Living Truth of Christ Church

We look for the truth, learn the truth and then live the truth

About Us

James-Foster

Welcome

Thank you for choosing to visit our website. It is our sincere prayer that God ministers to you and allows you to experience His presence and love in a special way by what you find here. We are honored to have you here with us. May God bless you real good!

Thanks for Visiting!

We are so honored that you chose to visit the Living Truth of Christ Church family. One of the most important decisions in a believer’s life is the selection of a church home, and it means that you are entrusting that church with an awesome responsibility of nurturing your spiritual growth and well-being. As a church family, we take that seriously!

It is our sincere prayer that God will minister to you and allow you to experience His presence and love in a special way.

May God’s magnificent grace guide and affirm you as you explore our fellowship, and I look forward to serving you and seeing God’s perfect plan unfold in your life.

For His Kingdom,
James J. Foster, Senior Pastor
Minister Thometra M. Foster

 

Mission Statement

Our mission is to demonstrate God’s love and make a better community by the grace of God.

“We look for the truth, learn the truth and then live the truth” (for the purpose of impacting the world with the knowledge and following of Jesus Christ.)

“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24

Our Purpose:

Living Truth of Christ Church is here to grow for God!

  • To Grow Larger through Outreach (Evangelism)
  • To Grow Stronger through Worship
  • To Grow Warmer through Fellowship
  • To Grow Deeper through Christian Education (Discipleship)
  • To Grow Broader through Service (Ministry)

 

History of Living Truth of Christ Church

In October 2012, Pastor James J. Foster received a vision and direction to establish another strong Bible church in the greater Lafayette area. Under God’s guidance and much prayer, Pastor Foster and seven members established the church. The first worship service was held on Sunday, November 4, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Towne Place Suites by Marriott Hotel with a total of twenty in attendance.

The congregation experienced authentic Christian fellowship as they grew to love each other and minister to one another. The church grew to a membership of over seventy during the first year. A total of ninety-two attended during the first Easter Sunday service.

In December 2015 the church purchased its first location. We continue to seek God as we pray for His guidance in pursuit of our next step.

Our Constitution

Living Truth of Christ Church

Constitution and Bylaws

PREAMBLE

We, the members of Living Truth of Christ Church, do establish the following articles, which form our Constitution this fourth day of October, 2013.

ARTICLE I

NAME OF THE CHURCH

The name of the church shall be Living Truth of Christ Church.

ARTICLE II

PURPOSE

Living Truth of Christ Church is a non-denominational church and is not subject to the control of any national or international ecclesiastical body.

It is our purpose to meet frequently for worship, fellowship, Christian education, and outreach in accordance with Acts 2:42. The message we declare is based upon the entire Bible. We proclaim the truths of the Bible, being confident that God is glorified and our needs are met when His truths are presented and obeyed.

We experience God through worship where we celebrate the presence of God and we experience God through Christian fellowship. We share Christ through discipleship when we educate God’s people and we share Christ through evangelism when we communicate God’s word.

We are Christ-like as we love people through the ministry of service.

ARTICLE III

STATEMENT OF FAITH

SECTION 1 – THE HOLY SCRIPTURES

We believe that the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are inspired by God, are inerrant in the original writings, are the Word of God, and the final authority in faith and conduct. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21)

SECTION 2 – THE GODHEAD

We believe in one God, the creator of man and all things, eternally existing in three persons in a threefold relationship: that of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Genesis 1:26; Matthew 28:19)

SECTION 3 – THE STATE OF MANKIND

We believe that man was created in the image of God; that he sinned and thereby incurred not only physical death but also spiritual death, which is separation from God; that Adam’s sin is imputed to the whole race of mankind; that all human beings are born with a sinful nature; and that when they reach the state of moral responsibility become sinners before God in thought, word and deed. (Genesis 1:26; Romans 5:12; Romans 6:23)

SECTION 4 – THE PERSON AND WORK OF JESUS

We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, and is God incarnate, the God-Man. (Luke 1:30-35; John 1:1, 14, 18; Hebrews 4:15; Philippians 2:5-11)

