Chinese Bible Church of Greater Boston

BYLAWS

Article 1: Name

The name of this church is "Chinese Bible Church of Greater Boston" (CBCGB).

Article 2: Purpose

Our purpose is to glorify God by advancing the kingdom of Christ through worship and prayer, spiritual formation, community fellowship, ministry and service, evangelism and missions. (1 Pet 4:11; John 17:1 "Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you"; Matt 6:9-13, the Lord's Prayer)

1. Worship and Prayer: to participate in worship as a corporate expression of our passion for the supremacy of God in all things to the joy of all peoples. (John 4:24 "spirit and truth"; Rev 4:8-11, the throne room of God; Eph 2:21 "holy temple"; Mark 11:17 "house of prayer")

2. Spiritual Formation: to grow in the knowledge and application of God's Word in order to develop God's people toward full Christian maturity and to train them for effective ministry. (Eph 4:11-13 "become mature"; 2 Tim 2:2, discipleship; 1 Tim 3:15 "pillar and foundation of the truth")

3. Community Fellowship: to love and care for one another as the family of God by encouraging, supporting and praying for each other. (Acts 2:44-47, devoted to fellowship; Heb 10:23-25 "meeting together"; John 13:34-35 "love one another"; Eph 3:15, family of God)

4. Ministry and Service: to demonstrate the love of Christ to those in our church, in our community, and in the world. (Matt 25:34-40 "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers"; Gal 5:13 "serve one another in love"; 2 Cor 9:11-12, service as an expression of thanksgiving; Rom 12:4-8; Eph 4:12 "body of Christ")

5. Evangelism and Missions: to extend the Kingdom of God by advancing the gospel through evangelism in our community and through missionary endeavors throughout the world. (Acts 1:8 "my witnesses"; 2 Cor 5:20 "ambassadors of Christ"; Matt 28:18-20, the Great Commission; 2 Pet 3:9)

It is the founders' vision for this interdenominational church to reach people of Chinese heritage and to expand its outreach to all peoples.

Article 3: Statement of Faith

1. We believe that all Scripture - consisting of sixty-six books in the Old and New Testaments - is the only divinely inspired and infallible Word of God. Scripture is the supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct. (2 Tim 3:16-17; 1 Thess 2:13; 2 Pet 1:19-21; 1 Tim 4:12-13; Jas 1:21-25)

2. We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing as three persons - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit - who are equal in power and glory. This triune God created all, upholds all, and governs all. (Deut 6:4; Matt 28:19; Eph 2:18)

3. We believe that Jesus Christ our Lord is the Son of God - both fully God and fully man - and the Savior of the world. Through his life, death, and resurrection, he atoned for sin and made provision for the redemption of mankind. (Matt 1:18-25; John 1:14; 3:16; Rom 3:25; 1 Tim 3:16; Heb 2:9; 1 Pet 3:18)

4. We believe that the Holy Spirit, the third person of the blessed Trinity, brings people into a saving relation with God, and that he is the Comforter, Sanctifier, and Guide of all who receive Jesus Christ as personal Savior. (John 3:3-8; 14:16-18,26; 16:8-11,13,15; Titus 3:5; Rom 15:16; 2 Thess 2:13)
5. We believe that man was created in the image of God, for the purpose of glorifying God. We believe that as a result of the fall, sin entered into the human race as a universal condition, and that sin condemned the whole human race to death. (Gen 1:27; 3:1-6; Rom 5:12,18; 3:10-12,23)

6. We believe that repentance for sin and reception of Jesus Christ as personal Savior is the one and only way whereby sinful man may inherit eternal life. (Acts 4:12; 1 John 5:12)

7. We believe that the Church is the body of believers united in Christ with him as the head. The Church invisible and universal is composed of the redeemed of all ages. The local church is the visible manifestation of the invisible Church. (Acts 2:46-47; Matt 16:18; Eph 4:4-6,11-16; 5:23)

8. We believe that at the end of the age, the Lord Jesus Christ shall descend from heaven to redeem his people into eternal life, and to judge the wicked into eternal death. (1 Pet 4:7; Acts 1:11; 24:15; Matt 25:31-46; 1 Thess 4:14-17)

9. We believe that baptism by water is the public confession of Christ as Savior and Lord. It is a symbol of one's union, by faith, with Christ in death, burial, and resurrection. (Matt 28:19; Acts 2:38-41; Rom 6:3-5). We believe that the Lord's Supper should be observed by all believers. It consists of partaking corporately of the bread and cup, in remembrance of the death of Christ for the remission of sins. (1 Cor 11:23-34; Luke 22:19-20)

Article 4: Membership

1. Basis for Membership

A person who accepts the Statement of Faith and shows evidence of being a true Christian may become a member.

