BYLAWS
THE
ARTICLE I: PASTORAL
A. Pastoral Team Responsibilities
1. To provide spiritual oversight and nurture for the congregation.
2. To plan worship themes and preaching schedules.
3. To organize special multi-session meetings, such as evangelistic meetings or other renewal meetings focused on a theme.
4. To coordinate other special programs, such as Sunday evening services and music concerts.
5. To give leadership to the service and evangelism outreach of the congregation.
B. Pastor Responsibilities
1. To provide spiritual leadership for the congregation.
2. To enable and equip the members of the congregation for ministry.
3. To chair the Pastoral Team.
4. To serve as Worship Advocate and thus be involved in the planning of public worship services.
5. To provide for the instruction of new believers and other candidates for membership.
6. To be a member of Church Council.
7. To be a resource to the advocates as needed.
8. To chair the Gift Discernment Committee.
C. Elder Responsibilities
1. To provide spiritual support to the pastor.
2. To assist the pastor in carrying out the various forms of ministry as time and gifts permit.
3. To be additional links between the Pastoral Team and the congregation regarding ministry opportunities and practices.
D. Overseer Responsibilities
1. To assist in matters of theological discussion and current issues related to the congregation.
2. To be a spiritual advisor to the Pastoral Team.
3. To be a resource to the Church Council upon request.
4. To be active in the process of selection and evaluation of the members of the Pastoral Team.
E. Pastoral Trainee Responsibilities
Pastoral Trainees may participate in the ministry of the Pastoral Team as a way of exploring a sense of call to ministry and/or developing ministry gifts and skills. They will normally be under the supervision of a Pastoral Team member and will engage in ministry activities as agreed upon by that supervisor.
ARTICLE II: CHURCH COUNCIL ROLES
A. Church Council Responsibilities
1. To have general administrative responsibility of the congregation.
2. To process evaluations and assignments of members of the Pastoral Team at the appropriate times.
3. To give guidance to and evaluate the programs of the congregation.
4. To coordinate the activities of the congregation to avoid competitiveness or overlapping activity.
5. To keep the constitution up-to-date.
6. To review and approve major projects in the congregation.
7. To review the annual budget proposed by the Finance Committee and recommend it to the congregation.
8. To review the work of the Gift Discernment Committee and recommend it to the congregation.
9. To receive and consider concerns from anyone in the membership of the congregation.
10. To take major decisions to the congregation for discussion and action.
B. Advocate Responsibilities
1. Each advocate shall serve as a link between Church Council and the committees and representatives in their cluster.
2. They shall solicit from their cluster any issues or reports and facilitate their presentation to Church Council.
3. They shall be available to give counsel and guidance to their cluster as requested.
C. Pastor-Congregation Relations Committee
1. Personnel
a. The chair of Church Council (who will not serve as chair of the committee).
b. Two other persons chosen by Church Council with staggered two-year terms. Church Council will appoint one of these as chair of the committee.
2. Responsibilities
a. To serve as a listening group for the pastor and the congregation so as to foster an open relationship between the congregation and the pastor.
b. To be responsible to Church Council, taking any recommendations regarding the pastor or his role to it.
c. To meet with the pastor at least quarterly; the chair shall involve the overseer as appropriate.
ARTICLE
A. Worship Cluster
1. Objectives
a. To provide overall leadership for corporate worship experiences.
b. To plan for Sunday morning worship and additional opportunities for worship.
c. To establish goals for worship.
d. To evaluate the worship experiences.
e. To encourage persons to develop gifts in worship areas.
2. Advocate
The pastor shall be the Worship Advocate.
3. Sunday Morning Worship Committee
a. Personnel
i. The Worship Advocate, who will chair this committee.
ii. Four persons selected by the gift discernment process for staggered two-year terms.
b. Responsibilities
i. To oversee the planning of the Sunday morning worship services.
ii. To evaluate the services to determine that they are effective in leading the congregation in worship.
iii. To provide the congregation with a variety of worship experiences.