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures and that all who believe on Him are freely justified before God and stand before Him accepted in the character and merit of Jesus Christ. (Romans 3:25-31; 2 Corinthians 5:14; Hebrews 10:5-14)

We believe in the bodily resurrection, in His ascension into heaven, and that in His present glorified body He is the head of the church, the Lord of the individual believer, the high priest over the house of God, and the advocate in the family of God. (John 20:20; Philippians 3:20-21)

SECTION 5 – THE HOLY SPIRIT

We believe that the Holy Spirit dwells in believers immediately after they place their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and that God provides, through the Holy Spirit, power to live the Christian life. (Romans5:5; 8:9-11; Galatians 5:16-25)

We believe that believers receive grace from God in the form of spiritual gifts, which enable them to function as members of the body of Christ. (Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 12:7; Ephesians 4:7)

SECTION 6 – SATAN

We believe that Satan is the prince of demons and adversary of God and man.  However, when the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross, He limited the power of Satan and guaranteed the ultimate triumph of God. (Ephesians 2:2, I Peter 5:8; Revelation 20:10; Colossians 2:13-15).

SECTION 7 – SALVATION

We believe that no one can enter the Kingdom of God unless born again spiritually and that the new birth of the believer comes only through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  We believe also that our redemption has been accomplished by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ and that this redemption is by the grace of God, an unmerited gift, given in love by God and not the result of any human works.  (John 3:7-18; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:13; Romans 4:4-5)

We believe that upon receiving the Lord Jesus Christ by faith, the believer passes immediately out of spiritual death into spiritual life, and into fellowship with God. (John 1:12; 5:24)

We also believe that once this salvation is accomplished, we and all true believers everywhere shall be kept saved forever. (John 10:28-29; Romans 3:24, 8:35-39; 2 Timothy 2:11-13; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:5, 8-9)

SECTION 8 – THE CHURCH

We believe that all who are united to the risen and ascended Son of God are members of the Church, which is the body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Acts 2:42-47)

SECTION 9 – THE RAPTURE AND THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

We believe that a future period of great tribulation on earth will be climaxed by the return of the Lord Jesus Christ to the earth as he went in person in the clouds with power and great glory to establish His millennial kingdom. But prior to this tribulation, we believe there will be the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ in the air to receive to Himself into heaven both His own whom are alive and remain until His coming and also all who have died in Christ Jesus.  (I Thessalonians 4:13-17; Zechariah 14:4-11; Revelation 3:10)

SECTION 10 – ETERNAL STATE

We believe that at death the spirits and souls of those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation pass immediately into His presence and there remain in conscious bliss until the resurrection of the glorified body when Christ comes for His own, whereupon soul and body reunited shall be associated with Him forever in glory.  All those who rejected Jesus Christ will eternally be separated from God to endure His eternal wrath forever.  (2 Corinthians 5:8; Revelation 20:11-15, 21:1-27)

SECTION 11 – THE RESPONSIBILITY OF LEADERS

We believe God appoints leaders (elders and deacons) to guide His church in the understanding and application of Holy Scripture. It is their responsibility to be examples of godliness as they see to the spiritual well-being and protection of the flock over which God has given them charge.  (Acts 6:1-8; Acts 20:28; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1-3)

SECTION 12 – CHURCH ORDINANCES

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ instituted the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper to be observed by all believers until His return. (Matthew 28::19; Luke 22:19-20; Acts 10:47-48)

We believe that the ordinance of baptism is immersion of the believer in water as it sets forth the essential facts in redemption – the death and resurrection of Christ and the essential resurrection to newness of life.  (Romans 6:4; Acts 8:26-39)

We believe that the Lord’s Supper is a privilege afforded to all believers in commemoration of our Lord’s death until He comes. (1 Corinthians 11:23-28)

ARTICLE IV

ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION

Living Truth of Christ Church shall be organized administratively in accordance with biblical principles. The business activities, policies, functions, and affairs of the church shall be governed by the Board of Elders, as detailed in Article V. Fiduciary responsibilities for the Church reside with the Board. The Board shall include elected officers (chair, vice chair, secretary, and treasurer); members-at-large; and the pastor, who serves as a voting ex-officio member.

At the discretion of the Board, deacons may be appointed to assist the elders in serving the needs of the members of the church, as described in Article VI.

