Church Bylaws

2. Goal

Church goal: To spread Kingdom of God.
Church motto: Kingdom of God to every home!  

To achieve it we will:

1.  Love the Lord with all our heart
2.  Love our neighbor as ourselves
3.  Spread the Gospel through evangelism
4.  Baptize new believers
5.  Teach everybody to follow everyting the Lord commanded

We serve our God through:

1. Worship: Gospel Preaching and Praise (Mark 16:15, 2 Tim. 4:2, John 4: 23-24)

2. Ministry: building up the Church through the manifestation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12: 412)

3. Mission: spreading the Word of God (Matt. 28: 19,20)

4. Membership: bringing God’s children into our fellowship (1 Cor. 12:27, Eph. 5:30)

5. Sanctification: the education of God’s people through discipleship (Eph. 4: 11-16)

The Church is independent, autonomous, in everything obedient to Jesus Christ – the Head of the Church. The Church can volunteer to partner with and join other Bible groups and associations.

(see Doctrinal Statement file)

5.1 Membership Enrollment

1. The Church consists of members acknowledging salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ and water baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. 1 Peter 3:21, Ephesians 4:5

2.  Anyone who wants to become a church member is required to: fill out and sign a membership application, meet with church pastors and testify about their conversion and Christian life experience, confirming their agreement with the Doctrinal Statement and Church Bylaws.

3.  Within two weeks after the candidate is introduced to the church, members can speak up about the candidate with pastors in verbal or written form.

4.  For everybody who wants to become a church member there is a membership class during which pastors communicate church doctrines, the vision and structure to the candidates.
5.  As soon as a probationary period is over and upon pastors’ recommendation, candidates can be accepted as members of church at one of the church services.

6.  There are different cases when candidates can be accepted as members. Those cases are:

6.1. New believers through water baptism

6.2. Resettlement (change of church) – through reference letter or verbal testimony from the local church.
6.3. Being out of church for long time – through faith testimony (if possible, to provide reference letter from another church if the candidate has been baptized before)
6.4. Excommunication- restoring membership through repentance

7. The Pastors Board meets with people who want to be baptized and presents them to church

8. Members of the church cannot be people professing or practicing non-traditional forms of intimate relationships, except for those determined by God: i.e. a marriage union between one man and one woman. Gen. 2: 18-25, Lev. Chapter 18, Rom. 1: 24-28

5.2 – Church discipline
1.  Church discipline is a part of biblical teaching about sanctification and focused on believer correction.   Church correction can be given in form of warning or excommunication from the church. Mathew 18:15-18

2.  Church member who violates Holy Scripture committing acts which are classified as sin, doesn’t repent and leave them, is subject to church correction.

3.  Church discipline is imposed when Pastor board establishes the fact of sin and lack of intention to repent and avoid it in future.

4.  If the person, who commits sin, repents and is looking for improvement, pastor board prescribes soul counseling for practical support. In such a case discipline measure is postponed until counseling is not finished.

5.  It is important to preserve purity and peace in the church so that our Lord can be glorified. That is why both pastors and church members have to do their best to correct that church member who neglects Bible and bylaw obligations. Pastors have to reinforce spiritual work with those who causes problems in church ministry and destroys peace in it by slander, gossiping, lie, conspiracy schemes or other indecent and non-christian actions.

6.  Church member who regularly, without any serious reason misses church services, neglects his or her spiritual obligations, doesn’t participate in communion within three months get a warning status from Pastor Board after carefully studying all factors. Afterwards the decision is to be brought to congregation.

7.  The church member who is disciplined, loses the right to be church member, participate in communion, take any church position or teach.

8.  To restore membership in church is possible only after repentance and visual evidence of spiritual life fruits.

9. In case of complexed and conflict situations all disputes have to be settled based on 1- Corinthians 6:1-7.

5.3 Leaving Church Membership
1.  Members can leave church membership as a result of a change of residence, when you move to another church, as a result of excommunication, or in the case of death.
2.  To leave church membership, one must submit an application and give it to the Senior Pastor. The application is reviewed by the Pastors Board. The decision is announced at the membership meeting.

