Organizational Bylaws

BYLAWS OF

Joybringers International

Church of Everett

EIN: 46-2021353

PREAMBLE 

We declare and establish these Bylaws to preserve and perpetuate the principles of our common Christian faith and to govern this body in an orderly and Biblical manner.  These Bylaws will seek to preserve the liberties or each individual church member and the freedom of action of this body to accomplish its God-given purpose.

ARTICLE I

INCORPORATION

This church is duly incorporated under the laws of the State of Washington under the corporate name of Joybringers International Church of Everett.

ARTICLE II

STATEMENTS OF FAITH AND DOCTRINE

The Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God and is the basis for any statement of Faith.  We believe the whole Bible to be the “Word of God,” from Genesis to Revelation.  Uplifting and upholding all the commandments given down by God Himself to Moses while being under the law.

Now being under grace and truth as stated in John 1:17: For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.  We band ourselves together as a body of believers in Jesus Christ personally committed to sharing the good news of Salvation to a lost mankind.

The Church accepts the scriptures as the revealed Will of God, the all-sufficient rule of faith and practice, and for the purpose of maintaining general unity, adopts these Statements of Fundamental Truths and Doctrine.

Section 1.  The Scriptures Inspired.

The Bible is the inspired Word of God, a revelation from God to man, the infallible rule of faith and conduct, and is superior to conscience and reason, but not contrary to reason. (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Peter 1:23-25; Hebrews 4:12)

Section 2.  The One True Godhead.

The triune Godhead is composed of three (3) separate and distinct personalities: The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit, who are eternally self-existent, self-revealed, and function as one entity.  Jesus Christ, who is God manifest in the flesh, is the second member of the Godhead, co-equal and co-eternal with The Father and The Holy Spirit.

Section 3.  Man, His Fall and Redemption.

Man was created good and upright, for God said, “Let us make man in Our image, after Our likeness.”  But man, by voluntary transgression, fell, and his only hope of redemption is in Jesus Christ the Son of God.  (Genesis 1:26-31; 3:1-7; Romans 5:12-21)

Section 4.  The Salvation of Man.

• Man’s only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. On the cross, Jesus Christ became sin and sickness providing both salvation and divine healing for all mankind (Psalm 103:3), being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.  “For by grace we are saved through faith.”  “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that is the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made, resulting in salvation.”  (Romans 3:24; Ephesians 2:8; Romans 10:8-10)
• The evidence of Salvation. The inward evidence to the believer of his salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit. (Romans 8:16)  The outward evidence to all men is a life of righteousness and true holiness.  “And this is His commandment that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us.”  (1 John 3:23)
• Faith and Works. Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ and not by human works; however, our works will determine the rewards in eternity.  (Romans 10:9-10 and 2 Corinthians 5:10)

Section 5.  Baptism in Water.

The ordinance of baptism by burial with Christ should be observed as commanded in the scriptures by all who have really repented and in their hearts have truly believed in Christ as Savior and Lord.  In so doing, they declare to the world that they have died with Jesus and that they have also been raised with Him into newness of life.  (Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:47-48; Romans 6:4)

Section 6.  Holy Communion — The Lord’s Supper.

“And when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘This is my body which is for you.  DO this in remembrance of me;’ In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood.  DO this as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’  Let a man examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.”  (I Corinthians 11:24, 25 & 28)

Section 7.  The Promise of the Father.

All believers are entitled to, and should ardently expect and earnestly seek the promise of the Father, which is the baptism of the Holy Ghost, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ.  This was the normal experience of all in the early Christian church.  With it comes the endowment of power for life and service, the bestowment of gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry.  (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31)  This wonderful experience is distinct from and subsequent to the new birth.  (Acts 2:38; 10:44-46; 11:14-16; 15:7-9)  The full consummation of the Baptism of believers in the Holy Spirit is evidenced by the initial physical sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance, and by the subsequent manifestation of spiritual power in the public testimony and service.  (Acts 2:4; 10:44-46; 19:2; 1:8)

Section 8.  The Church.

The church is the body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of her great commission.  Each believer, born of the Spirit, is an integral part of the general assembly and the church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven.  (Ephesians 1:22; 2:19-22; Hebrews 12:23)

Section 9.  Total Prosperity.

