CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS Grace Point Church of Paradise

Article I IDENTIFICATION

This community organization is formally named Grace Point Church of Paradise. Legally, GPC is a non-profit corporation with a principal office located at 10 Singer Avenue, Paradise, PA 17562. It is governed by the Elder Board and has a fiscal year from January – December. The terms “Grace Point Church,” “Grace Point”, “GPC,” or “the church” may be used interchangeably throughout this document. “The Church” (capital C) is used for the broader Christian community across geography and time. 

Article 2 PURPOSE

Our mission and purpose, rooted in the authority of Jesus Christ and His Great Commission, is to be developing fully-devoted followers of Jesus Christ to the glory of God. This includes seeing people turn from wanderers into followers of Jesus Christ, training up those who follow in the basics of the Christian faith, and then training leaders who will continue to disciple and train others. For the purpose of a 501(c) (3) organization, the purpose is “religious”. 

Section 1: Mission

The mission of Grace Point Church of Paradise is to develop fully-devoted followers of Jesus Christ. 

Section 2: Vision

Our vision is to be a transforming presence in the town square. We want to pursue the social, spiritual, and cultural good of the community around us by helping people connect to each other, to God, and to the systems around them. 

Section 3: Values

1. We live fearlessly, forgive generously, and speak openly.
2. We serve our neighbor with abandon.
3. We believe we are transformed spiritually when we embrace challenges together.
4. Ministry always comes before money.
5. The fullness of God beats the brokenness of man any day.
6. At the beginning, middle, and end of the day, God is in charge, and what He wants, goes.
7. We aim for joyful, creative, and engaging environments for our hearts to be captured by the life of Jesus. 

Article 3 AFFILIATION

This congregation is a member of the Alliance of Mennonite Evangelical Congregations (AMEC) and affirms its adopted Bylaws, Statement of Doctrine, Purpose, and Affirmations of Scripture. We look to the Alliance for ministerial credentialing authority and doctrinal accountability. While Affiliated with AMEC, GPC is not subject to the oversight or authority of any denominational group. To the extent there is any conflict between the AMEC Bylaws, Statement of Doctrine, Purpose, and Affirmations of Scripture, this Constitution and Bylaws of GPC prevails. 

Article 4 DOCTRINE

This statement of doctrine expresses a summary of our beliefs, the essentials of the Gospel, and the basis of our unity in Jesus Christ. 

1. We believe the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, infallible, authoritative, written Word of God. GPC regards the Bible as the only rule of faith and life. It is the sole source of what we believe and the final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind. For purposes of the church’s faith, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, GPC is the church’s final interpretive authority on the Bible’s meaning and application.
   
2. We believe there is one God who is sovereign, omnipotent, omniscient, and eternally existent in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
   
3. We believe that Jesus Christ was God in human flesh, at once fully divine and fully human. We believe in His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, His vicarious and atoning death on the cross, His bodily resurrection, His ascension to the right hand of the Father, His present ministry of intercession, and His personal return in power and glory.
   
4. We believe that human beings were created in the image of God but rebelled against God and are therefore fallen, lost, estranged from their creator, and in need of salvation.
   
5. We believe that only those who, by grace through faith, receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord are born again of the Holy Spirit, becoming children of God.
   
6. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, who convicts people of sin, brings them to repentance, empowers Christians to pursue a life characterized by personal holiness and faithful discipleship in obedience to Jesus Christ, and gives “spiritual gifts” to the Church—which enrich worship, provide spiritual oversight, and enhance effectiveness in witness.
   
7. We believe that the Church, the "body of Christ," is composed of all those of every nation who through saving faith have entered into a vital relationship with Jesus Christ. We further believe that the Church is at the very center of God's cosmic purpose, and that He has committed to the Church, and every member of it, the task of making Christ known throughout the world.
   
8. We believe that local congregations of baptized believers are essential for equipping the body of Christ to spread the Gospel of Christ through such means as worship, teaching, fellowship, and prayer; to extend the influence of the Kingdom of God in the world; and to turn themselves outward to their local communities in evangelistic witness and compassionate service.
   

