I. ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION

A. NAME – The name of this Congregation shall be the First Christian Church of North Hollywood. 

B. AFFILIATION- The congregation is one part of the three manifestations of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ of U.S. and Canada), each of which has autonomy and all are bound in covenant. It is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Pacific Southwest Region and is classified as a Section 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The General Office of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is in Indianapolis, Indiana.

C.  PURPOSE – The purpose of this Congregation is articulated by the following:

We the people of the First Christian Church of North Hollywood shall continue our mission to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the immediate community and beyond. This mission shall be accomplished with an emphasis on three things:

Love:  We recognize that we are all children of God; our Love for each other knows no bounds. We profess love for Jesus Christ and the desire to be members of the family of Christ. We recognize and accept all as members of the family of humanity.

Faith: By our belief in God and Jesus Christ, we will set our standards according to the life and teachings of Jesus. We will strive to live our lives by the example Jesus has shown to us.

Service: We accept The Great Commission to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world; we recognize that this is accomplished not only by witness, but also by example and action.

D. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE – It is the intent of these bylaws to set forth a framework that will provide an effective way to achieve the purposes set forth in the Mission Statement of the First Christian Church of North Hollywood. The objectives of this organizational structure are to:

1. Establish clear lines of authority and accountability throughout the organization.
2. Provide an outline for delegating responsibilities, and clarify the roles of all participants.
3. Establish an orderly process of governance that is open, democratic and facilitates communication.

A. FUNCTION AND AUTHORITY – The First Christian Church of North Hollywood is a congregationally run organization.  In all matters of policy and program, the Congregation is the chief and final authority.

1. The Congregation may examine and reverse or affirm decisions made by the Board, councils, committees, or any other body to whom it delegates responsibilities.  Congregational action requires a two-thirds majority vote of active members present at a Congregational meeting.
2. All officers, ministers, staff and other leaders are ultimately responsible to the Congregation.

C. RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES – As final authority, the Congregation has the ultimate responsibility for managing its finances and programs, calling its ministers, selecting its leadership, and financially underwriting its ministry.

1. Voting privileges shall be accorded to all active members of three months or more in attendance at any business meeting of the Congregation.
2. All members of the congregation are eligible to be considered for nomination to any office within the church organization.
3. Members may attend any regular meetings of the Board of Trustees, councils, departments, committees, subcommittees, and task forces, except the Pulpit Committee, Staff Council, Nominating Council and executive sessions of the Board of Trustees.

1. ANNUAL MEETING – The purpose for the annual meeting will be to approve leadership nominations submitted by the Nominating Council, new Board members and officers for the coming year, receive the annual reports of the past year, approve the projected program and proposed church budget for the coming year, and attend to any other business as may be necessary.
2. SPECIAL MEETINGS – A call for a special meeting of the Congregation may be made by a majority vote of the Board of Trustees or a written petition signed by 25 or more active members of the Congregation.
3. PROCEDURE  -- The Chair/Congregational President or Vice-Chair/Con-
gregational Vice President shall preside over all Congregational meetings. “Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised,” shall govern all business.

A. FUNCTION AND AUTHORITY – As the primary executive body of the Congregation, the Board of Trustees is authorized to determine policy, conduct corporate business and administer the operational program and ministry of the Church.  Specific Board responsibilities include:
 

1. Direct, coordinate and oversee the work done by all councils.
2. Conduct corporate business of the Church and submit a proposed slate of officers and an annual budget to the Congregation, seven days prior to its annual meeting, for approval.
3. Formulate overall Church policy and manage the Church organization to best fulfill its goals.
4. Report mid-year in writing to the Congregation regarding business, and policy matters, including financial reports.
5. Provide an annual report that includes the financial status of all funds and a synopsis of the status of all programs.
6. Review and annually update the roles and responsibilities of each council (See: attachment ‘A’).

B. MEMBERSHIP – The Board will consist of the following eleven members:  Chair/Congregational President Vice Chair/Congregational Vice President;  Corporate Secretary/Congregational Liaison, Chair of Property, Chair of Stewardship, Chair of Ministries, Chair of Christian Education, Chair of Staff Council, Membership/Evangelism Chair, Worship Council Representative and Elder Representative. Council Vice-Chairs may vote in the absence of the Council Chairs. In the event the Council Chair and Vice-Chair are unable to attend a Board meeting, a designate may vote for the Council. The Pastor and  Executive Minister/Administrative Director are non-voting, ex-officio members.
 