• John 3:3 & 11; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Romans 10:9-10
• 2 Timothy 1:7; Romans 12:2; Isaiah 26:3
• Isaiah 53:4&5; Matthew 8:17; 1 Peter 2:24
• 3 John 1:2; Malachi 3:10-11; Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6-10; Deuteronomy 28:1-14
• Proverbs 3:4

Section 10.  The Millennial Reign of Jesus.

The return of our Lord Jesus Christ with His saints from heaven to rule and reign for one thousand years on the earth as the scriptures promised.  (Romans 11:25, 27; 2 Thessalonians 1:7; Revelation 19:11-16; 20:1-7)  After this, there shall be a new heaven and a new earth.  (Revelation 21)

Section 11.  Blessed Hope.

Jesus is coming again to gather all His saints to heaven.  (1 Corinthians 15:51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 2 Thessalonians 2:1)

ARTICLE III

RELIGIOUS PURPOSES 

Joybringers International Church of Everett has the following purposes:

• To hold worship services for our membership and for the greater community in which we celebrate the Lordship of Jesus Christ and encourage the Christian believers.
• To introduce Jesus Christ to as many persons as possible through as many methods as feasible, for the goal of leading them to salvation.
• To disciple believers to the place of spiritual maturity whereby they recognize their spiritual gifts and serve God in the ministry of the local church and also in the normal course of life within the community.
• To provide ongoing Christian education from the Bible, from church history, from church literature and publications, from Christian books and study materials.
• To minister to the church and to the community by encouraging, helping, loving, establishing friendships, visiting, socializing and seeking ways to understand each other.
• To minister in as much as we are able to the physical needs of both church members and community citizens.
• To participate in and to support the mission endeavors of our church.

ARTICLE IV — CHURCH ORDINANCES

In furtherance of its religious purposes, the church shall observe ordinances which were initiated by Christ Himself.  Every member of the church may participate in these ordinances as administered by the church, as follows:

• Holy Communion (The Lord’s Supper) – Holy Communion symbolizes the Lord’s death & suffering for the benefit of, and in the place of His followers. It symbolizes the believer’s participation in the crucified Christ and it is also an act of remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice.  In this ordinance the communicant enters, by faith, into a special spiritual union with Christ.  This ordinance will be observed the first Sunday of each month.
• Feet Washing – This ordinance was given as an example in the bible by Christ. This ordinance displays that compassionate service rendered to others is evidence of humility motivated by love; and is a sign of greatness in the kingdom of God. The regularity of this ordinance is left to the discretion of the Pastor
• Water Baptism – We believe that water baptism is necessary as instructed by Christ in John 3:5. We do not believe that water baptism is the means of salvation, but is an outward demonstration of the inner conversion experience of an individual that has accepted Christ as his/her personal Savior.  We practice complete immersion in water (Colossians 2:12) to identify with Christ’s death, burial and resurrection, and adhere to the biblical directions found in Matthew 28:19, baptizing in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

 ARTICLE V — MEMBERSHIP

Section 1.  Candidacy

Any person may offer herself/himself as a candidate for membership in this church, after sufficient counseling by the Pastor, staff, and/or in any of the following ways:

• By profession of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and for baptism according to the policies of this church.
• By promise of a letter.
• By restoration upon a statement of prior conversion experience and baptism when no letter is obtainable.
• If a candidate has been scripturally immersed by another denomination and feels that her/his baptism was scriptural in every way, and believes that the Bible teaches only one baptism, thus making it unscriptural to be baptized again, and states the same to the Pastor; then the Pastor may recommend the candidate to be accepted into membership without being baptized again. The board must then agree to forego baptism.

Section 2: New Member Orientation

An applicant shall attend the New Member Orientation classes as developed and implemented by the Pastor or church staff prior to being accepted into membership.  An applicant shall give clear evidence of their new birth in Christ, live a consistent Christian life, worship at the Church on a regular basis for at least three (3) months continuous period, support the church financially, and subscribe to the tenets of faith as defined by these Bylaws. 

Section 3: Responsibility of Members The fundamental principles of this church are based upon the Word of God, therefore every member of the church is expected to live according to its teachings; to refrain from that which is destructive to the Christian lifestyle, and to refrain from dishonoring God.  Each member is earnestly admonished to:

• Pray for the church, the various ministries, pastors, staff and other members
• Financially support the church according to ability and necessity
• Attend worship services regularly
• Prayerfully consider how the Holy Spirit could use your personal gifts in the service of the church and to its members.
• Refrain from speaking slander and evil of one another, making every effort to encourage each other in love and honor.