At the discretion of the Board, church staff may be appointed to assist in the routine administration of the church affairs. Staff positions may include, but are not limited to, church clerk, church secretary, and maintenance personnel.

Living Truth of Christ Church shall be comprised of members and associate members, as defined in Article VII.

ARTICLE V

BOARD OF ELDERS

SECTION 1 – QUALIFICATIONS OF THE BOARD

Qualifications of the elders shall be in accordance with the guidelines established in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. That is, an elder must have a reputation that is above reproach; must be temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, and able to teach; and must not be self-willed, quick tempered, pugnacious, contentious, or addicted to strong drink. An elder must be free from the love of money, a good manager of the household, a lover of what is good, a just and devout person, and mature in the Christian faith.

SECTION 2 – PURPOSE, POWERS, AND AUTHORITY

  1. Authority
    The business activities and affairs of the church shall be governed by the Board of Elders or their qualified appointees, who shall be ultimately responsible to the Board. As the church holds the belief that the New Testament places the burden of governing on a plurality of elders, the Board of Elders shall oversee the congregation and make policy decisions with regard to the affairs, functions, direction, and business of the church. These decisions must reflect a clear biblical perspective and the best interest of the church. Authority to execute documents, deeds, contracts, and any other legal documents of the church, shall be vested in the Board of Elders.
  1. Pulpit Supply

The Board of Elders shall make provision for the supply of the pulpit if the pastor fails to do so, or in his absence.

  1. Funds of the Church

The Board of Elders (specifically the Treasurer) shall be responsible for ensuring that the funds of the church are received and distributed in accordance with the goals and purposes of the church, as stated in Article II of this constitution.

  1. Salaries

The Board of Elders shall set (or structure the guidelines to determine) the salaries, wages, and benefits for the pastor, staff members, and employees of the church.

  1. Conservation of Church Property

The Board of Elders shall make provisions for the conservation and maintenance of all the property of the church.

SECTION 3 – SPIRITUAL OVERSIGHT

The Board of Elders shall be responsible for assisting and supporting the pastor. The Board of Elders is to provide in its determination the professional resources necessary for the pastor to effectively lead the ministry of the church and ensure that the spiritual purposes of the church, as set forth in Article II, are realized.

SECTION 4 – CHURCH ADMINISTRATION

The pastor shall represent the Board of Elders in the development and administration of the programs of the church. Such programs shall be in accordance with the purpose and goals of the church as defined in Article II of this constitution.

SECTION 5 – COMPOSITION OF BOARD AND TERM OF OFFICE OF ELDERS

  1. Number of elders

The number of elders shall not be less than five (5) and no more than nine (9).

  1. Term of office of elder

The term of office for an elder shall be three (3) years. An elder may be reappointed by the Board, in accordance with Section 6 of Article V, for another term of office after a one-year hiatus between appointments.

SECTION 6 – NOMINATION, APPOINTMENT, AND AFFIRMATION

  1. Nomination of elders

As term limits for elders result in Board members rotating off the Board on a three-year cycle, the Board will periodically (typically on an annual basis) invite nominations for the position of elder. Nominations may come from the Board or the congregation and should be directed to the chair of the Board. At the close of the stated nomination period, candidate names will be made public and the congregation will be invited to bring forward to the Board any cause for denial of a candidate for office, be it unfitness or other cause that would prevent a candidate from faithfully serving. At the conclusion of the comment period, the Board shall assess the qualifications of the prospective candidates, (as prescribed in Article V, Section 1), select the candidates to move forward, and oversee their training.

  1. Appointment of elders

Upon the successful completion of the elder training program, each candidate will be presented to the Board for approval as a qualified candidate.  Upon approval by a two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Elders, a quorum being present, each candidate shall be presented before the congregation for approval. A majority approval of the congregation is required for appointment.

SECTION 7- QUORUM OF THE BOARD OF ELDERS

The quorum necessary to conduct the business of the Board shall exceed two-thirds of the members of the Board of Elders (as detailed numerically in Section 8-A).  The proxy of an elder may not constitute an attendance for the purpose of a quorum.