2. Admission of Members

A person may become a member of CBCGB after fulfilling all of the following conditions:

A. recommendation by a member of the Church Council or by two active church members who can testify that the candidate regularly participates in worship, fellowship, and service;
B. baptism at CBCGB, previous baptism in another church as a believer, or confirmation of infant baptism;
C. completion of the New Members Class with commitment to the Membership Covenant (persons baptized at CBCGB are expected to have completed this requirement prior to the baptism);
D. approval from the Membership Committee.

3. Active Members

An active member is a member who regularly attends church worship and supports church activities.

4. Inactive Members

The Membership Committee may designate as inactive any member who does not satisfy the conditions in Item 3 or has not voted for two consecutive years.

5. Termination by Separation

The Membership Committee, after consultation with a member, may recommend the separation of his/her membership to the Board of Elders under any of the following conditions:

A. the member submits a written request;
B. the member moves to a different locale and is unable to attend CBCGB services on a regular basis;
C. the member is inactive for a prolonged period of time.
6. Termination by Removal

By petition of at least two church members or by recommendation of the Membership Committee, and after review and admonition by the Board of Elders with due process, any member found guilty of gross misconduct and not evidencing genuine repentance shall be removed from membership. The principles described in Matt 18:15-17 shall be followed.

7. Reactivation of Membership

An inactive member may be reinstated by the Membership Committee after resuming an active relationship with CBCGB. A member terminated by separation may be reinstated by the Membership Committee (with a waiver from Membership Class) once the conditions prompting separation are resolved. A member terminated by removal may be reinstated by the Membership Committee after evidence of genuine repentance and with the approval of the Board of Elders.

Article 5: Leadership Structure

Under the general oversight of the Board of Elders, CBCGB ministries shall be implemented by the Board of Elders, the Board of Deacons, the pastoral staff, the Church Council, and committees authorized according to the Bylaws. (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet 5:1-3).

1. Board of Elders

A. Responsibilities

The Board of Elders shall be responsible for the spiritual welfare of the church and its members, shall oversee all aspects of the church, shall prayerfully seek and help implement God's will for CBCGB, and shall deal with such church business as cannot be delegated. (1 Pet 5:1-3; 1 Tim 5:17; Acts 20:28)

B. Qualifications

Elders shall have demonstrated leadership ability and servant attitude (such as having served as deacon for at least four years or having equivalent service experience), and shall meet the qualifications set forth in such Scripture as Titus 1:6-9 and 1 Tim 3:2-7. A minimum of four-years' active membership is required for nomination.

C. Membership

The Board of Elders shall consist of the Senior Pastor, the Associate Pastors, and at least three lay elders elected from the general membership. The Board of Elders shall not exceed ten members. When the number of lay elders is less than three, the Church Council shall assume the function of the Board of Elders.

D. Term and Confirmation

The term of a lay elder shall be three years. A lay elder is eligible for nomination to a second consecutive three-year term. After two consecutive terms, a person may not be nominated again for membership on the Board of Elders until at least one year has expired.

Candidates for elder shall be recommended by active members of the church to the Board of Elders through any member of the Church Council. The Board of Elders will finalize the list of nominees, to be confirmed at the Annual Membership Meeting by at least two-thirds of the votes cast.

An elder may be removed by agreement of at least two-thirds of the Board of Elders, and at least two-thirds of the votes cast at a Special Membership Meeting called for the purpose of voting on this issue.

E. Duties

(i) The Board of Elders shall be responsible for the spiritual oversight and administration of the total ministry of the church. It shall assure biblical administration of the ordinances of the church (i.e., communion, baptism), shall assure that the ministry conforms to the teachings of Scripture and the Bylaws, and shall review the major ministries annually.

(ii) The Board of Elders may establish such ministries and committees as it deems appropriate. These committees may assist in planning, coordinating, and implementing ministry activities.

(iii) The Board of Elders may assign its members to oversee the fellowship groups in the church.

(iv) In the extended absence of the Senior Pastor, the Board of Elders shall appoint an Acting or Interim Senior Pastor until the return of the Senior Pastor or until a permanent replacement is instated.