1. SELECTION – All Board members except Worship Representative and Elder Representative shall be nominated by the Nominating Council subject to formal approval by the Congregation at its annual meeting.
2. OFFICERS – The Chair/Congregational President, Vice Chair/Congreg- ational Vice President and Corporate Secretary/Congregational Liaison will serve as corporate officers of the Board. All designated positions within the Board are subject to formal approval by the Congregation at its annual meeting.
3. TERM – The Chair/Congregational President, Vice-Chair/Congregational Vice-President and Board Secretary/Congregational Liaison shall be nominated for a term of one year. Each officer may serve not more than three consecutive one-year terms. The Nominating Council shall make every effort to insure continuity for these offices. Board members will be eligible for reappointment after a one-year hiatus.
4. DUTIES – In addition to serving as signatories on all corporate legal documents, specific duties of the officers include the following:

a. Chair/Congregational President – Chair all meetings of the Congregation, Board, and Nominating Council.
b. Vice Chair/Congregational Vice President – Serve as proxy for the Chair/Congregational President when necessary.
c. Board (Corporate) Secretary/Congregational Liaison - The Board Sec-retary/Congregational Liaison will be responsible for the recording of minutes for all Board of Trustees meetings.  These minutes should be posted monthly on the church bulletin board after being approved by the Board.  It will also be the Board Secretary’s responsibility to insure that all council minutes are submitted and filed in the church office as well. In addition, he/she will maintain the Board policy manual and update bylaws drafts as needed.  It is preferred that this person have some computer and clerical skills. 

C. MEETING FREQUENCY AND REPORTING – The Board will meet bimonthly (every two months) or more often as required to carry out the business of the Church.  Meetings will be open to all members of the Congregation.  Special meetings and/or executive sessions may be called by the Chair or Vice Chair given reasonable notice.

1. QUORUM – Six voting members must be present to transact business.
2. REPORTING – Minutes of each meeting will be taken and copies provided to each Board member and the Church office.  All minutes will be posted.

A. FUNCTION AND AUTHORITY – The Board of Trustees shall delegate oversight of the activities of the Congregation to seven councils – Property, Stewardship, Ministries, Worship, Christian Education, Staff, Membership/ Evangelism. Each council is responsible to the Board, which has final author-ity on all corporate matters.

B. MEMBERSHIP – Each council will be chaired/represented by a member on the Board of Trustees. It’s council membership may include a vice-chair and other nominated and representative members.

1. OFFICERS – The Chair of each Council will be a member of the Board of Trustees, unless that duty is delegated by the chair to a representative member of the council. 

a. SELECTION –With the exception of Elders and Christian Education Council, officers will be determined (selected) by the Nominating Council and approved by the congregation at its annual meeting.
b. TERM – Council officers shall serve a one-year term and may serve successive terms not to exceed three consecutive terms.

2. NOMINATED MEMBERS –In addition to Council Chairs for Property, Stewardship, Ministries, Worship, Membership/Evangelism and Staff Councils, Vice-Chairs for Ministries and Property, and at-large members of each said council, the following council members will be nominated to direct departments or functions including but not limited to: World Outreach, Community Service, Hospitality, Publicity, Librarian, Historian, Tree Lot, Operation Santa Claus, Interfaith Food Pantry, Renaissance Fair Chair and Health Fair Chair.

a. SELECTION – All nominated council members will be approved by the Congregation at its annual meeting.
b. TERM – Nominated members shall serve at least two year terms and may serve successive terms if desired.

3. REPRESENTATIVE MEMBERS -  The following council members will represent existing functions or organizations: Men’s Group, Christian Women’s Fellowship, Twelve-Step Liaison, Advent Theater, Blood Drive Representative, Sports Representative, Picnic Representative and Council of Ministries Liaison.

a. SELECTION – All representative council members will be selected by the department or organization which the member represents.
 b. TERM – Representatives shall serve a one-year term and may serve successive terms not to exceed three consecutive terms.