3.  A letter of recommendation can be provided to a member upon request.
4.  A church member who is held accountable for his behavior or is subject to disciplinary action cannot be removed from membership at his request until his issue is fully resolved.

5.4 – Additional details
1.  Only local church members can attend and participate in formal membership meeting.  Non-members’ presence at a members meeting requires approval from ¾ of present church members.
2. Church staff positions can be filled only by local church members.

1.  Marriage is a free will union between man and woman (Genesis 2:24, Mark 10:6-9). Divorce is a sin (Luke 16:18), excluding cases that are covered by Holy Scripture (Matthew 5:32, 1 Corin 7:10-15)

2. Local church members educate their children in the fear of God according to Bible teaching (Deut 6:6-9, Col 3:20-21, Eph 6:1-4), using physical discipline as needed (Prov 13:24, Heb 12:6-8).

7.1 Water baptism

Water baptism is performed on a person who consciously confesses faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38). Baptism is a prerequisite for church membership. Those who wish to be baptized must complete a baptismal preparation class. The baptism will be performed by one of the church’s pastors.

7.2 Communion

1.  The Lord’s Supper is served by the pastors of the church on the first Sunday of each month, or at other times determined by the Elder Board.
2. In some cases, at the behest of the Elder Board, one of the ordained deacons of the church may serve the Lord’s Supper.
3.  He who leads the service of the Lord’s Supper explains the meaning and announces the biblical order and conditions for participating in it.

7.3 Other Rites

The ordination of ministers, marriage ceremonies, prayer over children, prayer with the laying on of hands, and other sacred rites are performed by the pastors of the church.

8.1 – Membership Meetings

1.  The responsibilities of members include: affirmation of the Senior Pastor and other pastors of the church, deacons of the church, administrator, treasurer, accountant, revision committees, adoption and amendment of the bylaws of the church, adoption and approval of the church budget, as well as the acquisition, sale and mortgage of real estate.

2.  A membership meeting is legitimate if it is attended by at least 50% of church members. Each member of the church has a say in the management of church affairs listed in the responsibilities of membership meetings. This right is exercised through participation in the discussion of church issues and voting at membership meetings.

3.  The decisions of the membership meeting are considered legitimate if a simple majority voted for them, i.e. 50% + one vote of those who participated in the voting. Exceptions are as follows:

3.1.  Election and confirmation of the pastors of the church. This requires the consent of at least 3/4 or 75% of the number of voters.

3.2.  Adoption of amendments and additions to the church bylaws. This requires the consent of at least 2/3 or 67% of the number of voters.

4. Membership meetings are initiated by the Elder Board. The date of the meeting is communicated to the church members two weeks in advance.

5.  Each member of the church may bring up any issue for discussion at an Elder Board Meeting. To do this, a member must submit a written proposal to any of the members of the Elder Board; the proposal must include the member’s name and contact information.

6.  A decision is made on each submitted proposal or comment. The decision is reported to the member. If necessary, the Elder Board will present the matter to the members.
7.  A decision made by the church through a vote becomes binding on every member of the church. Decisions are made by an open vote, with the exception of the election of the senior pastor, other pastors, and deacons of the church. Ballots will be used to elect them. (This amendment to the bylaws was adopted at the membership meeting held on March 14, 2010)

8.2 – Elder Board

1.  The leadership and administration of the church is carried out by an Elder Board comprised of spiritually mature brothers who meet the characteristics of a minister as presented in 1 Tim. 3.1-7; Titus. 1:6-9 and 1 Pet. 5:1-3 and approved by the church members.
2. The rights and responsibilities of the Elder Board include: spiritual care for church members, developing the strategy and ministry of the church, organizing church gatherings and membership meetings, organizing and developing Bible study groups, developing missionary and evangelistic ministries, applying church discipline, representing the church in state and administrative bodies, approval of financial transactions that are not the responsibility of the Administrative-Deacon Board, as well as other actions aimed at fulfilling the mission of the Church.

3.  The Elder Board consists of no less than five ordained pastors who have been approved to serve in the local church.

4.  A member of the Elder Board may be removed from serving on the Elder Board due to his physical inability to participate in the work of the council, loss of spiritual qualifications, or for other reasons that make his ministry impossible, if this is unanimously confirmed by all members of the Elder Board. The final decision will be made at the membership meeting.