(v) The Board of Elders shall have sole responsibility to enter into a contract for employment with the Senior Pastor and with all other pastoral and administrative staff.

F. Organization

The Board of Elders shall elect a Chairman from its lay members to a one-year term. The Chairman shall be ineligible for election to consecutive terms. If the church has no other lay elder, the Chairman may serve successive terms. The Chairman shall preside over the meetings of the Board of Elders and the Church Council [See 5.3.B], and shall appoint an elder to keep minutes for the board.

Should the Chairman be unable to fulfill the designated duties, the Board of Elders shall appoint an Acting Chairman from its members until a successor is elected, or until the chairman is capable of resuming responsibility.

2. Board of Deacons

A. Responsibilities

The Board of Deacons shall be responsible for the operations and maintenance of the church property. Deacons may also lead designated ministries.

B. Qualifications

Deacons shall be church members in good standing and shall meet the qualifications set forth in such Scripture as Acts 6:1-6 and 1 Tim 3:8-13.

C. Membership

The Board of Deacons shall consist of at least eight but not more than twelve members elected from the general membership. The Church Council shall decide on the number of deacons to be elected each year.

D. Term and Election/Confirmation

The term of a deacon shall be two years. A deacon is eligible for nomination to a second consecutive two-year term. After two consecutive terms, a person may not be nominated again for membership on the Board of Deacons until at least one year has expired. If a deacon cannot serve the full two-year term, the Board of Elders may appoint another church member to serve the remaining term.

Candidates for deacon shall be selected by the Nomination Committee, chaired by a lay elder and consisting of at least one deacon and several additional church members appointed by the Board of Elders. The Nomination Committee shall submit the final list of candidates for deacons to the Church Council four weeks before the Annual Membership Meeting. Upon recommendation from the Church Council, nominees shall be elected/confirmed at the Annual Membership Meeting. If the number of candidates is equal to or less than the number of vacancies, a candidate shall be confirmed by at least two-thirds of the votes cast. Otherwise, a candidate shall be elected by a simple majority of the votes and the vacancies shall be filled in the order of the number of votes received.

A deacon may be removed from office by agreement of at least two-thirds of the Board of Deacons and at least two-thirds of the votes cast at a Special Membership Meeting called for this purpose.

E. Duties

The Board of Deacons shall be responsible for the general affairs of the church (such as managing and maintaining church properties), and shall provide logistical support to church functions.

Deacons shall provide personal support to ministries of the church through leadership, through encouragement of those who participate in that ministry, and through prayer for the ministry.

F. Organization

The Board of Deacons shall elect a Head Deacon, a Secretary, and a Treasurer, from its members.

The Head Deacon shall be elected to a one-year term and shall be eligible for election to consecutive terms. The Head Deacon shall preside over the meetings of the Board of Deacons.

The Secretary shall be elected to a one-year term and shall be eligible for election to consecutive terms. The Secretary shall serve both as Secretary of the Board of Deacons and as Secretary of the Church Council. [See 5.4.B]

The Treasurer shall be elected to a one-year term and shall be eligible for election to consecutive terms. The Treasurer shall also serve as Chairman of the Finance Committee. [See 5.4.C]

3. Church Council

A. Responsibilities

The Church Council shall coordinate the activities of, and shall facilitate communication among, the Board of Elders, the Board of Deacons, and the pastoral staff. The Church Council shall coordinate all motions that need to be approved by the church membership. The Church Council shall approve the annual budget of the church. Church Council meetings shall be called by the Chairman. Special meetings of the Church Council may be called by at least five members of the Council.

B. Membership

The Church Council shall consist of all members of the Board of Elders, the Board of Deacons, and the pastoral staff. The Chairman of the Board of Elders shall serve as Chairman of the Council, and the Secretary and Treasurer of the Board of Deacons shall serve respectively as the Secretary and Treasurer of the Council. If the church has no lay elder, the Head Deacon shall serve as Chairman of the Council.

4. Church Officers

The Senior Pastor, the Chairman of the Board of Elders, the Secretary of the Board of Deacons, and the Treasurer of the Board of Deacons are the church officers. (See Article 6 for the responsibilities of the Senior Pastor.)