C. MEETINGS – All councils will meet at least quarterly at a regular time and location.  Meetings will be open to all members of the Congregation.  Special meetings may be called by the Council Chair or Vice Chair given reasonable notice.

1. QUORUM – A majority of Council members, including the Chair or Vice Chair, must be present in order to transact business.
2. REPORTING – Minutes of each meeting will be taken and copies provided to all members of the appropriate council, members of the Board of Trustees, and the Church office to be filed.

D. ORGANIZATION

1. PROPERTY COUNCIL

a. FOUR  MEMBERS – Chair of Property, Vice Chair of Property, and at least two members-at-large. The Administrative Director on staff will serve as a non-voting ex-officio member.
b. PURPOSE – The supervision and oversight of all church buildings, property, grounds and equipment. 

2.  STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL 

a. SEVEN MEMBERS – Chair of Stewardship Council and five members at-large. The Pastor and Administrative Director are non-voting ex-officio members.
b. PURPOSE – Oversight of all church financial matters. 

3. MINISTRIES COUNCIL

a. MEMBERS – Chair of Ministries, Vice Chair of Ministries, Chair of World Outreach, Chair of Community Service, Twelve-Step Liaison Representative, Christian Women’s Fellowship Representative, Men’s Group Representative, Publicity Chair, Hospitality Chair, Chair of Tree Lot, Food Pantry Representative, Operation Santa Claus Chair, Health Fair Chair, Advent Theater Representative, Renaissance Fair Chair, Council of Ministries Liaison or a representative from any ministry program yet to be formed. The Pastor and Administrative Director are non-voting ex-officio members.
b. PURPOSE – The oversight, coordination and implementation of the various programs of the church on an ongoing basis.
c. SELECTION – All nominated members of the Ministries Council are nominated by the Nominating Council  and submitted for approval of the congregation every two years. All representative members are chosen by their respective groups/ministries.

4. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COUNCIL

a. EIGHT MEMBERS – Chair of Christian Education Council (a mem-ber of the board of Trustees), Vice-Chair, the Logos Administrator, a member of CYF, the Superintendent of the Church School, a Church School teacher, a representative of the Adult Education Program and the Christian Nursery School Administrator. The Council should also include two at-large members, one of which may be a parent. The Associate Pastor/Minister of Christian Education and the Youth Director will be voting members. 
b. SELECTION -The Chair is nominated by the Nominating Committee. All other Council member groups/functions, (i.e. CYF, Church School teachers, Adult Education), may select their representatives to the Council, unless there is already an administrator in place, (i.e., the Logos Administrator)

5. MEMBERSHIP/EVANGELISM COUNCIL

a. SEVEN MEMBERS – Membership/Evangelism Chair, Vice-Chair and five members-at-large. The Chair will represent the council at regular Board of Trustees meetings. The Council shall oversee the Historian, Sports and Picnic Committees and their representatives shall attend meetings as necessary.
b. PURPOSE – to attract new members, to nurture all members, and  to facilitate communication within the church family.
c. TERM – Members of the Council shall serve two year terms and may serve consecutive terms if desired.  The terms should be staggered so that two members will be retained from the previous year.
d. SELECTION – The Chair and Vice-Chair shall be nominated by the Nominating Council in consultation with the Senior Pastor.

 6.   WORSHIP COUNCIL

a. MEMBERSHIP – The council consists of no more than nine (9) voting members, including representatives of the Choir, Diaconate, Elders, Youth, the Minister of Music, the Senior Pastor, ordained clergy on staff and members-at-large. 
 b. SELECTION – The Worship Council recommends candidates to the Nominating Council in time for their October meeting. The chair(s) of the Diaconate should be included. The Elders and Youth should be consulted as to their choice of representatives.
c. TERM – Each officer shall serve for a minimum of one year, but in no event longer than three consecutive years. A council member shall represent the council at regular Council of Ministries and Board of Trustees meetings.
d. PURPOSE – to assess, plan and implement worship services as they relate to the overall mission statement of the church (see FCCNH Mission Statement).