B. Mutual Care Cluster
1. Objectives
a. To provide overall leadership for mutual care in the congregation.
b. To coordinate the organized activities that foster mutual care.
c. To provide opportunities for persons in the congregation to develop gifts and training in mutual care.
d. To reach outside the congregation with expressions of care.
2. Advocate
An elder shall be selected by the Pastoral Team each year as advocate.
3. Care and Share Committee
a. Personnel
i. The Mutual Care Advocate shall be a member of, but not chairperson of, this committee.
ii.
Five persons shall be selected through the gift
discernment process for two-year terms. Three persons shall be selected the
year the
b. Responsibilities
i. To see that wholistic care is provided to all members of the congregation.
ii. To review the financial needs of members experiencing a crisis and to organize the congregational response.
iii. To listen and respond to requests outside the congregation.
iv. To set guidelines for responding to community requests.
4. Small Group Coordinator
a. Personnel
One person shall be selected each year by the Pastoral Team to be the Small Group Coordinator.
b. Responsibilities
i. To organize small groups for those in the congregation desiring to participate.
ii. To assist in providing a leader for each group.
iii. To provide guidance for the leaders of small groups.
iv. To monitor the need for changes in small groups.
5. Marriage Enrichment Coordinators
a. Personnel
A husband and wife team shall be selected by the gift discernment process for a three-year term.
b. Responsibilities
i. To be advocates for the strengthening of marriage relationships in the congregation.
ii. To coordinate, in consultation with the pastor, the pairing of engaged or married couples (desiring mentoring) with a mentor couple.
iii. To resource mentor couples, to coordinate their training, and to be attentive in the congregation for new mentor couples, as needed.
iv. To coordinate the planning of occasional marriage enrichment experiences for the congregation.
v. To be available for consultation with the pastor regarding intervention for troubled marriages.
6.
a. Personnel
Three persons shall coordinate the mentor program. One person shall be selected each year through the gift discernment process for a three-year term. Church Council shall appoint the chair of this committee.
b. Responsibilities
i. To match each youth in the congregation in grades 6 through 12 with an adult mentor according to mentor committee guidelines and in consultation with the parent(s) of the youth. The pastoral team will review the lists of potential mentors and youth prior to finalization of matches.
ii. To plan occasional activities to bring together the involved youth and their mentors.
iii. To coordinate an annual evaluation of the mentor-youth pairs and an evaluation of the program as needed.
7. Mennonite Mutual Aid Representative
a. Personnel
One person shall be chosen by the gift discernment process for a two-year term.
b. Responsibilities
i.
To be a liaison between the congregation and
ii.
To perform the tasks described in the
iii. To serve as a member of the Care and Share Committee.
8. Health and Wellness
Promoter
a. Personnel
One person shall be selected through the gift discernment process for a two-year term.
b. Responsibilities
i. To provide health information that promotes health and wellness and emphasizes the connection between life styles, faith and well being.
ii. To counsel on health concerns as requested by individuals or leaders in the congregation.
iii. To link individuals and families with resources in the church and community.
iv. To facilitate support for persons in times of crises and special needs.
C. Activities Cluster
1. Objectives
To facilitate meeting the needs of various groups within the congregation and the broader church.
2. Advocate
A person shall be selected by the gift discernment process from one of the groups listed in this cluster.
3. Mennonite Women
This organization shall be affiliated with the Virginia Conference Mennonite Women and shall function according to its guidelines.
4. Mennonite Youth Fellowship
a. Personnel
Two couples (or single persons in lieu of one couple) shall serve as youth sponsors. One couple shall be selected each year through the gift discernment process for a two-year term.
b. Responsibilities
i. To provide a Christian nurture program for the youth from ninth grade and up.
ii. To provide settings and activities for wholesome interaction among youth.
iii. To help the youth organize and provide some of their own leadership.
5. Junior Mennonite Youth Fellowship
a. Personnel
Two couples (or single persons in lieu of one couple) shall serve as junior youth sponsors. One couple shall be selected each year through the gift discernment process for a two-year term.
b. Responsibilities
To provide wholesome activities and Christian nurture for youth from sixth through eighth grades.