A. Chairman

The Chairman of the Board of Elders shall preside at the Board of Elders meetings, Church Council meetings, the Annual Membership Meeting, and any Special Membership Meetings.
B. Secretary

The Secretary of the Board of Deacons shall assist the Chairman with the operations of the church. The Secretary shall record minutes of all Church Council and Board of Deacons meetings, and shall distribute them to the general membership. The Secretary shall post notice of the Annual Membership Meeting and any Special Membership Meetings, and shall be responsible for balloting. The Secretary shall post the minutes of the Annual and Special Membership Meetings.

C. Treasurer

The Treasurer of the Board of Deacons shall have custody of all funds belonging to CBCGB. The Treasurer shall also chair the Finance Committee.

The Treasurer shall prepare the church budget and shall provide monthly financial reports to the general membership. The Treasurer shall also submit an annual written report of church finances at the Annual Membership Meeting.

Article 6: Pastors and Ministers

1. Pastoral Qualifications

All pastors and ministers shall be conferred with church membership, shall meet the qualifications for office as set forth in such Scripture as 1 Tim 3:1-7, shall subscribe without reservation to the Statement of Faith, and shall accept the Bylaws of CBCGB. The New Testament uses the following terms for pastors: shepherd (1 Pet 5:2-4), elder, bishop, and overseer (Titus 1:5-7; Acts 20:17, 28).

2. Senior Pastor

A. Responsibilities

The Senior Pastor, under the authority of the Board of Elders, is the spiritual leader of the church and serves primarily as shepherd, preacher, and teacher. The Senior Pastor is also responsible for providing vision for overall church policy, for giving spiritual encouragement to its leaders, and for overseeing the operations of the church.

The Senior Pastor shall be a member of the Board of Elders, and shall supervise the other members of the pastoral and administrative staffs. The Senior Pastor shall serve ex officio as member of all other boards and committees of the church.

B. Confirmation

When the position of Senior Pastor becomes vacant, the Board of Elders shall appoint a Search Committee, consisting of seven members and chaired by a current lay elder with representation from the general church membership. The Search Committee shall seek and recommend a candidate for the pastoral office.

The recommendation of the Senior Pastor Search Committee shall be submitted to the Board of Elders. Upon approval by at least two-thirds of the elders, the recommendation of the Committee shall be submitted to the Church Council for coordination of confirmation by the church. The Chairman of the Church Council shall call a Special Membership Meeting. Confirmation by at least two-thirds of the votes cast shall be required to appoint a Senior Pastor.

The Senior Pastor shall enter into a contract for employment for a term of not less than one year or more than five years. The Senior Pastor may terminate the contract with six months' written notice. The contract of the Senior Pastor may be terminated or not renewed by the vote of at least two-thirds of the Board of Elders and with the approval of at least two-thirds of the votes cast at a Special Membership Meeting called for this purpose. The terms of the agreement shall become part of the Minutes of the Board of Elders.
3. Associate Pastors

A. Responsibilities

An Associate Pastor shall assist the Senior Pastor in overseeing the church ministries. Every Associate Pastor shall be a member of the Board of Elders.

B. Confirmation

A candidate for Associate Pastor shall be submitted by the Senior Pastor to the Board of Elders. Upon approval by at least two-thirds of the elders, the Chairman shall call a Special Membership Meeting. Confirmation by at least two-thirds of the votes cast shall be required to appoint an Associate Pastor.

An Associate Pastor shall enter into a contract for employment for a term of not less than one year or more than five years. An Associate Pastor may terminate the contract with six months' written notice.
The contract of an Associate Pastor may be terminated or not renewed upon the recommendation of the Senior Pastor with the approval of at least two-thirds of the Board of Elders.

4. Assistant Pastors and Ministers

With the approval of the Board of Elders, the Senior Pastor may appoint one or more Assistant Pastors and Ministers as required. All Assistant Pastors and Ministers shall be under the supervision of the Senior Pastor.

An Assistant Pastor or Minister shall enter into a contract for employment with the terms of the office not less than one year or more than five years. An Assistant Pastor or Minister may terminate the contract with six months' written notice. The employment of an Assistant Pastor or Minister may be terminated or not renewed upon the recommendation of the Senior Pastor with the approval of the Board of Elders.

5. Acting Senior Pastor

When absent for a limited time, the Senior Pastor may designate an Associate Pastor (or an Assistant Pastor in the absence of any Associate Pastor) to be Acting Senior Pastor. When the position of Senior Pastor is vacant, the Board of Elders shall designate an Associate Pastor (or an Assistant Pastor in the absence of any Associate Pastor) to be Acting Senior Pastor.