9. We believe that the reality of sin in the human heart results in suffering, injustice, strife, and moral decay in society. 

10. We believe that in Jesus Christ God revealed the way of love and reconciliation for His people. In following Jesus’ example, the people of God are called to value the sanctity of human life, alleviate suffering, reject retaliation and personal vengeance, work for peace in all relationships, and to live as responsible stewards of all of God's creation. 

11. We believe that God instituted marriage and the family at the beginning of human history. Right sexual union takes place only within the marriage relationship, which is a covenant between one man and one woman for life, and the family formed from such a union is the God-ordained context for the birth and nurture of children. (Note more detail in Article 14) 

12. We believe in the resurrection of all people, both those who are saved into everlasting blessedness with the Lord, as well as those who are lost to eternal separation from God. 

13. We believe that, in the fullness of time, God will bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Article 5 MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: Purpose and Authority

In keeping with the Doctrine statements, specifically numbers 7 and 8, membership is understood as an active relationship we share with one another as we encourage and sharpen one another to step into our fears and embrace the mission of God around us. Members are not passive participants of the church, but rather vital missionaries, daily planting and expanding the kingdom of God within the settings where God has placed them, seeking regular opportunities to make Jesus Christ known to those around them. 

Membership also determines who has voting privileges and is eligible to hold various positions within the church. Members vote on changes to the Bylaws, the hiring of a Lead Pastor, the annual budget, and the buying or selling of property. Members are also asked to nominate elder positions and to provide counsel and service as needs arise. 

Section 2: Qualifications

The membership of this congregation shall consist of: 1) people over 16 years of age, 2) who profess faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to the Scriptures, 3) who have experienced believer baptism into the Church body, 4) who profess essential agreement with and commitment to the beliefs and practice of Grace Point Church of Paradise, and 5) who have been affirmed by the congregation at their reception into the fellowship of the congregation—via baptism, confession of faith, or church letter. Individuals desiring membership are encouraged to speak to an Elder who can provide information about becoming a member. The elders will confirm and record membership reception at their regular meetings. 

Section 3: Additions, Elections, Removal and Terms

In an effort to reflect the membership of the church properly, three membership designations will be kept: 1) Active, 2) Associate, and 3) Discontinued. All members, active or associate, will be asked to sign an annual membership recommitment form to show their continued agreement with the responsibilities and privileges of membership. Those living locally but physically unable to attend services will not be required to sign an annual membership recommitment form; they will be considered active members indefinitely or until they request a change in status. 

The current membership list will be updated at least annually and made available to all members. This list will record: 

1. Active Members: All those who have completed the necessary requirements for membership, have been received as members by an act of the Elder Board, and are able to exercise fully the duties of membership. 

2. Associate Members: Those who find themselves in a life-stage transition (i.e. relocation due to education, employment, marriage, missions, etc.) or who are not regularly involved in the life and witness of Grace Point Church. This designation can be changed to “active” upon satisfactory communication with a representative of the Elder Board and the unanimous consent of the Elder Board. All those desiring membership under the age of 16 will be Associate members. Upon reaching their 16th birthday, these members will be contacted to determine if he/she desires to change their status to "Active." 

3. Discontinued: Those in this category are former members of Grace Point Church. Notations will be made in the member's file concerning the nature of the discontinued membership. 

Members can be removed from the Church roll for any of the following reasons: 1. By personal request of any member seeking discontinuance;
2. Death;
3. Transfer of membership to another church; 

4. Upon total absence of the member from church activity for a period of 12 consecutive months; or 5. Dismissal by the Elders according to the following conditions: 

• The Member's life and conduct is not in accordance with the responsibilities of members, hindering the ministry influence of the Church in the community, as solely determined by the Elder Board, or
  
• The Member does not respond to the annual membership recommitment, following reasonable contact with the Church office.
  