5.  All members of the Elder Board have an equal vote. The Senior Pastor acts as chairman of the Elder Board

6.  The Elder Board elects a secretary from among its members, whose duties include keeping minutes of meetings. These minutes must contain: the place of the meeting, the time of the meeting, the list of those present, the agenda, all proposals, as well as the decisions made regarding each discussed issue. The minutes should be read at the end of each meeting and accepted. All minutes are stored permanently.

8.3 – Administrative-Deacon Board

1. The Administrative-Deacon Board consists of ordained deacons of the church and the heads of the departments of the material and technical ministries of the church. The Administrative-Deacon Board is headed by the administrator of the church.

2. The powers of the Administrative – Deacon Board include planning the budget for the material and technical aspect of the church ministry, solving issues related to the material and technical support of church ministries, solving current financial issues, approving financial reporting forms, providing material assistance to those in need, ensuring the safety of church property, keeping up church property in working order, coordination of the use of the church buildings, premises and inventory.

3. The Administrative-Deacon Board decides on the need to purchase things and materials, and oversees current construction and repair work of the church complex in accordance with the approved budget of the church. Non-budgeted expenses in excess of $500/month are subject to approval by the Elder Board.

4.  The Administrative-Deacon Board has the authority to hire technical staff.

5.  If necessary, other church members with professional skills may be invited to such councils as advisers on a particular issue.

6.  Voting is limited to members of the Board.

7.  All decisions of the Administrative – Deacon Board are recorded by the secretary of the church, and permanently stored. Copies of the minutes are forwarded to the church accountant no later than five days from the date of the meeting.
8.  Meetings of the Administrative – Deacon Board are held regularly once a month. The administrator of the church convenes and presides over these meetings.

9.  The Administrative – Deacon Board is accountable to the Elder Board of the church.

8.4 – Church Board

1.  The Church Board acts as a deliberative body.

2.  The Church Board includes: pastors, deacons, and heads of departments and ministries.

3.  The Church Board considers issues of practical ministry and collaboration of departments in fulfilling the tasks and goals of the church, and the long-term plans and vision of the church are presented and discussed.

4.  Heads of departments present progress reports.

5.  The Church Board is held at least once every two months. These meetings are chaired by the Senior Pastor or at his behest, one of the members of the Elder Board.

6.  Any member of the church may attend the meeting and make recommendations and suggestions on the effectiveness and organization of the departments and ministries of the church.

9.1 Church positions

1.  Only members of the local church who are spiritually mature and who express their agreement with the doctrines of the faith and the bylaws of the church can hold a church position.

2.  Elected positions in the church: Senior Pastor, Pastors, Administrator, Deacons, Treasurer, Accountant, Revision Committee.

9.2 Senior Pastor
1.  The Senior Pastor must meet the Scripture requirements of 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus. 1:6-9 and 1 Pet. 5:1-3. In addition, he should be gifted in the ministry of the Word, have experience in spiritual leadership, have a personal prayer life, and shepherd the church members.

2.  Responsibilities of the Senior Pastor include:

2.1.  Studying and preaching God’s Word.

2.2.  Prayer for church members.

2.3.  Providing pastoral care for church members through personal ministry or the appointment of other ministers.

2.4.  Providing spiritual guidance to the church

2.5.  Spiritual discipleship and preparation of ministers of different levels.

2.6.  Organization of the ministry of preaching and teaching at all levels of ministry to the church.

2.7.  Organization and leading church services.

2.8.  Coordination of the ministry of various departments of the church.

2.9.  The Senior Pastor has the right to participate in all councils, meetings, committees, groups, ministries and all departments in the church.

2.10.  The Senior Pastor is accountable to the Elder Board and Members

2.11.  To fulfill the pastoral ministry of the church in its entirety, the Senior Pastor may involve other ministers of the church in the ministry.

3.  The Senior Pastor may be relieved of his ministry duties for the following reasons and upon meeting the following conditions:

3.1.  At the personal request of the pastor. In this case, the Senior Pastor must give three months’ notice before termination of ministry.