Section 4: Voting Rights of Those in Membership

The church hereby elects to have no voting members. All rights which would otherwise vest in those in membership shall vest in the Board of Directors.

Section 5: Discipline

• It shall be the basic purpose of Joybringers International Church of Everett, Inc. to emphasize to those in its membership that every reasonable measure will be taken to assist any troubled member. The Pastor, staff members, and Board Members are available to counsel and provide guidance.  Redemption rather than punishment should be the guideline which governs the attitude of one member toward another.
• Should some serious conditions exist which would cause a member to become a liability to the general welfare of the church, every reasonable measure will be taken by the Pastor and others in leadership to resolve the problem. All such proceedings shall be pervaded by a spirit of Christian kindness and forbearance.  But, finding the welfare of the church will be best served by the exclusion of the member, the church may take this action by a survey of those in membership present at a meeting called for this purpose; after which time the Board of Directors may proceed to declare the offender to no longer be in membership with the church.

ARTICLE VI – CHURCH MEETINGS

Section 1: Sunday Services

The church shall meet regularly each Sunday for worship, preaching, teaching, evangelism, and fellowship; and additionally may meet other days as the church so determines.  These services will be open to everyone and shall be conducted under the direction of the Pastor. 

Section 2: Virtual Ministry (View Amendment Information)

In times or situations when the church may be unable to hold in-person assemblies including, but not limited to natural disaster, wide-spread illness/pandemic, or loss of church building/meeting hall, the church shall conduct, carry out, and further a Christian ministry as God so directs, specifically to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ and the teaching of the holy bible by any form of media including, but not limited to, audio file, print, DVD, internet/website, radio, television, podcast or through social media.

MEETINGS OF THE CHURCH BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1.  Regular Meetings

A regular meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held each year.  The Board of Directors may provide, by resolution, the time and place for holding additional meetings without notice other than resolution.  Additional meetings shall be held at the principal office of the Church in the absence of any designation in the resolution.

Section 2.  Special Meetings

Special Meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by or at the request of any two (2) Directors, and shall be held at the principal office of the Church or at such other place as the Directors may determine.

Section 3.  Notice of the annual, regular, or any special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be given by oral notice to each Director.

The attendance of a Director at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when a Director attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.  The business to be transacted at the meeting need not be specified in the notice or waiver of notice of such meeting, unless specifically required by law or by these Bylaws.

Section 4. Conference Call Meetings

Members of the Board may participate in a meeting through the use of a conference telephone, internet conferencing or similar communications equipment, as long as all members participating in such a meeting can hear one another.  Participation in a meeting via conference call constitutes presence in person at such meeting.

Section 5.  Action by Unanimous Written Consent without Meeting.

Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board of Directors under any provision of law may be taken without a meeting, if all members of the Board shall individually or collectively consent in writing to such an action.  Such written consent or consents shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board.  Such action by written consent shall have the same force and effect as the unanimous vote of the Directors.  Any certificate or other document filed under any provision of law which relates to action so taken shall state that the action was taken by unanimous written consent of the Board of Directors without a meeting and that the Bylaws of this corporation authorize the Directors to so act, and such statement shall be prima facie evidence of such authority. 

Section 6.  Quorum.

A majority of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board; but if less than a majority of the Directors are present at any meeting, a majority of the Directors present may adjourn the meeting without further notice. 

Section 7.  Order of Business.

The order of business at the meeting of the Board of Directors shall be as follows:

1. Meeting called to order.
2. Declaration of Quorum of Members present.
3. Review of minutes of previous meeting for correction and/or adoption by membership.
4. Treasurer’s report
5. Committee reports
6. Program organization report
7. Old and/or unfinished business
8. New business
9. Adjournment

ARTICLE VII — OFFICERS OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1.  Officers

The Officers of the corporation shall be no less than three (3), and shall minimally consist of President, Treasurer and Secretary. There is no maximum limit to the number of Officers that may be appointed to the Board of Directors.  The Pastor will be the Board President.  Other Officers may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws.  The Board of Directors may appoint such other Officers, including one or more vice presidents, one or more assistant secretaries, and one or more assistant treasurers, as it shall deem desirable, and grant such Officers to have authority and perform the duties prescribed by the Board of Directors.  Any two or more offices may be held by the same person.