As initiated by the Elder Board, restoration of dismissed members will be according to the spirit of 2 Corinthians 2:7–8. 

Section 4: Responsibilities 

It will be the duty and responsibility of each member, active or associate, to live a holy life, separated from the sins and evils of the world, and to be consecrated unto God. He or she will seek to glorify God in his or her conduct and to preserve the good reputation of the church. 

1. Active Members: Every person who is an active member of Grace Point Church is entitled and encouraged to participate in the activities of the church, is eligible to vote on all questions brought before the church, and is eligible to hold office in the church and share in congregational discussions. 

Active members will attend church services as regularly as possible, reporting reasons for 6 months of absence; support the work of the church with their time, talents, and money; and share in witnessing about God to the world. Active members should be willing, to the best of their ability, to serve in any capacity to which the church may call them. 

2. Associate Member: Every person who is an associate member of Grace Point Church is entitled and encouraged to participate in the activities of the church. They are not eligible to vote, and their eligibility to hold office or volunteer in the ministry of the church will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the Elder Board. 

Section 5: Meetings, Quorum and Voting
Meetings: An annual members meeting will be held to discuss and vote on current issues. In keeping with the

requirements for a 501(c) (3), it will be announced two Sundays in advance with a notice of items requiring action. Quorum: The quorum for all members’ meetings shall be the members present. 

Voting: Members who are unable to be present may send a signed proxy vote in advance. Any new items proposed during this meeting may be decided, providing 3/4 of the quorum authorizes action. An emergency or special meeting may be called following an announcement during a Sunday morning worship service. No less than 5 days’ notice will be provided for an emergency or special meeting. The preferred method of voting is by ballot. A 2/3 affirmative vote of those voting will be required for a matter to pass. When fewer than 1/2 of those present votes, the action is considered lost. All other voting is considered as passed with a 2/3 majority vote. 

An annual report comprised of reports from various committees (as determined/assigned by the Elder Board or Executive Pastor) will be available to all members. This will include a report of the annual budget. This annual report will be provided by the Elder Board and will include any and all other items required by law. The report will be filed with the minutes of such annual meeting. Such report will show, in appropriate detail, the following: 

1. The assets and liabilities, including trust funds, of the corporation as of the end of the fiscal year immediately preceding the date of the report; 

2. The principal changes in assets and liabilities, including trust funds, during the fiscal year immediately preceding the date of the report; 

3. The revenue or receipts of the corporation, both unrestricted and restricted to particular purposes, for the fiscal year immediately preceding the date of the report, including separate data with respect to each trust fund held by or for the corporation; 

4. The expenses or disbursements of the corporation, for both general and restricted purposes, during the fiscal year immediately preceding the date of the report, including separate data with respect to each trust fund held by or for the corporation; and

5. The number of members of the corporation as of the date of the report, together with a statement of increase or decrease in their number during the year immediately preceding the date of the report, and a statement of the place where the names and addresses of the current members may be found. 

Section 6: Compensation

There is no compensation for membership. 

Article 6
ELDER BOARD AND OFFICERS

Section 1: Purpose and Authority

The Elder Board functions as the Director board, governing the congregation and pastoral staff, and has fiduciary obligation to GPC. The Elder Board carries out the following functions as outlined in the Scriptures: 

1. Governing (taking care of, managing) the affairs of the church of God (I Timothy 3:4–5, 5:17) 2. Teaching (I Timothy 5:17)
3. Leading by being an example to the community (I Peter 5:3)
4. Guarding the community from unsound doctrine and error (Titus 1:9) 

5. Shepherding and overseeing the flock (John 21:16 “Tend my sheep;” Acts 20:28; Hebrews 13:17; I Peter 5:1–3). 

Section 2: Qualifications

In addition to being a male and a member of Grace Point Church for at least one year, each Elder candidate must reflect the following Biblical characteristics in his life. Titus and I Timothy reveal the qualifications of an Elder in order to provide guidance for churches as they make such appointments. Elder candidates are not expected to be perfect, but are expected to uphold high standards. 