6. Girls’ Club
a. Personnel
Two women shall be selected as sponsors each year through the gift discernment process.
b. Responsibilities
To provide wholesome activities and Christian nurture for girls from third through fifth grades.
7. Boys’ Club Sponsors
a. Personnel
Two men shall be selected as sponsors each year through the gift discernment process.
b. Responsibilities
To provide wholesome activities and Christian nurture for boys from third through fifth grades.
8. Fellowship Committee
a. Personnel
Three couples (or single persons in lieu of a couple) shall serve on this committee for three-year terms. One couple (or single person) shall be selected through the gift discernment process each year. Church Council shall appoint the chair of this committee.
b. Responsibilities
i. To plan for fellowship activities in the congregation.
ii. To see that the kitchen is supplied with the items necessary for meals at the church.
iii. To see that the kitchen is kept clean.
iv. To cooperate with other committees when asked to help with food at events such as camp-outs and funerals.
9. Camp-out Coordinator
a. Personnel
A person or couple shall be selected through the gift discernment process for a two-year term.
b. Responsibilities
i. To promote the annual church camp-out.
ii. To be the liaison with the organization hosting the location of the camp-out.
iii. To otherwise facilitate planning for the weekend. (The Worship Committee will plan for the Sunday morning worship experience.)
10. Young Adult Contact Person
a. Personnel
A person shall be selected each year through the gift discernment process.
b. Responsibilities
i. To serve as a contact person for the Virginia Conference Young Adult program.
ii. To share with the Pastoral Team and the Church Council the concerns of the young adults in the congregation.
11. Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community Auxiliary Representative
a. Personnel
One person shall be selected through the gift discernment process for a two-year term.
b. Responsibilities
To perform the tasks described in the guidelines of the VMRC Auxiliary.
12. Mennonite Central
Committee Relief
a. Personnel
One or two persons shall be selected through the gift discernment process for two-year terms.
b. Responsibilities
i. To serve on the Virginia Relief Sale Committee.
ii. To keep the congregation informed about the Virginia Relief Sale.
13. Virginia Mennonite Conference Assembly Lay Delegates
a. Personnel
One or more persons, as prescribed by the Virginia Mennonite Conference constitution, shall be selected through the gift discernment process for three-year terms.
b. Responsibilities
i. To attend Central District Council meetings and participate in its business.
ii. To attend the Virginia Conference Assembly and participate in the business sessions.
iii. To inform the congregation of any issues that will be discussed at assembly.
iv. To solicit responses from the congregation on the issues to be discussed.
v. To give a report to the congregation following the assembly.
14. Mennonite Disaster Service Representative
a. Personnel
One person shall be selected through the gift discernment process for a three-year term.
b. Responsibilities
i.
To be a congregational contact person for
ii.
To make the congregation aware of the needs of
iii.
To coordinate congregational participation in
15. Gift & Thrift Representative
a. Personnel
One person shall be selected through the gift discernment process for a two-year term.
b. Responsibility
To perform the tasks described in the guidelines of the Gift & Thrift store.
16.
a. Personnel
One person shall be selected through the gift discernment process for a two-year term.
b. Responsibility
To perform the tasks described in the guidelines of the Valley Mennonite Church League.
17. Pleasant View Home Representative
a. Personnel
One person shall be selected through the gift discernment process for a two-year term.
b. Responsibilities
To perform the tasks as described in the guidelines of Pleasant View Home.
18. Hospitality Committee
a. Personnel
Two persons shall be selected through the gift discernment process for two-year terms.
b. Responsibilities
i. To facilitate the organizing of wedding and baby showers.
ii. To arrange for flowers or other expressions of caring for those in the hospital or in other long-term incapacitation.
iii. To plan for meals to be brought to new mothers and their families and to others who would benefit from this form of caring by the congregation, such as families with a hospitalized person.
iv. To expedite the availability of persons who can assist others who are moving.
D. Stewardship Cluster
1. Objectives
a. To provide an awareness of and a teaching ministry on the broad aspects of stewardship.
b. To give guidance in the way offerings given by the congregation are disbursed.