SECTION 8 – VOTING OF THE BOARD OF ELDERS

  1. Voting

At least a two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Elders, a quorum being present, is required for the adoption of any motion. In this way (under normal conditions), at least half of the entire Board of Elders has approved support of resolutions that are passed, as illustrated in the table below.

Number of elders Quorum Required votes to pass a resolution

                                5                                4                              3

                                6                                5                              4

                                7                                5                              4

                                8                                6                              4

                                9                                7                              5

 

  1. Proxy

An elder may vote by proxy executed in writing and filed with the chair of the Board before the meeting is called to order; however, such proxy shall not be counted toward the majority attendance required for a quorum. No proxy shall be valid beyond the meeting for which it was tiled.

  1. Conflict of Interest

Conflicts of interest may arise for a variety of reasons and therefore should be identified and managed in order to ensure the integrity of the decision-making process. Prior to voting, the chair will ask if any voting member has a conflict of interest. A conflict of interest is defined as any reason or circumstance that would prevent or be perceived as preventing a member from rendering an objective decision. Examples of conflicts of interest include (but are not limited to) a member of the Board have an amorous, financial, family, or business connection with the subject of the vote. If any member of the Board believes that conflicts of interest have not been disclosed prior to voting, that member should raise the point for review and consideration. If a board member has a conflict of interest in association with a particular vote, that member should recuse himself/herself from the deliberations. If as a result of recusals, the Board determines that the number of voting member is too small, the Board may elect to enlist former Board members or newly approved Board members whose terms have not yet begun, or deacons to participate in the voting process to help assure a fair and robust decision-making process.

SECTION 9- MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF ELDERS

  1. Regular meetings

There shall not be less than one regular annual meeting of the Board of Elders.

  1. Special meetings
  2. The chair of the Board may call a special meeting of the Board when necessary or expedient. In the absence of the chair, or in the event of the disability, inability to serve, or removal of the chair, the vice-chair of the Board may call a special meeting of the elders when necessary or expedient.
  3. Chair of the Board of Elders

At the discretion of the Board of Elders, a member or members of the congregation may address the Board of Elders in person on a specific issue.

  1. Action of the Board without meeting
  2. Requirements for action without meeting

Any action of the Board may be taken without a meeting if unanimous consent shall be reached among all the members of the Board entitled to vote. Action taken in this manner shall be recorded in the official minutes of the next meeting of the Board.

  1. Limits of action without meeting

The terms of the preceding paragraph shall not apply to the procedures for removal of an elder, pastor, or deacon from office.

SECTION 10 – RECORDS OF MEETINGS

  1. Written records, resolutions, and minutes of the proceedings of the Board shall be maintained at all times.
  2. The Board of Elders shall appoint one of its members to the office of Secretary of the Board. The secretary shall be responsible for the preparation and maintenance of the written records, resolutions, and minutes of the proceedings of the Board.

SECTION 11- RESIGNATION AND DISMISSAL OF ELDERS

  1. Resignation of elders

The resignation of an elder from office shall be in writing and submitted to the Board. If personal illness, infirmity, or inability to serve prevent the resigning elder from fulfilling this responsibility, another elder may act on behalf of the elder in submitting the resignation.

  1. Dismissal of an elder other than the pastor

If, for any reason, whether for unfaithfulness, unfitness, or other cause, the Board of Elders at a properly held meeting shall deem it necessary or desirable to remove an elder from office, the Board of Elders at such meeting shall select and appoint a committee of four to inquire into, investigate, and examine the validity of the reasons or cause.

After such inquiry, the committee shall make a written report of its recommended action to the Board of Elders. If the committee recommends removal of the investigated elder from office, a two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Elders, a quorum being present, shall be necessary to remove such elder from office. Before such vote is taken, the Board of Elders shall allow the elder to appear and speak to the Board in his or her defense.

SECTION 12- VACANCIES OF THE BOARD OF ELDERS

When a vacancy (other than the chair) occurs on the Board, such vacancy shall be filled according to the procedures for nomination, appointment, and election of elders set forth in these by-laws.