3.2.  If the Senior Pastor ceases to meet the ministerial qualifications presented in 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus. 1:6-9 and 1 Peter 5:1-3. In such a case, the fact of sin or loss of qualifications must be confirmed by at least 75% of the votes of the members of the Pastoral Council. This decision is approved by a specially convened membership meeting, provided that this decision is supported by at least 50% of present church members.

4.  A Senior Pastor can be fully or partially financially supported by the church. In this case, the specific conditions and the amount of material support are stipulated in a special agreement. This agreement must be approved by the church members.

5.  The appointment of a new Senior Pastor is carried out by the Elder Board. The appointed candidate is presented to the church for approval at a specially convened membership meeting.

6.  To elect the Senior Pastor, at least 75% of the votes of present church members are required (see Section 8.1.3.).

7.  In case of illness or temporary absence of the Senior Pastor, his duties will be performed by one of the members of the Elder Board at the appointment of the Board.

9.3 Church Pastors

1. A pastor of the church must meet the biblical requirements of the Scriptures in 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus. 1:6-9 and 1 Pet. 5:1-3.

2.  A candidate for pastor is presented to the Elder Board for review of his suitability for the ministry. If he worked in another church, then the testimony of his previous ministry will be considered. He must receive the unanimous support of the Elder Board, and then presented to the members who will confirm his appointment.

3.  A pastor approved by the church becomes a member of the Elder Board of the church, and has the right to participate in the work of all councils, meetings, committees, groups, ministries and all departments operating in the church.
4.  A pastoral candidate must declare that he accepts and supports the doctrines and statutes of the church. He must submit his comments or disagreements with the points of these documents to the Pastoral Council for consideration. The Elder Board recommends the candidate to the membership of the church for approval.

5.  Upon his confirmation by the church, a pastoral candidate will be on probation for one year.

6.  A church-approved pastor takes care of the spiritual well-being of the church, preaches the Gospel, organizes and directs the department entrusted to him, and performs religious rites in accordance with Section 7 of these bylaws.

7.  To approve a pastor for ministry, at least 75% of the votes of registered church members are required (see Section 8.1.3).

8.  Additional appointment of pastors of the church will occur at membership meetings as the need arises.

9.  Reasons for removing a pastor from ministry can be sin, failure to fulfill pastoral duties, disagreement with the doctrine and bylaws of the church, unwillingness to work in a team, or a resignation letter.
10.  Removing a pastor from ministry is discussed by the Elder Board. The final decision is made by the members. The member meeting will be announced to the church two weeks before the appointed date. The decision is considered legitimate, provided that it is supported by at least 50% of registered church members (see Articles 8.1.3 and 8.1.4).

9.4 Church Deacons

1.  Deacons must conform to the characterization given in 1 Tim 3:8-132.  Deacons are called to oversee the needs of church members, organize and be responsible for the material and technical part of the church’s ministries, and provide comprehensive assistance to pastors in fulfilling the mission of the church.

3.  A deacon candidate is presented to the Elder Board to review his suitability for the ministry. If he worked in another church, then the testimony of his previous ministry will be considered.

4. Upon his confirmation by the church, a deacon candidate will be on probation for one year.

5. At the end of the probationary period, the deacon’s appointment for the position will be affirmed by the church through a vote at a church membership meeting.

6. A church member who has been ordained as a deacon can be claimed as a deacon with the consent of the Pastoral Council and then presented to the membership meeting for approval.
7. A deacon’s approval for ministry requires confirmation of 75% of the votes of the church members.

8.  Reasons for removing a deacon from ministry can be sin, failure to fulfill deacon duties, disagreement with the doctrine and bylaws of the church, unwillingness to work in a team, or a resignation letter.

9.  Removing a deacon from ministry is discussed by the Elder Board. The final decision is made by the members.

9.5 Church Administrator

1.  The church administrator is appointed from among the ordained ministers of the church. After the approval of his candidacy by the Elder Board, the final decision is made by the church members.