2. Advocate
The treasurer of the congregation shall serve as Stewardship Advocate.
3. Treasurer
a. Personnel
A person shall be selected by the gift discernment process for a three-year term.
b. Responsibilities
i. To serve as Stewardship Advocate.
ii. To be responsible for handling all church funds, excluding those of specific organizations within the congregation which have their own treasurers.
iii. To sell stocks, bonds and other investments as directed by the Church Council.
iv. To keep the congregation informed of receipts and expenditures through periodic reports to Church Council and an annual report to the congregation.
v. To serve as chairperson of the Finance and Stewardship Committee.
vi. To submit the treasurer’s books to the Audit Committee annually for review.
4. Finance and Stewardship Committee
a. Personnel
i. The committee shall consist of two persons selected through the gift discernment process and the treasurer shall serve as chairperson.
ii. One person shall be selected each year for a two-year term.
b. Responsibilities
i. To assist the treasurer in keeping the congregation aware of stewardship concerns.
ii. To assist the treasurer in preparing the annual budget for presentation to the Church Council.
iii. To give the treasurer guidance on any issue that the treasurer brings to the committee.
iv. To review the treasurer’s books at the end of each fiscal year.
v. To report to Church Council on the status of the treasurer’s books.
c. Audits
Church Council shall choose a person outside the congregation to audit the treasurer’s books each third year.
E. Buildings and Grounds Cluster
1. Objectives
a. To care for the physical facilities of the congregation.
b. To provide for the physical comfort of the congregation prior to and during meetings.
2. Advocate
The chairperson of the Trustees shall serve as the Buildings and Grounds Advocate.
3. Trustees
a. Personnel
Four persons shall serve as trustees. One person shall be selected each year through the gift discernment process for a four-year term. Church Council shall appoint the chair of this committee.
b. Responsibilities
i. To see that the church building receives custodial care.
ii. To be responsible for the buildings and grounds.
iii. To make purchases of equipment and materials necessary for the operation and repair of the church building.
iv. To suggest to Church Council guidelines for the use of the building and grounds.
v. To provide proper heating or cooling during public meetings.
4. Title Trustees
a. Personnel
i. Two persons shall be selected through the gift discernment process. Replacements shall be considered as necessary.
ii.
Each Title Trustee shall be properly registered at the
Courthouse in
b. Responsibilities
i. To be caretaker of the funds designated to the Title Trustees.
ii. To invest Title Trustee funds in conjunction with the guidelines of the Church Council.
iii. To be the legal tenants of the church property, securities, and bequests.
5. Cemetery Trustees
a. Personnel
Three persons shall be selected by the gift discernment process for five-year terms.
b. Responsibilities
i. To sell cemetery plots and maintain records of the transactions.
ii. To identify gravesites when needed for a funeral.
iii. To maintain a record of income and expenses relating to the operation of the cemetery and give an annual report to the congregation.
iv. To supervise the care and improvements needed to maintain the cemetery grounds.
6. Ushers
a. Personnel
Four or more ushers as needed shall be selected by the gift discernment process for one-year terms. One person shall be designated as head usher by Church Council.
b. Responsibilities
i. To assist persons, when necessary, in locating a seat.
ii. To collect the offering.
7. Greeters
a. Personnel
Scheduling of greeters will be coordinated by the church's administrative assistant.
b. Responsibilities
i. To provide a friendly greeting to persons entering worship.
ii. To help visitors become familiar with the facility and the services.
iii. To hand out bulletins when available.
8. Flower Arrangements Coordinator
a. Personnel
One or more person shall be selected by the gift discernment process for a one-year term.
b. Responsibility
To coordinate the provision of appropriate arrangements for the front of the sanctuary for Sunday worship and other designated times.
9. Public Address System Operators
a. Personnel
Four or five persons shall be selected by the gift discernment process for one-year terms. One person shall be designated as head operator by Church Council.
b. Responsibilities
i. To provide audio services for public worship services.
ii. To oversee audio services for weddings and funeral services.
iii. To be responsible for the maintenance of the audio system.
iv. To record public worship services as requested.