SECTION 13- OFFICERS OF THE BOARD OF ELDERS

  1. The Board of Elders shall appoint one of its members to the office of chair.

The Chair shall preside over all meetings of the Board and of all congregational business meetings and shall set the agenda for all board meetings. The offices of chair and secretary of the Board shall not be held by the same person.

  1. The Board of Elders shall appoint one of its members to the office of vice-chair.

The vice-chair shall preside over the meetings of the Board in the absence of the chair or when designated by the chair. He/she shall be authorized by the chair to act in the chair’s place and on his/her behalf as an ex-officio member of any committee designated by the chair.

  1. Secretary of the Board

The Board of Elders shall appoint one of its members to the office of secretary.

The secretary shall preside over meetings of the Board in the absence of the chair and vice- chair. The secretary shall be responsible for the recording, preparation, and maintenance of the records, resolutions, minutes, and other actions of the proceedings of the Board of Elders.

  1. Treasurer of the Board

The Board of Elders shall appoint one of its members to the office of treasurer. The treasurer shall preside over meetings of the Board in the absence of the chair, vice-chair and secretary. The treasurer shall be responsible for the proper recording, reporting, and safeguarding of the funds of the church. The treasurer shall be responsible for the financial statements, presentations to the Board of Elders, and presentations to the congregation concerning the financial affairs of the church.

  1. Reports of the Board to the church
  2. Annual report of the Board

The Board shall make an annual report of the actions of the Board to the church.

  1. Other reports of the Board

The Board, may at its discretion, make other reports of the actions, business, and status to the church at such times as deemed necessary.

SECTION 14- PASTOR

  1. Nomination of the pastor

The Board of Elders shall appoint a committee, composed of elders and members of the congregation, to seek candidates for the position of pastor. The committee will be chaired by an elder, and shall recommend candidates for the office of pastor to the Board of Elders. The candidate for pastor shall be nominated by a two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Elders, a quorum being present. He shall thereafter be recommended to the members of the church at a meeting of the church called for that purpose.

  1. Election of the pastor

After the nomination and recommendation of the pastor by the Board of Elders, the pastor shall be elected, by a two-thirds vote of those members present at a congregational meeting called for the purpose of electing the pastor. This meeting shall have been announced not less than fourteen (14) days prior to said meeting. Should the candidate receive less than a two-thirds majority vote of the members present, the matter of nomination and election shall be returned to the Board of Elders.

  1. Responsibilities of the pastor
  2. The pastor shall be the recognized leader of the church. The pastor shall be responsible for providing general guidance to the church and overseeing the implementation of the policies established by the Board of Elders.
  3. It shall be the duty and obligation of the pastor to be the primary teacher of the Word of God as contained in the Old and New Testaments and to oversee the spiritual ministry of the church, which shall include but not be limited to the administration of the ordinances and direction of worship services.

The pastor shall be an ex-officio member of each ministry and entitled to attend any meetings of the groups within the church.

  1. It shall be the responsibility of the pastor to be the primary spokesperson of the policies, goals, direction, vision, and ministry of the church to the members as well as to the broader community at large.
  2. Dismissal of the pastor

The Board may act to terminate the services of the pastor. The pastor is excluded from attending the meeting of the Board called to consider the termination of the pastor and shall have no right to vote at such meeting either in person or by proxy. The pastor’s duties at such meeting shall be assumed by the vice-chair.

The removal of the pastor shall be by the same procedure as is provided for the calling, nomination, and election of a pastor. Before such action of removal is taken, the Board shall allow the pastor to speak to the Board in his or her own defense.

If, for any reason, whether for unfaithfulness, unfitness, or other cause, the Board at a properly held meeting shall deem it necessary or desirable to remove the  pastor from office, the Board at such meeting shall select and appoint a committee of four to inquire into, investigate, and examine the validity of the reasons or cause. The vice-chair shall lead the committee. The pastor who is the subject of such inquiry shall not have the power to vote and shall not cast a vote at any meeting related to such inquiry or removal from office.

ARTICLE VI

DEACON

SECTION 1- QUALIFICATIONS OF DEACONS

The qualifications of the deacons shall be in accordance with the guidelines established in I Timothy 3:8-13 where it is written that deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truth of the faith with a clear conscience. Deacons must be responsible, trustworthy, and have a proven record of being able to manage their affairs with integrity.