2.  A candidate for the position of Administrator will have to declare that he accepts and supports the doctrines of the faith and the bylaws of the church. He must have skills in the field of administration, have organizational skills, and be sociable.
3.  The administrator of the church heads the Administrative-Deacon Board of the church, organizes and coordinates the work of deacons, oversees administrative, economic and technical services, participates in the preparation of the annual budget, annually certifies the names of church officials authorized by the church to conduct its financial affairs at the bank.
4.  The Administrator’s signature will be first on all financial documents.
5.  The Administrator reports directly to the Senior Pastor and the Elder Board. He participates in meetings of the Elder Board related to administrative matters.

6.  In his absence, his duties are performed by the Assistant Administrator, who is elected by the deacon board from among the members of the deacon board.
7.  Reasons for removing the Administrator from ministry can be sin, failure to fulfill Administrator duties, disagreement with the doctrine and bylaws of the church, or a resignation letter.
8.  If the Administrator is unable to perform his duty, the revision committee will audit the accounting of all financial activities. Dismissal from office is carried out by the Elder Board. This decision is presented to the members, and another person is elected to this position.

9.6 – Church Treasurer

1. The treasurer of the church is selected from among the members of the church. After approval by the Elder Board, his candidacy is presented to the membership meeting for approval.

2. The candidate for the position of Treasurer will be required to declare that he accepts and supports the doctrines of the faith and the bylaws of the church. He must be a mature Christian with the necessary financial accounting skills.
3.  The treasurer keeps a record of all funds received by the church as donations, is responsible for the technical organization of the collection of donations, keeps records of donations and stores them in accordance with the current legal regulations, regularly brings the collected donations to the church’s account at the bank within the time specified by law, and submits a report of weekly earnings to the accountant.
4.  The Treasurer reports directly to the Church Administrator and the Elder Board. By virtue of his position, the Treasurer is a member of the Administrative – Deacon Board.
5. If the Treasurer is unable to perform his duty, the revision committee will audit the accounting of all financial activities. Dismissal from office is carried out by the Elder Board. This decision is presented to the members, and another person is elected to this position.
6.  In the absence of the Treasurer, his duties are performed by the Deputy Treasurer, or at the behest of the administrator of the church, one of the deacons of the church.

9.7 Church Accountant

1.  The nomination for the position of Accountant of the church is reviewed and approved by the Elder Board and then the nomination is presented to the church at the membership meeting

2.  The candidate for the position of Accountant will be required to declare that he accepts and supports the doctrines of the faith and the bylaws of the church. He must be a mature Christian with the necessary financial accounting skills and training.
3.  The responsibilities of the Accountant include keeping a constant record of all financial affairs of the church in accordance with the current legislation of the United States and the State of California, and to monitor the correct execution of receipts and expenditures.

4.  The accountant is responsible for the safety of the church checkbook and the timely payment of all expenses.

5.  The Accountant’s signature will be second on all financial documents.
6.  The accountant will submit a monthly statement of the receipts and expenditures of funds to the to the Administrative – Deacon Board.
7.  The accountant maintains a church database of donations received. Personalized donations are entered into the church computer under the name of the donor, and at the end of each current year, donors will be issued a personalized statement of the amount donated.

8.  Information about donations is confidential; it can be made public only at the request of the donor or the court.
9.  The Accountant provides members quarterly with a summary of the church’s financial performance. A detailed financial report is presented at the annual membership meeting.
10.  The accountant reports directly to the church administrator.
11.  By virtue of his position, the Treasurer is a member of the Administrative – Deacon Board.

12.  If there are other ministries that have a separate financial department, the financial workers of these departments are accountable to the church Accountant

9.8 Church Secretary
1.  By virtue of the position, the secretary of the church is a member of the Administrative – Deacon Board, deals with official correspondence and keeps the minutes of membership meetings and the Administrative – Deacon Council. This person must be a spiritual person and have skills in the field of office work.

2.  The church secretary keeps a physical record of church members, baptisms, new church members, membership withdrawals, and also records those on church discipline and excommunication.

3.  The church secretary organizes and stores applications for admission to church membership, applications for withdrawal from church membership, keeps a file of minutes of meetings of the Administrative – Deacon Board and membership meetings.