7.  ELDERS

a. MEMBERSHIP – There shall be a minimum of 18 serving Elders who serve three-year terms.  Terms are to be staggered so that one-third of the elders is new each year.  The Elders shall select their own Chair, Vice-Chair and Representative to the Board of Trustees. All ordained clergy with standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) shall also serve as Elder.
b. RESPONSIBILITIES – The Elders serve as the spiritual advisors to the Minister and Congregation.  They shall also be responsible for evaluating the Pastor’s ministry. Elders serve at the Lord’s table and support such ministries as visiting the sick and homebound. By their own example, Elders promote the growth and welfare of the Church through evangelism, mission, education and stewardship

8. NOMINATING COUNCIL 

a. SIX MEMBERS – Chaired by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the Nominating Council will include representatives of the Elders, Christian Women’s Fellowship, Christian Education Council, Diaconate, and an at-large member nominated by the Council and approved by the Congregation. Ordained clergy members on staff will serve in a non-voting ex-officio capacity.
b. SELECTION – Representatives will be chosen by their respective groups; however, no members of the Nominating Council may serve simultaneously as a member of the Board of Trustees other than the Chair.
c. TERM – With the exception of the Chair, members of the Nominating Council shall serve two-year terms and may not serve two consecutive full terms.  A representative member may serve again after a one-year hiatus. The terms should be staggered so two members will be retained from the previous year.
d. PURPOSE – The Nominating Council will begin meeting as necessary no later than the third Sunday in September.  The Council is responsible for nominating persons for leadership positions in the Church based on recommendations from each council and the Board of Trustees.

1. The Nominating Council will also meet as necessary to nominate members to fill all vacancies that occur before a term has been completed for the duration of that term. Board of Trustees vacancies shall be approved by the Congregation at a special called meeting.  The Board of Trustees is authorized to ratify all other nominations.
2. All full-term nominations shall be approved by the Congregation at its annual meeting.
3. All nominations should be submitted to the Congregation seven days prior to any meeting to approve such nominations.
4. It is the council’s responsibility to share statements of job responsibilities with each potential candidate.

9.   STAFF COUNCIL

a. NINE MEMBERS – The Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees may or may not serve as Staff Council Chair. The Staff Council will also con-sist of the Senior Pastor, an Elder, (preferably currently serving), a member of the Diaconate, a Christian Nursery School Staff Represent-
ative and four at-large members, one of whom may be the Admini-strative Director.
b. SELECTION – With the exception of the CNS Staff Representative, all council members shall be nominated by the Nominating Council in consultation with the Senior Pastor and the Staff Council Chair.
c. TERM – With the exception of the Staff Chair, members shall serve three-year terms.  A council member may not serve two consecutive full terms.  Terms should be staggered so six members are retained from the previous year.
d. PURPOSE – Oversight of all church staff, employee and employment 
matters.

A. RESPONSIBILITIES – The Senior Pastor shall perform the duties traditional to the role of minister, observing the principles set forth for the ministry by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  He shall be a voting member of the Staff Council, Worship Council and a non-voting ex-officio member of all other groups and committees of the Congregation except for the Pulpit Committee. The Senior Pastor shall also serve as Head of Staff, unless otherwise directed/arranged by the Board of Trustees.

A. PULPIT COMMITTEE – When there is an existing or anticipated pulpit vacancy, the Board of Trustees shall appoint a Pulpit Committee.

1. MEMBERSHIP – Eleven members shall be appointed, broadly representative of the congregation and chaired by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees.  The Congregation must approve all members of the committee.
2. RESPONSIBILITIES – The Pulpit Committee will conduct the search for the Senior Pastor in consultation with the Regional Minister of the Pacific Southwest Region. The committee may interview only one candidate at a time and will recommend its selection to the Board of Trustees.

1. APPROVAL – A two-thirds majority vote of active members of the Congregation present at a called meeting is required to call the Senior Pastor.
2. STATEMENT OF CALLING – A written statement setting forth the terms and conditions of the call shall be made in duplicate for the Senior Pastor and Board of Trustees.
3. TERM – The call shall be for an indefinite period and may be terminated with sixty days written notice by the Senior Pastor or Congregation.

C. TERMINATION – Upon the recommendation of the Elders, the Congregation may terminate the Senior Pastor’s call with a two-thirds vote of active members present at a special congregational meeting.