SECTION 2- PURPOSE OF DEACONS

The purpose of deacons is to assist the elders in serving the needs of the members of the church.

SECTION 3- DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF DEACONS

The duties of deacons are to assist in meeting the spiritual, physical, material, and temporal needs of the members; to encourage and develop individual moral and spiritual character; to serve as an advisor and support group to the elders; to guard the unity of the spirit within the church and to perform other duties and responsibilities delegated and prescribed by the Board of Elders.

SECTION 4. NOMINATION, APPOINTMENT, AND ELECTION OF DEACONS

  1. Nomination of deacons

Nominations of persons to be considered for the office of deacon may come from the congregation to the Board of Elders, as well as, from the Board itself.  At the close of the stated nomination period, candidate names will be made public and the congregation will be invited to bring forward to the Board any cause for denial of a deacon candidate, be it unfitness or other cause that would prevent a candidate from faithfully serving. At the conclusion of the comment period, the Board shall assess the qualifications of the prospective deacon candidates, select the candidates to move forward, and oversee their training.

  1. Appointment of deacons

Upon successful completion of the deacon training program, each candidate will be presented to the Board of Elders for approval as a qualified candidate for the office of deacon. Upon approval of the Board by a two-thirds majority,  a quorum being present, each candidate shall be presented before the congregation for approval. A majority vote of the congregation is needed for approval.

SECTION 5- NUMBER AND TERM OF OFFICE OF DEACONS

The number of deacons shall be set by the Board of Elders and determined in accordance with the size of the congregation. The term of office for a deacon shall be three (3) years. A deacon may be reappointed for a succeeding term at the discretion of the Board of Elders.

SECTION 6- RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL OF DEACONS

  1. Resignation of deacons

The resignation of a deacon shall be in writing and submitted to the Board of Elders. If because of illness, infirmity, or inability any deacon is unable to serve, another deacon may act on behalf of that deacon in submitting the resignation.

  1. Removal of deacons

If for any reason, whether for unfaithfulness, unfitness, or other cause, the Board at an officially held meeting shall deem it necessary to remove a deacon, the elders shall appoint a committee of deacons, chaired by an elder, to inquire into, investigate, and examine such reason or cause. As part of the inquiry process, the deacon in question will be allowed to speak on his or her own behalf.

After such inquiry, the committee shall make a written report of its recommended action to the Board of Elders. If the committee recommends removal of the deacon being investigated, a two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Elders, a quorum being present, shall be necessary to remove such deacon from office.

ARTICLE VII

MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1 – PERMANENT MEMBERS

Membership in the church shall be acquired by affirmation of personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, the believer’s baptism, and the successful completion of the church’s pre-membership classes. The applicant shall be interviewed by at least one of the following: pastor, elders, deacons, and/or by specified representatives as to personal salvation.

SECTION 2 – ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Applicants who desire to retain their membership in another church outside the city or state, but who are residing temporarily in the Greater Lafayette area for educational, vocational, or other purposes as recognized by the elders, may be admitted into the membership of this church in the same manner as prescribed for permanent membership. Associate members shall possess the same rights and privileges as regular members while attending Living Truth of Christ Church.

SECTION 3 – RECEIVING MEMBERS

All applicants shall be publically presented to the church body at a regular worship service.

SECTION 4 – CONGREGATIONAL INVOLVEMENT IN DECISION MAKING

Whereas governing of the church is vested in the Board of Elders, the Board may from time to time bring before the congregation matters/issues which are currently being considered by the Board.  Any matter/issue so presented to the congregation may be for the purpose of solicitation of advice, input seeking, or data gathering, which the Board deems necessary to assist in making the best possible decision.

SECTION 5 – MEETING OF THE MEMBERS

An annual meeting of the members of the church shall be held.  In this annual meeting, the membership shall receive: (1) an annual report of the actions of the Board of Elders, (2) the pastor’s report, update and perspectives, (3) a review of the church’s performance in the most recent budget period, (4) an analysis of the next proposed budget along with (5) a set of minutes from the most recent annual meeting.

Weekly worship, midweek prayer service, Bible study, and other regular meetings of the entire congregation may be set and established by the Board of Elders.