4.  The Secretary shall submit the minutes of each membership meeting or of the Administrative – Deacon Board meetings with relevant financial information to the Accountant no later than one week from the date of the meeting.
5.  The church secretary maintains an electronic database of church members on the church computer. This information is confidential, intended only for internal church use. Only pastors and deacons of the church can access this database.
6.  In the event of resignation, the Church Secretary will hand over all records, electronic database access and other papers belonging to the Church to the new Secretary or to the Senior Pastor.
7.  The Church Secretary reports directly to the Senior Pastor and Administrator.

Часть 9 – Секретарь офиса церкви

1.  Кандидат на должность Секретаря офиса церкви должен будет заявить, что принимает и поддерживает доктрины веры и Устав церкви.  Должен быть духовной личностью, обладать навыками в области делопроизводства и коммуникации.

2.  Секретарь офиса церкви занимается текущей корреспонденцией, отвечает на телефонные звонки, информирует руководство и членов церкви о текущих мероприятиях.
3.  Издает церковный бюллетень, внося в него своевременную информацию о служениях и нуждах церкви.
4.  В случае ухода с этой должности Секретарь передаст своему приемнику или Ответственному Пастору все записи, компьютерную базу данных и другие бумаги, принадлежащие церкви.
5.  Секретарь офиса церкви подчиняется непосредственно Ответственному Пастору.

1.  To assess and audit financial activities, the members elect a revision committee consisting of three (or more) people, which audits financial and economic activities.
2.  The revision committee carries out a full check of all financial documents of the church and draws up an audit report, which in turn is presented at the annual membership meeting.

3.  The Revision Commission is elected by the members for a term of two years.

11.1 – Public worship services

1.  Public services are held regularly on Sundays and during the week. These services will usually be devoted to prayer, sermons, and the study of the Word of God accompanied by musical worship. Any other type of ministry will be submitted to the Elder Board for consideration.

2. The Church conducts weekly Bible studies in church and home groups.

11.2 – Membership Business Meetings

1.  The official church business year begins January 1^st and ends December 31^st.
2.  The annual membership status meeting is held in the second half of January (or at any other time appointed by the Elder Board). This meeting presents reports on the work and ministry of the Senior Pastor and leaders of Church departments and ministries.

3.  Membership meetings are held as needed but at least once every four months.
4.  The election, re-election and confirmation of church ministers and officials will be carried out as necessary at the next membership meeting.
5.  Membership meetings will be announced at least two weeks before their date of occurrence.

12.1 Children’s Ministry

1.  The goal of the children’s ministry is to bring children to the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, to teach them the Word of God and the Christian way of life, including attending services and church membership.

2.  The Pastor of Children’s Ministry is responsible for this department.

3.  Qualities of the Children’s Ministry Pastor: loving the Lord and His children, having a call to this ministry, having skills and training in the field of working with children.

4.  The Children’s Ministry Pastor’s responsibilities include but are not limited to the selection and preparation of the curriculum, teaching staff, spiritual and counseling work with children and adolescents, coordination of all services and activities of this department, and the structural organization and work of the children’s ministry.

5.  The Pastor of the Children’s Ministry participates in the preparation of programs and materials and proposes candidates for the position of leaders in various departments of the children’s ministry to the Pastor’s Board for approval.

6.  The Children’s Ministry Pastor develops a plan for the current year and submits it to the Pastor’s Board for approval. By default of his position, he is a member of the Pastors’ Board.

12.1.1.  Sunday School

1.  The ministry is headed by the Director of the Sunday School. His candidacy must be affirmed by the Pastors’ Board.
2.  The responsibility of the Director of the Sunday School, in close cooperation with the pastor of the children’s ministry, is to organize the Sunday school department, select teachers, select teaching materials and manuals, organize seminars for teachers and parents, as well as organize and conduct summer and winter camps for children, nature outings, sporting events and other ministries that contribute to the goal.
3.  The director of Sunday School develops a lesson plan for the school for the current year, under the supervision of the Children’s Ministry Pastor, and submits it for approval to the Pastor’s Board. The teaching materials used in Sunday school must be approved by the Pastors’ Board.
4.  Teachers and educators working with children should be members of the church, spiritually mature Christians, having the knowledge and skills to work with children.

