::Northwest Community Church

Northwest Community Evangelical Free Church By-Laws

Page Five

Article 7 – Relationship Of Pastoral Staff To The Board Of Elders

The Pastoral Staff and the Board of Elders are interdependent. The Pastors will provide whatever resources of counsel, time, prayer, and energy that they have available to assist the Elders in the carrying out of their duties. Likewise, the Elders will assist the Pastors to the extent that they are able.

Ultimate decision-making authority for the direction of the church and its ministries lies with the Elders.

Article 8 - Non-Pastoral Church Staff

The Board of Elders shall be responsible for the selection, the setting of compensation for, and termination of any individuals employed by the church for the proper functioning of the church. The direct supervision and development of position descriptions for employed individuals may be delegated by the Elder Board, but the final approval of any action taken with regard to non-pastoral staff must come from the Elder Board. Individuals who are on staff in non-pastoral roles must lead lives that are consistent with biblical standards of behavior.

Article 9 - Volunteers

Individuals who serve as volunteers in our church or who are on staff in non-pastoral roles must lead lives that are consistent with biblical standards of behavior. Those adults who serve in areas where there is direct contact with minors will be background checked to ensure the safety of the children under the church's care.

Article 10 - Marriage

We believe that marriage is a union between one man and one woman and that marriage is the only legitimate and accepted sexual relationship. (Genesis 1, 2; Ephesians 5; Romans 1)

We therefore reserve the right to allow our understanding of what the Bible teaches regarding marriage and our understanding of what is good for all people to guide us in our decision as to who will join our paid or volunteer staff and in deciding for whom we will conduct weddings.

The final decision regarding whether a wedding will or will not be allowed at Northwest Community Church will be made by the Elders.

Article 11 - Facility Use

The final decision regarding facility use will be made by the Elder Board. Details regarding permitted uses can be found in the General Information for Building Use document.

Article 12 - Membership

A. Becoming a Member
Anyone wishing to become a member of Northwest Community Church should contact any member of the Elder Board and request a Membership Interview. At least two Elders will be present for every Membership Interview.

Anyone can be welcomed into church membership who:
     - gives testimony of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life;
     - is in essential agreement with the church's Statement of Faith (found in the church's Constitution); and
     - agrees to abide by the By-Laws of the church.

B. Discipline of a Church Member
If a member is found to be living in willful disobedience to that which is clearly taught in Scripture as applicable to Christians today, that member shall be warned in a spirit of love, with a view toward restoration, and in accordance with Scripture (Matthew 18). If that member refuses to change (repent), that member shall be dismissed from membership upon a vote of at least 2/3's of the members eligible to vote at a business meeting of the church at which this was one of the stated items to be acted upon.

Once this process has begun, the member agrees to comply with it, or else resign their membership and agree to leave the fellowship of Northwest Community Church.

C. Termination of Membership
Any member who wishes to terminate his/her membership may do so by submitting a letter to the Board of Elders requesting that their name be removed from the list of church members.

Any member of this church who for a period of one year or more has not attended the regular services and who has not supported the work of the church with some degree of regularity, provided such person is not hindered by sickness, distance, or disability, may be contacted by the Board of Elders to ascertain their desire regarding church membership. If sufficient reason for the absence cannot be obtained by the Board of Elders, the membership may be terminated.

A member may be involuntarily dismissed from membership as a result of church discipline. Such persons may be accepted again for membership, upon repentance, in the normal manner of receiving members as directed by the church Constitution and By-Laws. (1 Cor. 5:5-3, 12-13)

Article 13 - Authoritative Interpretation of Scripture

The final authority for interpreting and applying the Scriptures to matters of Northwest Community Church life shall be the Elders. In the case that there are irresolvable conflicts within the church, the Elders or the congregation or members in the congregation may appeal to the Texas/Oklahoma District of the Evangelical Free Church of America for mediation and/or arbitration.

Article 14 - Revisions Or Amendments To The By-Laws

These By-Laws may be revised or amended at any business meeting of the church (Annual or Special) by at least 2/3’s majority of the votes cast. The revision or amendment must be presented to the congregation in written form at least thirty days prior to the meeting.

:: Northwest Community Church ::
:: 8900 Guilbeau Road | San Antonio, Texas 78250 | 210-680-3041 ::