estimated cost of utilities each year for budgeting purposes.

1. The Youth Ministry Team shall be composed of a chair, a ministerial staff member, one adult sponsor from each youth group, and four additional members, to include two parents of youth actively engaged in the program and two members of youth groups. All three groups need to be represented.
2. It shall be the duty of the Youth Ministry Team to:
   1. Assist in the planning and evaluation of regularly scheduled activities for the youth of First Christian Church.
   2. Assist in the planning, conducting and evaluation of special events, retreats, and worship services for the youth of First Christian Church.
   3. Assist in the recruiting, training, supervision and support of adult sponsors for all youth activities.
   4. Arrange for a host to be present during activities at the church.
   5. Develop and propose to the General Board policies to ensure that the youth program is consistent with the goals and values of First Christian Church and that programming is age appropriate and all appropriate safety precautions are taken.
   6. Assist in raising financial support for the youth programs and in the promotion and interpretation of youth activities to the congregation.
   7. Encourage and enable youth to participate in regional and general youth events, camps, retreats, etc., sponsored by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and ecumenical partners.
   8. Assist in planning and maintaining of the budget for the youth program.

1. The Nominating Committee, a standing committee of the General Board, shall be composed of the Vice-Chair of the General Board and four (4) additional members appointed by the Chair of the General Board.
2. It shall be the duty of the Nominating Committee to:
   1. Present a slate of officers to be voted upon by the General Board and by the Congregation at its annual meeting.
   2. Submit names to the General Board to fill vacancies of elected offices that might occur during the year.

1. The Staff Relations Committee, a standing committee of the General Board, shall be composed of a Chair and four (4) additional members, all of whom shall be nominated by the Chair of the General Board and confirmed by the General Board.
2. The Staff Relations Committee shall:
   1. Work in cooperation with the Senior Minister in the search for other ministerial staff.
   2. In cooperation with the Senior Minister, review workloads, ministry needs, program initiatives, etc., and recommend positions and job descriptions to the General Board as appropriate.
   3. Review job descriptions regularly and ensure that each fulltime employee has knowledge of and access to a current job description.
   4. Draft personnel policies for presentation and recommendation to the General Board.
   5. Ensure that each fulltime employee has knowledge of and access to employee handbook containing personnel policies.
   6. Conduct an annual performance review for the Senior Minister. A written summary with recommendations shall be provided for the Senior Minister and the General Board.
   7. Ensure that each fulltime employee receives an annual performance review from the Senior Minister or other appropriate supervisor.
   8. If an annual performance review indicates need for improved performance, or if the Staff Relations Committee becomes aware of inadequate performance at any time in the year, the Staff Relations Committee will meet with the staff member to develop specific goals and a timeline for improvement. If the staff member fails to comply within the specified time, the Staff Relations Committee may bring to the General Board a recommendation for further action which might include dismissal. (Probationary employees may be dismissed without such notice, as provided in the Employee Handbook.)
   9. In cooperation with the Senior Minister, review compensation, reimbursable expenses, benefits and working conditions annually for each fulltime employee and recommend adjustments to the General Board.
   10. Provide assistance and resources as requested by the Senior Minister to resolve conflicts within the staff or between a staff member and a member of the Congregation. If a staff member has a conflict that cannot be resolved by the Senior Minister or if the conflict is with the Senior Minister, the Staff Relations Committee will seek to mediate the conflict.
   11. Following the resignation of the Senior Minister, bring to the General Board a recommendation of an individual to serve as chief of staff until an interim or Senior Minister is in place. The duties of the designated chief of staff will include, but not be limited to, those supervisory and administrative functions normally performed by the Senior Minister. The designated chief of staff will work in cooperation with the Staff Relations committee as provided in these Bylaws.
   12. Following the resignation of the Senior Minister, bring to the General Board a recommendation of an interim whose duties will include, but not be limited to, those supervisory and administrative functions normally performed by the Senior Minister. The Interim Senior Minister will work in cooperation with the Staff Relations Committee as provided in these Bylaws.
   * Fulltime is defined as an employee whose normal workweek is 30 hours or more.

1. The Library Committee, a standing committee of the General Board, shall be composed of a Chair and two (2) additional members.
2. It shall be the duty of the Library Committee to:
   1. Accept and purchase books for the Church Library and clear out-of date titles.
   2. Catalog books and oversee the borrowing of books.

1. The Memorials and Gifts Committee, a standing committee of the Trustees, shall be composed of the Chair and three (3) rotating members. The rotating members shall be appointed by the Chair of the General Board for a three (3) year term.
2. It shall be the duty of the Memorials and Gifts Committee to:
   1. Work directly with families concerning designations of the memorial funds. The committee will keep detailed, accurate and up to date records of the memorials and designations in the Memorial Book and work with the Financial Secretary to keep the memorial financial records.
   2. Receive all presentations of gifts of a non-financial or materialistic nature following these guidelines:
      1. All donors will be asked to submit their presentations in writing before any action may be taken by the Memorial and Gifts Committee.
      2. The Committee shall hold needed conferences with the donor to determine the donor’s desires and placement wishes as well as any need or priority that might be involved.
      3. The Committee shall reject or acknowledge acceptance of the gift and shall see that the proper notation is set into the Memorial Book.
      4. The Committee will place a permanent marking or notation on the gifts accepted.
      5. All gifts and donations will become the irrevocable property of the Church.
      6. The Committee will determine the appropriateness of an item or in-kind gift for use in the Church.
      7. The Committee will be directly responsible to the Trustees and shall work closely with the Property Ministry and ministerial staff.

1. The Scholarship Committee, a standing committee of the Trustees, shall be composed of a Chair and two (2) additional members.
2. It shall be the duty of the Scholarship Committee to:
   1. Establish procedures for awarding scholarships to students within the Congregation and award such scholarships.
   2. Conduct fund raising activities to augment the scholarship funds.
   3. Work closely with the Trustees in the management of the monies in the scholarship fund.

1. The Ministries Cabinet shall be composed of all functional ministry chairs, officers of the General Board, Elder Chair, Diaconate Chair, Preschool Administrative Team Representative, Christian Women’s Fellowship Representative, Christian Men’s Fellowship Representative, and others the Senior Minister might choose. The Senior Minister shall call and preside at the meetings.
2. It shall be the duty of the The Ministries Cabinet to serve in an advisory and clearing house capacity, channeling suggestions into proper ministries and committees, coordinating activity, advising the staff, planning the calendar, carrying out preliminary discussion, and conducting other work of a similar nature.

These Bylaws may be amended at any business meeting of the General Board by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting on the amendment provided that such amendment has been publicized in some publication of general distribution to the General Board at least ten (10) days before the meeting.

The rules contained in Robert’s Rules of Order shall be used as the parliamentary authority for business procedure, except when it conflicts with the Bylaws.