Church of God 7^th Day in Grants Pass

Organizational Structure & By-Laws

Preamble

The Church of God 7th Day in Grants Pass is a Religious Nonprofit Corporation registered with the State of Oregon. The registered agent is Ralph R. Orton. Ralph R. Orton and Sherry L. Orton are the registered incorporators. In the event that the original incorporators can no longer fulfill their requirements as incorporators, the Elders will name one or more replacements and register the changes per Oregon law.

Statement of Purpose

As disciples of Jesus Christ …

The Church of God 7th Day in Grants Pass exists to acknowledge God, to praise Him, to love Him, to learn his desires for each member of the congregation, to act upon His desires as led by His Holy Spirit, and to obey Him.

The Church of God 7th Day in Grants Pass exists to share the joy of fellowship through mutual support as members of the one church, which is the body of Christ.

The Church of God 7th Day in Grants Pass exists to share and disseminate the good news of the kingdom and its King, Jesus, the Son of God.

Structure

The Church of God 7th Day in Grants Pass will have a Pastor, Elders, Treasurer, and various other positions as determined by the Pastor, Elders, and Congregation.

Pastor

The Pastor is selected by a two-thirds vote at a regular congregational meeting where a majority of the membership is present. The term of service and remuneration will be a part of this vote.

The Pastor may be unseated by a two-thirds vote at a regular congregational meeting where a majority of the membership is present.

The Pastor will chair regular meetings with the Elders.

The Pastor will chair the regular congregational meetings.

The Pastor will be responsible for Bible studies, baptisms, preaching, and similar matters.

The Pastor will not vote at any meeting unless his vote would decide the issue.

Elders

Elders hold their position for life unless unseated as described below.

Elders will be affirmed or rejected by a two-thirds vote at a regular congregational meeting where a majority of the membership is present.

Elders may be unseated by a two-thirds vote at a regular congregational meeting where a majority of the membership is present.

Elders will chair meetings involving matters of mediation or when the Pastor is unavailable for a regular meeting.

Elders will determine the positions of service to be created as well as the terms of service.

Elders will appoint Members to fill the various positions of service they have created.

Elders will determine the rules and format for congregational meetings.

Elders will determine the rules and format for their own meetings.

Elders will provide for an independent audit of the congregational finances at least once per year.

Elders will appoint the Treasurer.

Elders will determine who has signature authority in matters of congregational finances and what the scope of that authority is.

Treasurer

The Treasurer will keep the financial records.

The Treasurer will briefly report the financial condition of the congregation at each monthly meeting.

The Treasurer will provide detailed information to the Pastor and Elders at their request.

All disbursement of money from Church funds, other than ordinary operating expenses, requires approval by a two-thirds vote at a congregational meeting where a majority of the membership is present.

The Treasurer’s signature is required on all disbursements of congregational money. If the Treasurer is unavailable within a reasonable amount of time the Pastor may sign in his place.

Congregation

The Congregation has final authority in all matters subject to the following conditions.

A majority of the membership is present.

Only those people on the list of qualified members, maintained by the Elders, may vote on issues presented to the congregation.

The Elders will chair the meeting if mediation is involved.

The Elders may call for an advisory vote on the proposition to determine if the matter should proceed or be dropped. A majority vote of the congregation present will determine whether the matter may be dropped.

The Elders may delay acting on the proposition for one week without congregational consent or until the next regular meeting with majority consent of the congregation present.

The Elders will present the arguments for and against the proposition.

The Elders will present their viewpoint for consideration by the congregation.

The proposition will be settled by a two-thirds vote at the congregational meeting where a majority of the membership is present.

Qualifications of Membership

The Elders will determine who is a qualified member and keep a list of names of those qualified.