A. MEMBERSHIP – There shall be a minimum of 18 serving Elders who serve three-year terms.  Terms are to be staggered so that one-third of the elders is new each year.  The Elders shall select their own Chair and Vice-Chair.

B. RESPONSIBILITIES – The Elders serve as the spiritual advisors to the Minister and Congregation.  They shall also be responsible for evaluating the Pastor’s ministry.  In addition to serving at the Lord’s Table, Elders support the ministry by visiting the sick and shut-in.  By their own example, Elders promote the growth and welfare of the Church through evangelism, mission, education and stewardship.

A. MEMBERSHIP – There shall be a minimum of 54 total members of the Diaconate who will serve three-year terms.  The Nominating Council will nominate one third of these members each year so that terms of service will be staggered.  Chairs and Vice-Chairs of the Diaconate shall be nominated by the Nominating Council.

B. RESPONSIBILITIES – The Diaconate shall cooperate with other officers in promoting the growth and welfare of the church.  They shall assist worshippers in preparation and distribution of the Lord’s Supper and in receiving the offerings.  They shall also participate in financial canvasses, visitation projects, preparation of candidates for baptism, and other duties as may be assigned.
 
 

A. MEMBERSHIP – Church staff are those persons engaged by the Board of Trustees and paid to conduct the professional ministry and business operations of the church.

1. STAFF POSITIONS – may include but are not limited to: Associate Minister, Minister of Christian Education, Minister of Music, Youth Director, Organist, Administrative Director, administrative assistants, wedding coordinator(s), janitorial and custodial employees.
2. HEAD OF STAFF – The Senior Pastor shall serve as the Head of Staff and direct and oversee its day-to-day activities, unless otherwise directed/arranged by the Board of Trustees.

A. POLICY – It is the policy of FCCNH to have its programs reviewed for management and/or financial controls by an external reviewer on an “as needed” basis determined by the Board of Trustees.

1. Results of external reviews will be reviewed in detail by the Board of Trustees, and the Board is responsible to determine any follow-up action that it determines is required.
2. Results of external reviews/audits shall be communicated to the congregation.

A.  Workers Compensation Insurance.  Primary responsibility for monitoring and updating all workers compensation insurance issues and keeping the insurance current is assigned to the Staff Council. 

B. Liability Insurance.  Property Council is assigned the primary responsibility for insuring that the FCCNH/CNS Liability insurance is kept current. 

C. Property Insurance.  Property Council is assigned the primary responsibility for insuring that the FCCNH/CNS Property insurance is kept current. 

D. It is recognized that in order to do their job in this area, Staff Council and Property Council  will need to obtain information from and coordinate with Stewardship Council. 

AMENDMENT PROCEDURE

A. These bylaws may be amended as follows:

1. By a two-thirds majority vote of active members present at a Congregational meeting, provided the proposed amendment is made available to the Congregation at least two weeks in advance of the meeting.
2. By a two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Trustees, but only during the first five years of transitional operation under these bylaws. (January 8, 2000)
3. After the five-year transition is complete, copies of the finalized bylaws will be posted and made available to members of the Congregation on request.
4. These bylaws shall become effective immediately on approval of the Congregation.

I. PROPERTY COUNCIL

A. Objectives –
B. Responsibilities -- Through its members and departments, the Property Council has the following responsibilities:

1. Formulate and administer a program of maintenance, repair, renovation, decoration and protection of all church structures and property.
2. Establish property-related budget recommendations for the Stewardship Council.
3. Review and prioritize repair, renovation, decorating and building plans and manage their implementation upon approval of the Board of Trustees.
4. Ensure unity of design and establish aesthetic criteria for all building and renovation projects.
5. Supervise the purchase and installation of all new equipment within its allotted budget.
6. Coordinate and approve requests for use of all church facilities.
7. Authorize the purchase of supplies and materials for ongoing maintenance within its allotted budget.
8. Provide for and supervise project contractors upon the approval of the Board of Trustees.
9. Insure that the appropriate level of liability and property insurance is maintained for the Church and School.  Work with Stewardship Council as necessary to accomplish this.