1. Above reproach: Elders must be blameless, presenting no patterns of scriptural disobedience or grounds for accusation. 

2. Husband of one wife : An Elder must be a “one-woman kind of man”—not that a spouse is required, but that a quality of fidelity in relationships with the opposite sex is. 

3. Temperate : Elders must be self-controlled, enslaved to nothing, free from excesses.
4. Prudent: Elders must be sober, sensible, wise, balanced in judgment, not given to quick superficial decisions based on

immature thinking. 

5. Respectable: Elders must demonstrate a well-ordered life and good behavior. 

6. Hospitable: Elders must be unselfish with their personal resources. They must be willing to share blessings with others. 

7. Able to teach : Elders must be able to communicate the truth of God and exhort sound doctrine in a non-argumentative way (II Timothy 4:2, 2:24). 

8. Not addicted to wine : Elders must be free from addictions and be willing to limit their liberty for the sake of others.

9. Not violent or combative : Elders must be gentle and characterized by forbearance and tenderness, not by rage and quick tempers.

10. Uncontentious: Elders must not be given to quarreling or selfish argumentation. 

11. Free from the love of money: Elders must not be stingy, greedy, or out for sordid gain. They should not be preoccupied with money or with amassing material goods, but rather should be a model of generosity. 

12. Manage own household : Elders must have a well-ordered household, a healthy family life, and faithful children (those under the authority of the parents). 

13. Not a new convert : Elders must not be new believers. They must have been Christians for long enough to demonstrate the reality of their conversion and the depth of their spirituality. 

14. Good reputation with outsiders : Elders must have respected character and be free from hypocrisy.

15. Not self-willed : Elders must not be stubborn, insensitive, or prone to force their will on others. They must be more interested in service than in self-pleasure. 

16. Not quick-tempered : Elders must be able to exercise self-control and patience in difficult situations. 

17. Loves what is good: Elders must desire the will of God in every situation. 

18. Just: Elders must be fair and impartial. Their judgment must be based on scriptural principles. 

19. Devout : Elders must be reverent, continually desiring to be separated from sin. They must be devoted to prayer, the study of Scripture, and to guarding their own spiritual walk (Acts 20:28). 

Section 3: Additions, Elections, Removal, Terms and Numbers

Additions and Elections: Prospective Elders are first nominated by active members of the congregation on an as-needed basis. The current Elder Board will receive all signed nominations from the congregation and will oversee the process of Elder selection. The Elders will contact qualified candidates, gauging their interest in the position. At that time, the candidate is given full access to the Pastors and current Elders for the purpose of learning more about the vision and values of Grace Point Church. 

If a nominee chooses to enter into the process of Elder candidacy, the congregation will have the opportunity to affirm his candidacy at a subsequent, duly-called meeting. Affirmation is determined by a minimum two-thirds majority vote of the active members present. Upon affirmation, he will then serve on the Elder Board as an Elder candidate for three months. This will allow him to overlap with any Elder that is rotating off the Elder Board. Should the candidate choose to continue to serve as an Elder after this three-month period is complete, and his willingness and suitability to serve is affirmed a majority (or unanimous) vote by the current Elder Board, he will be welcomed as a full member of the Board and commissioned as such. In joining the Elder Board, he affirms and commits himself to the church Constitution, Bylaws and its doctrinal statement. 

In keeping with best practices for a 501(c)(3), no more than three members of the board should be related by family or business. This is a recommendation and should be weighed carefully by the Elder Board when approving additional members. 

Removal: An Elder’s term can be terminated in one of three ways: 1) death, 2) resignation or 3) disqualification. 

Grounds for disqualification include a failure to fulfill the responsibilities of an Elder or failure to live in harmony with the qualifications of Elders as outlined above. If it is determined by the Elder Board that one or more Elder(s) has become spiritually or doctrinally disqualified, or if they fail to heed the admonition of the Elder Board, they will be removed from office by a unanimous vote of the remaining Board members. This action will follow after a legitimate process of attempting to correct and, if possible, to restore the situation for the good of the church’s ministry. 