Article 7: Committees

The Board of Elders may establish and reorganize committees to assist in the implementation of church ministries. Committees shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

1. Stewardship Committee

The Stewardship Committee, under the supervision of the Board of Deacons, shall be in charge of the operations and maintenance of all church properties, and shall provide logistical support to designated church functions, such as property, transportation, food service, information and telecommunications, etc. Sub-committees shall operate under the Stewardship Committee. The committee shall consist of a chairman, the heads of the sub-committees, and additional members as needed. The chairman shall be a deacon appointed by the Board of Deacons.

2. Missions Committee

The Missions Committee shall be in charge of the missionary program of CBCGB and the allocation of the Missions Fund in accordance with the Mission Statement of the church. The committee shall consist of the Missions Minister and several additional members. The chairman shall be appointed by the Board of Elders.

3. Membership Committee

The Membership Committee shall have responsibility for the Membership Class, shall examine all candidates for membership, and shall elect candidates to membership. The committee shall consist of at least one elder who shall serve as its chair, a minister, and at least three current and past deacons appointed by the Board of Elders.

The Membership Committee shall also administer termination of membership by inactivity and by separation, as well as reinstatement of such memberships. The Membership Committee, with the approval of the Board of Elders, shall also administer the reinstatement of members terminated by removal.

4. Finance Committee

The Finance Committee shall oversee the financial matters of the Church and shall ensure compliance with IRS rules in all matters, such as all bank accounts using the name of CBCGB. The Committee shall also monitor, and has authority to audit, any church accounts. The committee shall be appointed by the Board of Elders and chaired by the Treasurer.

Article 8: Meetings

1. Business Meetings

A. Purpose of Membership Meetings

The purpose of Membership Meetings includes, but is not limited to, the following: Bylaw revision, appointment/termination of a Senior or an Associate Pastor, election/confirmation of elders and deacons, review of the annual budget, and approval of major construction projects and real property transactions.

B. Annual Membership Meeting

The Annual Membership Meeting shall be held in October for the purpose of presenting reports, holding elections, and conducting any other business that may properly come before the meeting. Written notice shall be posted at least two weeks prior to the meeting.

C. Special Membership Meeting

With at least two-weeks' notice, a Special Membership Meeting may be called by the Chairman, by the Senior Pastor, by at least five members of the Church Council, or by at least thirty active church members. The Secretary shall post notice and the Chairman shall convene the meeting. In case of emergency, such meetings may be held without a full two-weeks' written notice or posting.

With the exception of new motions from the floor, all resolutions passed at a Special Membership Meeting shall be binding. If a resolution approved in a Special Membership Meeting has bypassed any prerequisite procedure, the resolution shall take precedence.

D. Motions from the Floor

New motions from the floor in a Membership Meeting may be accepted for voting only at a future Membership Meeting.

E. Meetings of the Board of Elders, the Board of Deacons, and the Church Council

The Board of Elders, the Board of Deacons and the Church Council shall meet regularly - not less than once each quarter - to attend to church business.

2. Quorum

A. Annual and Special Membership Meetings

Seventy-five percent (75%) of the average number of valid votes cast in the preceding two Annual Membership Meetings shall constitute a quorum at all membership meetings. Absentee ballots shall be counted toward the quorum.

B. All Other Meetings

A simple majority of a group or committee meeting shall constitute a quorum for that meeting.

3. Voting

Only active members of CBCGB who are 18 years of age or older shall be eligible to vote at Membership Meetings. Absentee ballots may be cast for matters presented on printed ballots distributed to members before the meeting. Absentee ballots must be delivered to the Secretary prior to the meeting. A simply majority of votes cast shall be required to pass all resolutions, unless the Bylaws specify otherwise.

4. Conflict of Interest

In meetings of the Board of Elders, Board of Deacons, or Church Council, any person(s) having a conflict of interest shall be excluded from both the discussion and the voting. The responsibility for invoking the conflict-of-interest provision shall be with either the persons(s) involved or the chair of the meeting, e.g., Chairman of the Church Council or Head Deacon of the Board of Deacons.

Article 9: Amendments

The Bylaws may be amended, altered, waived, or replaced at any Annual or Special Membership Meeting by at least two-thirds of the votes cast, provided there is a quorum. Notice of any meeting for such purpose shall include the subject matter of the proposed amendment.