5.  The Director of Sunday School is accountable to the Children’s Ministry Pastor.

12.2 Youth Ministry

1.  The purpose of the youth ministry is to prepare Christian youth for dedication to the Greatest Commandment (Matt. 22: 37-40) and the Great Commission (Matt. 28: 19-20)
2.  The Youth Pastor is the head of the Youth Ministry.

3.  Qualities of a Youth Pastor: loving the Lord and His children, having a call to youth ministry, having skills and training in working with youth.

4.  The responsibility of a youth pastor is to prepare and conduct Bible studies for youth, prepare and conduct youth meetings, organize and conduct summer and winter youth camps, outdoor activities, sports events, counseling work and other ministries that contribute to the goal.

5.  The youth pastor develops and submits a plan for the year. The plan must be approved by the Church’s Pastor’s Board.

6. The youth pastor appoints a youth leader and assistants from among the youth, who then make up the Youth Board.

7.  The Youth Pastor is accountable to the Senior Pastor, and is a member of the Pastor’s Board.

12.3 Bible School

1.  To increase the efficiency of church ministry and the training of qualified spiritual specialists, a Bible School was organized at the church, in which preachers, Sunday School teachers, leaders of small (home) and missionary groups undergo theoretical and practical training.
2.  The Bible School is coordinated by a pastor responsible for spiritual growth and discipleship.
3.  Qualities of the Responsible Pastor: loving the Lord and His children, having a call to this ministry, having skills and preparation in the field of teaching.

4.  His responsibilities include but are not limited to: planning and coordinating the work of the school, recruiting students, recruiting teachers, developing a curriculum.

5.  The Bible School will include baptism preparation classes.
6.  The work plan, methods and teaching materials used in the Bible School must be approved by the Pastors’ Board.

7.  Trained pastors and members of the local church, as well as other doctrinal teachers of the church, are recruited to teach in the Bible School.

8.  The Pastor in charge of the Bible School is accountable to the Senior Pastor and is a member of the Pastor’s Board.

12.4 Other ministries

Other types of ministries can be organized within the Church aimed at fulfilling the mission of the Church. To open a new ministry, the prior consent of the Pastor’s Board is required..

1. A systematic donation of money to support God’s cause is both a ministry and a duty. These donations must be voluntary, sincere, not tainted by the hope of material gain. All members of the church should regularly provide financial support, as well as material support for church projects. On the subject of tithing, on the basis of the Holy Scriptures, we believe that every member of the church should give generously according to the disposition of his heart (1 Cor. 9: 6-7), for everything that we have belongs to God (1 Chron. 29: 14-16).

2. Offering collection is done on regular basis and at special services. On special occasions the Church’ Board or Members may decide that additional offerings may be organized. Such offerings will be announced in advance.

3. At the end of each year, the church accountant will issue a total account of the amount donated to each donor. To receive such an invoice, the donor must use a personal check or envelope on which he must indicate their first and last name. Donations received outside of personal checks or envelopes are recorded as anonymous by the treasurer.

4. Donation information is confidential and can be disclosed only upon the request of donator or court.

5. By decision of the members, the church can financially support of one or more ministers of the church. The amount of support will be determined by the Church Board and approved by the members.

14. Legal Operations

1.  The Church has the right to own and receive as a gift, as well as to acquire and sell, wealth, property, and real estate.

2.  Only persons authorized by the Pastor’s Board have the right to officially represent the church in government, administrative, financial and other organizations, as well as signing any legal or financial documents on behalf of the church. This right can be general, or it can only apply to certain, individual situations.

3.  Without a special decision of the Pastor’s Board, none of the leaders of the church, its members or representatives have the right to act as a representative of the church in any matters related to the state, administrative or financial obligations of the church. The Church is not responsible for any obligations assumed on its behalf by representatives who do not have the authority to do so.

4.  In the event of the dissolution of this church, after the repayment of its debts, the church’s wealth and property will not be divided among its members or other persons, but will be transferred before the dissolution of the church to other similar non-profit organizations, according to the decision of the members. This is consistent with the spirit of the church’s principles of faith and the requirements of the 1954 US Internal Revenue Code (501 C-1).

This charter can be revised or amended at any membership meeting where at least 2/3 of church members are present. The proposed amendments and changes must be made in writing and discussed in advance by the Pastor’s Board.