10. Vehicle Parking Coordinators
a. Personnel
One or two persons shall be selected through the gift discernment process for one-year terms.
b. Responsibilities
To oversee orderly vehicle parking as needed at all church gatherings, particularly during special events attracting more guests than normal.
F. Christian Education Cluster
1. Objectives
a. To provide creative leadership in the spiritual education of the congregation.
b. To provide opportunities for members to be challenged in their faith commitment.
c. To make the congregation aware of opportunities for spiritual education.
2. Advocates
The Sunday School superintendent for the adults and the Sunday School superintendent for the children shall serve as co-advocates of this cluster. These shall be the assistant superintendents the previous year.
3. Christian Education Council (Sunday School)
a. Personnel
i. The Sunday School superintendent of the adults and the Sunday School superintendent of the children.
ii. The assistant Sunday School superintendent of the adults and the assistant superintendent of the children. These shall be selected through the gift discernment process for a one-year term as assistant followed by a one-year term as superintendent.
iii. A representative from the Pastoral Team, and selected by that group, shall be the convener of the Council.
iv. The first meeting of the Council shall normally be in early summer.
b. Responsibility
To coordinate the Sunday School ministry of the congregation, including curriculum, space needs, the vision for wholistic Christian education for all age groups, and related issues.
4.
a. Personnel
i. Two persons shall be selected by the gift discernment process for two-year terms.
ii. One person shall be selected each year.
b. Responsibilities
To organize and
conduct a
5. Historian
a. Personnel
One person shall be selected by the gift discernment process to a three-year term.
b. Responsibilities
i. To collect materials that have historical value and store them in a safe place with appropriate materials being placed in the conference archives.
ii. To maintain a journal of church functions and activities and compile a scrapbook of clippings, etc.
iii. To make an effort to find and preserve old church records, pictures, etc.
6. Library Committee
a. Personnel
Three persons shall serve on this committee for three-year terms. One person shall be selected by the gift discernment process each year. The historian shall be an ex officio member. Church Council shall appoint the chair of this committee.
b. Responsibilities
i. To review and purchase books for the library.
ii. To prepare books for circulation.
iii. To set up library policies.
iv. To publicize the books in the library.
v. To coordinate the use of the library materials with the congregational program.
vi. To staff the library after the Sunday morning service for the selection of books.
7. EMHS Education Committee
a. Personnel
Three persons shall serve on the committee. One person shall be selected by the gift discernment process each year to a three-year term. Church Council shall appoint the chair of this committee.
b. Responsibilities
i. To recommend guidelines to Church Council for the EMHS tuition plan.
ii. To work with exceptions to the plan and make recommendations to the Church Council.
iii. To serve as a liaison between the congregation and EMHS on tuition plan issues.
8. EMHS Advisory Council Representatives
a. Personnel
One couple (or person) shall be selected by the gift discernment process for a two-year term.
b. Responsibilities
To perform the tasks described in the guidelines set forth by EMHS for members of the Advisory Council.
9. Nursery Coordinator
a. Personnel
One person shall be selected by the gift discernment process each year.
b. Responsibilities
i. To coordinate the staffing of the nursery during Sunday morning and other special services.
ii. To see that the nursery is equipped with items that should be there.
10 Missions Communicator
a. Personnel
One person shall be selected by the gift discernment process each year.
b. Responsibilities
i.
To communicate mission ideas and activities as outlined
by both
ii. To give monthly reports to the congregation on Sunday morning on some aspect of missions.
iii. To provide information on bulletin boards, Sunday bulletins, etc. on missions.
ARTICLE IV: CHANGES TO THE BYLAWS
Church Council may authorize changes to the Bylaws upon their being presented in two regularly called meetings of the Council and after the congregation has been notified of the specific changes in writing at least two-weeks prior to the vote. A two-thirds majority vote of all Council members present is required for the changes to become effective. Alternately, the changes may be voted upon by congregational members and affirmed by a simple majority vote of all members voting.
Approved
by Congregation:
Amended