Other special meetings of the membership shall be called by the Board of Elders and/or the pastor as they deem necessary. An appropriate advanced noticed shall be given to the congregation.

SECTION 6 – RIGHTS OF THE MEMBERS

All members of the church are entitled to vote at all elections and on all questions submitted to the church, provided the member is present or provision has been made for absentee balloting.

SECTION 7 – DUTIES OF THE MEMBERS

Members of the church are expected to:

  • Receive Christ as their Lord and Savior, be baptized, and agree with the church’s statements
  • Protect the unity of the church by acting in love toward other members, by refusing to gossip, and by following leaders (Rom. 14:19; 1 Pet. 1:22; Eph. 4:29; Heb. 13:17)
  • Share in the responsibility of the church by praying for it’s growth, inviting the unchurched to attend, and by warmly welcoming those who visit ( 1 Thess. 1:1-2; Luke 14:23; Rom. 15:7)
  • Serve the ministry of the church by discovering their gifts and talents, by being equipped to serve, and by developing a servant’s heart (1 Pet. 4:10; Eph. 4:11-12; Phil. 2:3-4, 7)
  • Support the testimony of the church by attending faithfully, by living a godly life, and by giving regularly (Heb. 10:25; Phil. 1:27; 1 Cor. 16:2; Lev. 27:30)

SECTION 8 – WITHDRAWAL OF MEMBERS

Members may withdraw from the church roll at their own request by giving a written notice.  Such withdrawal requests and any notices of change of church membership shall be recorded by the administrative staff and a letter of acknowledgement sent to the withdrawing member.

SECTION 9 – DISCIPLINE AND DISMISSAL OF MEMBERS

In harmony with the scriptural teaching of the Christian faith, discipline must be a functional part of the local church (Matthew 18:15-20; Galatians 1:8-9; II Thessalonians 3:11; I Corinthians 5:1-13). The Board of Elders shall discipline any member who knowingly holds false or heretical doctrine, who knowingly lives inconsistently with their Christian profession, or who knowingly would disturb the unity and peace of the church. The goal of discipline is to restore the person to the church whenever there is repentance and evidence of change. The Board of Elders shall oversee all disciplinary action.  After prayerful consideration and the implementation of the discipline process, as outlined in the church’s discipline policy, any person may be dismissed from membership, and his/her name stricken from the church roll by a 2/3 majority vote of the Board of Elders, a quorum being present.

SECTION 10 – RESTORATION OF DISMISSED MEMBERS

The church also has the responsibility of restoring dismissed members who give satisfactory evidence of repentance (II Corinthians 2:6-8) and who have corrected the offense.  Such membership restoration occurs only by a two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Elders, who shall inform the congregation of the same.

ARTICLE VIII

RECORDS

SECTION 1- MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS

The church clerk or the duly appointed officer through action of the Board of Elders or through proper delegation to one or more members of the church, shall keep accurate and complete financial, administrative, and other records. This includes minutes of the proceedings of meetings of the Board committees, and shall keep a record of the names and addresses of the members entitled to vote.

SECTION 2- INSPECTION OF RECORDS

  1. At the discretion of the Board, such written records shall be open for inspection by the members, upon request, at such reasonable times and places as determined by the secretary of the Board. The records will not be made available if it is determined by the Board of Elders that the showing of such records might be detrimental to an individual member, unjustifiably invade the privacy of an individual (e.g. supplying individual tithing or donation records), or negatively affecting some pending issue of the Board.

SECTION 3- REVISION OF MEMBERSHIP RECORDS

In an effort to maintain accurate and complete church records, the membership list will be reviewed every year. If a member has not attended the church during a month period, the elders or their appointee shall contact said member to determine the member’s possible need for counsel or ministry and desire regarding church membership. If it is determined that said member no longer worships at Living Truth of Christ, or if the member cannot by any reasonable means be located, his/her name shall be removed from the membership list.

ARTICLE IX

DISSOLUTION OF THE CORPORATION

This corporation may be dissolved under the terms and provisions of the Non-Profit Corporation Act of the State of Indiana, under the charter of the corporation and under the appropriate provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of the federal government.