If a member of the congregation has a grievance against an Elder, he or she should remember that accusations against an Elder should be brought on the basis of two or three witnesses (1 Tim. 5:19). This does not give a member license to “drum up support” for his or her cause. Rather, we encourage any member with a grievance to first go directly to the offending party and seek reconciliation (Mt. 18:15). If this does not resolve the issue to the member’s satisfaction, the member may then bring it to the attention of the Elder Board. 

Terms: The lay-elders (non-pastor elders) shall serve three-year terms. At the end of the initial term, an Elder’s appointment may be extended for another three-year term by mutual agreement of the Elder and the remaining members of the Elder Board and if affirmed by the active members of the congregation. A mandatory year off shall be taken after an Elder serves two consecutive terms. Pastors do not have term limits on the Elder Board. 

Numbers : The Lead Pastor is always a member of the Elder Board; other non-lead pastors may be considered for Elder positions. In addition, no less than 3 and no more than 7 lay-elders from the congregation are appointed. These are to be non-paid, non-staff members of the congregation. Members holding other paid positions can be on the Elder Board. However, to keep the board from being comprised of paid staff, there is a requirement for 3–7 additional volunteer members. 

Section 4: Responsibilities

The Elders at Grace Point Church have the following responsibilities: 

To God: 

1. To execute the duty of Elder to the best of their ability
2. To live a consistent life in witness of Christ
3. To serve Christ’s church by leading her in the pursuit of the Great Commission & Great Commandments To the Congregation:
1. To serve and direct in the ministry of caring for the body
2. To be in constant evaluation of the goals of the congregation
3. To monitor the needs in the body & arrange for fulfillment of those needs
4. To lead the congregation in working through church-wide issues
5. To make decisions for the betterment of the church’s mission
6. To exercise church discipline when the witness of the body of Christ is suffering
7. To endeavor to keep peace and unity in the congregation
8. To model authentic community and servant leadership to the congregation
9. To oversee the ministry of the pastoral staff

To One Another: 

1. To provide accountability of Elder duties
2. To foster the values of the Elder Board
3. To invite and accept accountability from the leadership of the Alliance of Mennonite Evangelical Congregations For The Operations of GPC:
1. To approve officers

a. Elders will annually choose officers as required for the work of the church. Such officers include the Elder Chairman of the Board, a Board Secretary, and a Church Treasurer. Officers can be, but do not have to be, members of the Elder Board. For purposes of filing appropriate 501(c)(3) forms, any officer can sign on behalf of the Elder Board. Additional officers and titles may be added from time to time as deemed necessary. 

b. Those handling finances should be screened and bonded/insured. This is a recommended best practice and is to be taken into consideration when the Elder Board is appointing a treasurer or any other financial officer. 

2. To approve staff

a. Staff assignments and compensation are determined by the Elder Board. Precautions will be taken to reduce conflict of interest. 

b. All compensation for support staff is to be based on comparable data and be documented by vote, date, and terms. 

3. To oversee fund activity

a. To determine how funds are raised and the method of disbursement and reimbursement, and to adopt and amend, as deemed necessary from time to time, a Conflict of Interest policy as generally outlined in Article 11 (Conflict of Interest) . 

b. Elders shall not make any distribution or expenditure, engage in any activity, hold any assets, or enter into any transaction that will cause GPC to lose its status as a 501(c)(3) organization. 

Section 5 – Meetings, Quorum and Voting 

Meetings: The Elder Board shall meet as often as necessary to accomplish the responsibilities assigned to them and to make decisions for the betterment of the church’s mission in all areas appropriate to their responsibilities. The Elder Board is a self-organizing board and will select a Chairman and Secretary on an annual basis. Elders may serve as Chairman or Secretary as long he is affirmed by the current board annually. 