Section 2.  Appointment and Term of Office

The Officers of the Church shall be appointed annually by the Board of Directors at the regular annual meeting of the Board of Directors.  If the appointment of officers is not held at such meeting, such appointment shall be held soon thereafter as is convenient.  The term of office shall be one (1) year. New offices may be created and filled at any meeting of the Board of Directors.  Each Officer shall hold office until her/his successor has duly been appointed and qualified.

Section 3. General Powers.

The affairs of the church shall be managed by the Board of Directors, whose members shall have a fiduciary obligation to the church.

Section 4.  Number, Term and Qualifications

The number of Directors shall be no less than three (3) and shall have no maximum number.  The term of members shall be for one (1) year, except for the Pastor/President.  Board members may be re-appointed for additional terms at the discretion of the Pastor/President with the approval of the Board Member. 

Section 5.  Vacancies, Additions and Removals

Any vacancy occurring on the Board of Directors and any office to be filled by reason of an increase in the number of Directors, shall be filled by the Pastor with the advice and consent of a majority of the present Board of Directors.  Any officer, with the exception of Pastor/President, appointed to the Board of Directors may be removed by the Board of Directors whenever, in its judgment, the best interest of the Church would be served thereby.  A vacancy in any office, except that of Pastor/President, because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification, or otherwise, may be filled by the Pastor for the unexpired portion of the term.  In the event the vacant position being filled is that of the Pastor, the Board shall fill said position pursuant to Section 7 of this article.

Section 6.  Board Decisions.

The act of the majority of the Directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors, unless the act of a greater number is required by law.

Section 7.  Resignation or Removal of Pastor/President

• In the event the Pastor should voluntarily choose to leave, she/he shall designate her/his successor. Said designated successor shall be chosen with the advice and consent of the Board of Directors and the Board of Advisors.
• In the event that the Pastor has an Employment Contract with the Church, the Pastor may be removed without cause in accordance with the Removal without Cause provisions of such contract.  Additionally, the Pastor may be removed for cause pursuant to the terms of any Employment Contract existing between the Pastor and the Church.  In the absence of any such contract, the provisions set forth in these Bylaws shall prevail. 

Section 8.  Pastoral Recruitment and Confirmation

In the event the Pastor shall resign or be removed, a special committee may be appointed by the Board of Directors to recruit and present a candidate to the church for consideration as Pastor/President.  This process shall be spiritually directed and accomplished as expeditiously as possible.

Section 9.  Compensation.

Directors as such shall not receive any salaries for their services.

ARTICLE VIII — POWERS OF OFFICERS

Section 1.  The Pastor/President

The Church finds its headship first under the Lord Jesus Christ through the leading of the Holy Spirit, and then in its Pastor.  The Pastor/President shall be the chief executive officer of the Church.  She/he shall be a continuing member of the Board of Directors.  She/he shall have general management of the business of the church and general supervision of the other officers.  She/he shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and see that all orders and resolutions of the Board are carried into effect, subject however, to the right of the Board to delegate to any other officer or officers of the Church any specific powers, other than those that may be conferred only upon the Pastor/President.  She/he shall execute in the name of the Church all deeds, bonds, mortgages, contracts, and other documents authorized by the Board of Directors.  She/he shall be an ex-officio member of all standing committees, and shall have the general powers and duties of supervision and management usually vested in the office of president of a corporation.

No person shall be invited to speak, teach or minister in the Church without her/his approval.  She/he shall be designated attorney-in-fact for the Church by virtue of her/his office.  She/he shall have the authority to appoint and approve any assistants that would be necessary to properly carry out the work of the Lord.