Quorum: Votes require over half the Elder Board members to be present for a sufficient quorum. If a quorum of the Elders is not available, the requisite determination may be made by the membership or by special legal counsel appointed by the membership. 

Voting : For non-congregational votes (Article 5 Section 1), Elders board decisions will be affirmed by a majority vote. Revised 9.28.2019 9

Section 6: Compensation
Elder membership is not a paid position. However, Pastors, Directors, or other staff members who are also Elders can receive compensation for their other functions. The requirement of 3-7 lay-elders on the Elder Board is for non-paid members of the board. 

Article 7 PASTORS

Section 1: Purpose and Authority

Pastors are assigned functional responsibility of the church organization and spiritual oversight of the members. When there is more than one Pastor, all Pastors report to one Lead Pastor. The Lead Pastor may also have Ministry Directors reporting directly to him and may hold the position of Director where needed. The Lead Pastor must meet all the qualifications of an Elder and serve on the Elder Board, whereas non-lead Pastors may or may not be on the Elder Board. 

Section 2: Qualifications

Pastors at Grace Point Church must meet the same Biblical characteristics as outlined in the Elder section above. Female non-lead Pastors, while meeting the same Biblical characteristics as Elders, may serve in the role as a non-lead Pastor without being on the Elder Board. 

Section 3: Additions, Elections, Removal, Terms and Numbers

Additions and Elections: A prospective Lead Pastor is interviewed by the Elders and introduced to the congregation for a vote; hiring is contingent on a 2/3 approval vote of active members present at a duly-called meeting. An employment contract is given to the Lead Pastor to address the specific duties and responsibilities of a Lead Pastor as well as the terms and conditions of his employment related thereto. All other Pastoral staff is hired by the Elder Board. 

Removal: A Pastor’s term can be terminated in one of four ways: 1) death, 2) resignation, 3) disqualification (for-cause termination), or 4) at-will termination (no-cause termination) 

Grounds for disqualification are the same as an Elder. In addition, as an officer and employee of the church, the pastor can be terminated for business reasons including, but not limited to, growth or reduction strategies, new ministry needs, and staff reorganization, as determined by the Elder Board. 

Terms: Terms do not apply to the Pastor’s position.
Numbers: There is no limit to the number of Pastors, other than Lead Pastor, of which there is only one at a time. Section 4: Responsibilities

Pastors have similar foundational responsibilities as the Elders, however the Elders will help provide additional scope of responsibilities for each Pastor. Additionally each Pastor may have various ministry Directors reporting to them. This is a scalable model which may also require a Pastor to hold various director positions. 

Section 5: Meetings, Quorum and Voting 

Pastors meet with Directors and various members of the congregation, as needed, to accomplish their responsibilities. Only the meetings in which they serve on the Elder Board are considered a governance meeting, therefore no quorum or voting is necessary outside of that defined by the Elder Board. 

Section 6: Compensation
Compensation is established by the Elder Board and can be delegated to a compensation committee. All compensation is to be based on comparable data and be documented by vote, date, and terms of the Elder Board. 

Article 8 MINISTRY DIRECTORS

Section 1: Purpose and Authority

The purpose of a Ministry Director is to assist the Elders in the work of church ministry. They are accountable to and serve under the direction of a Pastor and ultimately the Elder Board. The biblical precedent in Acts 6:1-4 pictures select congregants serving the church body in a supporting role, especially by tending to the physical, material, and practical needs of both the congregation its community. Historically these roles have been referred to as overseers or deacons. 

Section 2: Qualifications

The qualifications vary according to the level of spiritual oversight required for the duty assigned. Eligibility is determined at the discretion of the Elders. 

Section 3: Additions, Elections, Removal, Terms, and Numbers

Additions and Elections: Pastors and Elders can ask various congregants if they are interested in holding particular directorship and/or staff positions. In addition, individuals can express their interest to an Elder. Assignments are made upon Elder vote. The number and types of positions can change according to the changing ministries of the church and the needs of the congregation, community, and outreach ministries. 