Section 2.  Other Officers.  Other offices may include, but are not limited to the following Director positions:

• The Vice President(s): The Vice President(s) shall perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Pastor/President in case of her/his temporary absence from the office of the Church, and shall perform such other duties as may from time to time be granted or imposed by the Board of Directors.
• The Secretary: The Secretary shall attend all sessions of the Board held at the office of the Church and act as a clerk thereof and record and file all votes and the minutes of all proceedings. He/she shall give, or cause to be given, notice of meetings of the Board of Directors when notice is required to be given under these Bylaws or by resolution of the Board.  He/she shall have authority to execute all authorized documents on behalf of the Church and the Board of Directors.  He/she shall keep the membership rolls of the Church, and in general, ensure that the Board members and the organization operate according to the procedures outlined in these Bylaws.
• The Treasurer: The Treasurer shall keep full and accurate account of the receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Church, and shall deposit all monies and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Church in such banks and depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors, but shall not be personally liable for the safekeeping of any funds or securities so deposited pursuant to the order of the Board. She/he shall disburse the funds of the Church as may be ordered by the Board and shall render to the Pastor/President and Directors at the regular meeting of the Board, and whenever they may require, accounts of all his/her transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the Church.  He/shall perform the duties usually incident to the office of Treasurer and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or by the Pastor/President.
• Delegating Powers to Other Officers: In case of the absence of any of the officers of the Church, or for any other reason that may seem sufficient to the Board, the Board of Directors may delegate his/her duties and powers from time to time to any other office, or to any Director.

ARTICLE IX — ELDERS, COMMITTEES AND BOARD OF ADVISORS

Section 1.  Elders.

Elders may be chosen by the Board of Directors from the membership of the congregation of the Church who demonstrate that their lives conform to the scriptural qualifications thereof.  (1Timothy 3:2-7; Titus 1:6-9; 1 Peter 5:2-3)  The Elders shall function to provide spiritual support to the Pastor in the discipleship of new converts, praying for the sick (James 5:14), encouraging and developing spiritual gifts and ministries in the body, and to assist in the administration of the ordinances of the Church.  Their number and term of office shall not be predetermined.  They shall have no vote on the Board of Directors; however, shall give counsel and mutual assistance to the Board of Directors and the Pastor in the administration of business and work of the Church as specifically assigned by the Pastor.

Section 2.  Other Committees.

Other committees not having the authority and exercising the authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the Church may be designated by a resolution adopted by a majority of Directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present.  Members of each committee, except as otherwise provided in such resolution, shall be in the membership of the congregation of the Church.  Any member thereof may be removed by Board of Directors whenever, in their judgment, the best interests of the Church shall be served by such removal.

Section 3.  Board of Advisors.

A Board of Advisors may be appointed.  It shall be the responsibility and privilege of the Board of Advisors to provide godly counsel to the Pastor/President and the Board of Directors.  Counsel shall be in organizational, financial, legal, special event planning, or other areas wherein the Pastor/President determines professional counsel is needed and/or desirable.  No minimum or maximum number of members of the Board of Advisors shall be established, and the appointment to the Advisory Board and tenure hereon shall be at the pleasure and in the complete discretion of the governing Board of Directors. 

ARTICLE X — MINISTERS

Section 1.  Ordination and Licensing.

The Board of Directors may ordain and/or license a person as a minister of the Gospel after first examining the applicant’s background, moral and religious character, and the previous Bible course and/or study the applicant has received.  Final determination shall be at the absolute discretion of the Board of Directors.

Section 2. Limitation.

The Board of Directors may, at their discretion, limit any licensee or ordainee to an area of special emphasis.  The Board may also oversee and limit the work of ministers who are not yet licensed or ordained and still undergoing appropriate training.  The following areas, although not intended to be inclusive, are recognized by the Board of Directors:

1.) Worship Leader/Minister of Music — The Worship Leader will be responsible for the enlistment and proper functioning of the church’s music program, which may include: adult vocal ensemble, adult choir, instrumental band, special music, children’s choir, worship dance team, drama team, and special or occasional musical programs.

2.) Minister of Youth — The Youth Minister stimulates, coordinates, evaluates and aids the youth of the church through various programs of the church, and directly through special projects and/or programs approved by the church.  Additionally, the minister of youth will coordinate the activities of the youth council and will develop a youth calendar of activities, events, retreats, seminars, and so forth.

3.) Christian Education and Church Training – There shall be a church training program divided into departments for all ages and conducted under the direction of a Minister.  The tasks of the training shall be to orientate those new to church fellowship to perform the functions of the church, train church leaders, teach Christian theology, Christian ethics, Christian history, and church policies and organizations’ provide and interpret information regarding the work of the church and denomination. It may include, but is not restricted to the following areas:

a.) Prayer

b.) Marriage Ministry

c.) Single Adult Ministry

d.) Media Ministry

e.) Women’s Ministries

f.) Men’s Ministries

g.) Bible Study

h.) Children’s Ministry

i.) Transportation Ministry

j.) Usher & Altar Workers Ministry

k.) Bereavement & Grief Minister

4.) Outreach Ministry – There shall be an outreach ministry under the direction of the Minister of Outreach, who shall direct, instruct, and coordinate various outreach ministries that function inside/outside of the church.  These may include, but not restricted to ministries such as Food Pantry/Feeding Ministry; Evangelism; and Community Special Events.

Section 3.  Pastor.

The Pastor shall be licensed or ordained as a minister of the Gospel.  Assistant or Associate Ministers may or may not be either licensed or ordained.

Section 4.  Application

Application for ordination and/or licensing as a minister of the Gospel shall be on the form provided by the Board of Directors.  An applicant’s application shall either be approved or denied within thirty (30) days of the completion of the investigation of the applicant.  Those applicants who are approved shall receive a certificate evidencing the approval.

Section 5.  School of Ministry.

The Board of Directors may elect to establish a School of Ministry, setting forth a prescribed curriculum and course of study leading to ordination and licensing of ministers.  The School of Ministry shall prepare the student in the knowledge of the Word of God and in ministering to the needs of mankind through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

ARTICLE XI — ORGANIZATION FOR MINISTRY

Christian Education

A Christian School may be created under the auspices of a Board of Trustees.  A school superintendent shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees with the concurrence of the Pastor.  A Secretary/Treasurer of the Christian School shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees to keep accurate records of enrollment and finances.

Section 1.  Programs and Ministries

• Programs – A program is a ministry designed to accomplish one or more of the purposes of this church. It is adopted by the church, funded by the church and controlled by the church.  Its director is a church member and its workers, and curriculum and plan of action are approved by the church.  This church will endeavor to promote Joybringers International Church of Everett’s programs that will best advance the purpose statement of this church.
• Ministries – A ministry is an attempt to accomplish one or more purposes of this church or may be a new endeavor seeking to meet a pressing or newly discovered need. Any member or group within the church may initiate the development of a ministry as God so leads that member or group.  When funding is required, the initiating member or group will submit a proposal to the Church Board for review and approval. 
• Evaluations – The Church Board will annually evaluate all church programs and ministries and make recommendations concerning their contribution and viability to the ongoing work of the church as it seeks to accomplish its purposes.

ARTICLE XII — LIABILITY OF MINISTERS, OFFICERS & BOARD MEMBERS

Section 1.  Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable state law, as now in effect and as amended from time to time, the Church’s Pastor/President, or a Director, or Officer, or Agent of the Church shall not be personally liable for monetary damages for any action taken or failure to take any action.  A Director of the Church shall stand in a fiduciary relationship to the Church and shall perform her/his duties as a Director, including her/his duties as a member of any committee of the Board upon which she/he may serve, in good faith, in a manner she/he reasonably believes to be in the best interest of the Church, and with such care, including reasonable inquiry, skill, and diligence, as a person or ordinary prudence would use under similar circumstances. 

ARTICLE XIII — CONTRACTS, RECORDS, CHECKS, DEPOSITS AND FUNDS

Section 1. Contracts.

The Board of Directors may authorize any Officer, Agent, or Agents of the Church, in addition to the Officers so authorized by these Bylaws, to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Church, and such authority may be general or may be confined to specific instances.

Section 2.  Checks, Drafts, or Orders.

All checks, drafts, or orders for payment of money, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the Church shall be signed by such Officers or Officers, Agent or Agents of the Church and in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors.  In the absence of such determination by the Board of Directors, such instruments may be signed by either the Treasurer or the Pastor/President of the Church. 

Section 3.  Deposits.

All funds of the Church shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the Church in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as the Board of Directors may select.

Section 4.  Gifts.

The Board of Directors may accept on behalf of the Church any contribution, gift, bequest, or device for any purpose of the Church (Malachi 3:10; Luke 6:38; 1 Corinthians 16:1; and 2 Corinthians 9:6-8) so long as there are no conditions imposed by the donor(s).

Section 5.  Compensation.