Removal: A Director’s term or a staff position can be terminated in one of four ways: 1) death, 2) resignation, 3) disqualification (for-cause termination) as determined by the Elder Board, or 4) at-will termination (no-cause termination) as determined by the Elder Board. 

Terms: Director terms are varied, on an as-needed basis, determined by Pastors. Staff positions do not have term limits. Numbers: There is no limit to the number of Directors or staff.
Section 4: Responsibilities

Directors report to the Pastor assigned for their functional areas of responsibility. They may have multiple team leads reporting to them. The various titles can change with need. Some examples are: Missions, Pastoral Care, Children, Junior High, Senior High, Young Adult and Adult Ministries, Worship, and Operations. An organizational chart can be used to further define the roles, reporting structures, and responsibilities. 

Section 5: Meetings, Quorum and Voting
Meetings, quorums, and voting can all be determined within each team and Director. 

Section 6: Compensation
The position of Director can be a paid or volunteer position and is subject to change according to the needs of the church. Compensation is established by the Elder Board and can be delegated to a compensation committee. All compensation is to be based on comparable data and be documented by vote, date, and terms. 

Article 9 INDEMNIFICATION

Section 1: Mandatory Indemnification

If a legal claim or criminal allegation is made against a person because he or she is or was an officer, employee, member, or agent of the church, the church shall provide indemnification against liability and costs incurred in defending against the claim if the Elders determine that the person acted (a) in good faith, (b) with the care an ordinarily-prudent person in a similar position would exercise under similar circumstances, and (c) in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in the best interest of the church, and the person had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. GPC will obtain and maintain a Directors and Officers Insurance. 

Section 2: Permissive Indemnification

At the discretion of the Elders, the church also may indemnify any person who acted in good faith and reasonably believed that his or her conduct was in the church’s best interest and not unlawful. 

Article 10 AMENDMENTS

This Constitution and By-laws may be amended by a 2/3 (66.66%) vote of the church membership present at a previously-announced members’ meeting. All amendments shall be first recommended by the Elder Board and shall be given in writing to all members at least two Sundays in advance of voting. 

Article 11 CONFLICT OF INTEREST

A Conflict of Interest Policy, in keeping with Federal Tax requirements, will be kept up-to-date. It will include a requirement that a voting member of the governing board who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from the organization for services is precluded from voting on matters pertaining to that member’s compensation and that a voting member of any committee whose jurisdiction includes compensation matters and who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from the organization for services is precluded from voting on matters pertaining to that member’s compensation. When the work of an independent contractor is needed, due diligence will be made to assure an equitable and fair market price for the work or service—as not to provide undue gain for a member of the church, officer, Pastor, Elder or anyone involved in church governance. 

Article 12 DISSOLUTION

If Grace Point Church ceases to exist, any assets which remain after paying or making provisions for the payment of all liabilities of the corporation, will go exclusively to a tax-exempt purpose(s)—such as to another non-profit organization board, or to a government entity. Any assets not so distributed shall be distributed by the Court of Common Pleas of the county in which the corporation’s principal office is then located exclusively for the corporation’s exempt purposes. No Director, officer, member or attender will have a legal right to any assets of GPC. The use of any surplus funds for private inurement to any person in the event of a sale of the assets or dissolution of the corporation is expressly prohibited. 

Article 13 POLITICAL ACTIVITY

GPC will not engage in or sponsor any political activity. 

Article 14
STATEMENT ON MARRIAGE, GENDER, AND SEXUALITY

We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God. Rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person. 

We believe that the term “marriage” has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture. We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. 

We believe that any form of sexual immorality (including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest and use of pornography) is sinful and offensive to God. 

We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of GPC as a local body of Christ, and to provide a biblical role model to GPC members and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by GPC in any capacity, or who serve as volunteers, agree to and abide by this statement on marriage, gender, and sexuality. 

We believe God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. 

We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of GPC.

Revised 9.28.2019