At a designated time, the Pastor may choose to be paid a salary that is reasonable, or to receive a love offering instead of a salary.  The Church may also allow for a pension and insurance plan for the Pastor.  If a salary is being received by the Pastor, but the Church’s income decreases based on incoming tithes and offerings, then the Pastor’s salary may decrease for a period of time.  Her/his set salary shall be paid retroactively when funds are available.

BOOKS AND RECORDS

The Church shall keep correct and complete books and records of financial accounts and a financial report will be made available to the congregation by the Treasurer from time to time as the Board recommends.  The Church shall also keep minutes of the proceedings of its Board of Directors, Committees, and Advisory Boards having and exercising any authority of the Board of Directors, and shall keep at the principal office a record giving the names and addresses of the Board of Directors members entitled to vote.  All books and records of the Church may be inspected by any member upon request.

FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year of the Church shall be the calendar year: Beginning the first of January and closing the 31^st of December. The church year, for Anniversary purposes, shall begin the first of April and close the last day of March.

ARTICLE XIV – POWERS AND AUTHORITY

Section 1.  In addition to all the powers and authority granted to nonprofit corporations under the laws of the State of Washington, the church shall have without limitation, specifically, full power and authority as follows:

• To purchase, lease, rent, acquire, own, construct and operate, make improvements, hold properties in trust, use, sell, convey, mortgage, or otherwise dispose of any real estate, or chattels as may be necessary for the accomplishment of the Church purposes.
• To receive tithes, offerings, gifts, bequests, and other income and to solicit funds and to raise money to fulfill the purposes of the Church.
• To borrow money, issue bonds, debentures, or other obligations, secure monies so borrowed on in payment for property or for any of the purposes of the Church.

Section 2.  Notwithstanding any other provision of these Bylaws or the Articles of Incorporation, the Corporation shall not carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on by:

• a corporation exempt from Federal Income Tax under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 or the corresponding provision of any further United States Internal Revenue law;
• A corporation, contributions to which are deductible under I 70 (c )(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 or any other corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Code.

ARTICLE XV — DISSOLUTION

Section 1.

Upon the dissolution of the Church, the Board of Directors shall, after the payments of all the liabilities of the Church, dispose of all assets of the Church exclusively for the purposes of the Church in such a manner, or to such organization or organizations operated exclusively for the purposes of the Church in such manner, or to such organization or organizations operated exclusively for charitable, educational, religious, or scientific purposes as shall qualify as an exempt corporation or organizations under Section 501(c )(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (or of the corresponding provisions of any future United States Revenue Law) as the Board of Directors shall determine.

Section 2.

No part of the net earnings of the Church shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributed to, its Members, Officers, Directors or any person except that the Church shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered, and to make payments in the furtherance of the Church.  Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws of the Church, the Church shall not carry on any activity not permitted to be carried on (1) by a corporation exempt from Federal Income Tax, under Section 501(c )(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (or by the corresponding section of any future Revenue Code of the United States of America); or (2) by a corporation, contributions of which are deductible under Section 170(C) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (or the corresponding section of any future United States Revenue Law.)

ARTICLE XVI — AMENDMENTS

AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

The Articles of Incorporation and these Bylaws may be altered, amended, or repealed, and new Bylaws may be adopted by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Board of Directors of the Church at any regular or special combined meeting of the Board of Directors upon advance notice of a meeting called for the purpose of altering, amending, or repealing the Church’s Bylaws or Articles of Incorporation which shall be given to each member of the Board of Directors.

AMENDMENT OF POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Section 1. Policies – The church shall write policy documents that deal with personnel matters, business matters, financial matters and property matters as the need for such policies arise.  When policies are written and approved by the Board of Directors, they shall immediately become part of the operating policy of the church.  The Bylaws of the church should then be changed to reflect any new policy impact on any given area in the Bylaws.  Policies must be kept on file in the church office and accessible to members upon request.

Section 2.  Procedures – Procedures for this church may be written documents or generally understood operating procedures.  Should they be written, they should be kept on file in the church office and should be made available to church members on proper notice.  However, since they may be construed to be generally understood operating procedures, should a question or dispute arise concerning a policy that cannot be resolved, the church’s Board of Directors or an organization advisory committee of their appointing will be responsible for clarifying the procedure and preparing a written copy which will be read to the church in a business meeting; and unless the church objects it will be filed as a written procedures document.