C.  Member Positions and Duties (Job Descriptions)--

D.  Delegated Authority--

A. Objectives –
To unify and coordinate all aspects of the Church’s stewardship and financial management program, the Stewardship Council will serve :

1. To insure that the assigned and delegated financial oversight and management functions are performed and with continuity and proper accountability

2. To safeguard all of the assets of the church and school.

3. To oversee  and maximize the use of all financial, and financially related,  resources of FCCNH/CNS

4. To insure that the external review function is implemented.

5. To insure accounting practices comply with Federal, State and local laws and regulations and to insure compliance with generally accepted accounting and business principles and practices.

6. To monitor risk management and liability issues on behalf of the Board of Trustees for FCCNH/CNS.

7. To recommend and monitor fiscal policy to the Board of Trustees

1. Prepare an annual budget with recommendations for presentation to the Board of Trustees for its January meeting.
2. Oversee procedures for the receipt and disbursement of the Congregation’s funds.
3. Organize and direct a stewardship program of education and fund-raising to underwrite the approved budget.
4. Review and develop all accounting and cash-handling procedures.
5. Approve and account for all fund-raising efforts by organizations.
6. Maintain a monthly statement of budget position available to all church members and report monthly to the Board of Trustees and semi-annually to the Congregation.
7. Prepare and file appropriate fiscal reports with governmental authorities.
8. Administer the Church’s endowment and memorial funds.
9. Provide for an annual third party and/or independent “review” of First Christian Church financial statements.
10. Review and coordinate specific recommendations of Departments for fiscal policy and for new program proposals, for action by the Board of Trustees.
11. Maintain a financial policy and procedures statement, a copy of which shall be available in the church office.
12. Provide information  to Property Council to facilitate their fulfillment of their liability and property insurance responsibilities.
13. Provide information to the Staff Council to facilitate their fulfillment of their workers compensation insurance responsibilities.
14. Insure the collection of rents and other facilities use fees due to the Church.

Chair:
1. Presides at all meetings of the Council and shall call emergency meetings, and conducts phone votes of the Council as needed.  (Meetings cannot be held without the presence of Chair or Vice Chair)
2. Chair (or Vice Chair) must be present, along with a quorum, in order to conduct business.
3. Assures that the work of the Council includes carrying out all responsibilities as assigned in the bylaws.
4. Assures that council recommendations and/or approvals are communicated to the appropriate Councils and Board of Trustees.
5. Prepares mid-year and yearly FCCNH congregational and Board of Trustees reports in consultation with the Stewardship Council and others as appropriate.
6. Forwards nominating recommendations to the Nominating Council in a timely manner.
7. Serves on the FCCNH Board of Trustees and reports all Council activity at each meeting.
8. Assigns committees for development of budgets, policy, procedure and programs as needed.
9. Reviews and  monitors budgetary line items assigned to the Stewardship Council..
10. Assigns minute taking to member for each meeting.
11. Insures that all members absent from meetings, get all meeting materials.
12. Prepare agenda and sends out in advance
13. Provides Church office with copy of all approved minutes for official Minute Books in a timely manner.
14. Send minutes to Board Chair in time for next Board meeting.
15. Maintains and communicates meeting schedule
16. Provides Board minutes and follow-up to the Stewardship council on a regular basis
17. Perform all duties of Member at Large

Vice Chair:
1. Serves on the  Council and performs the role of Chair, in the absence of the Chair.  (Must be present in absence of Chair, in order to conduct business.
2. In the absence of Chair the vice chair must be present, in addition to a quorum, in order to conduct business
3. Serves on the Board of Trustees
4. Performs all duties of Member at Large.

Chair, General Fund Stewardship :
1. Creates and delivers the annual general fund stewardship pledge campaign for FCCNH in the Fall of each year.  The pledges received in this campaign provide the primary financial support to the general fund operations of the church for the following year beginning January 1.
2. Write and send out (in consultation with Council and Board of Trustees) to the congregation the annual year end letter soliciting year end contributions to the General Fund.
3. Performs all duties of Member at Large

CNS Liaison: 
1. Represents CNS on Stewardship Council and serves on the CNS Council as Financial Liaison and Vice Chair. 
2. Responsible for communicating stewardship issues to and from the CNS Council
3. Responsible for bringing items from CNS to Stewardship Council
4. Communicates Board policy changes to CNS staff and Council in a timely manner and maintains these changes in the CNS office.
5. Communicates Stewardship Council decisions to CNS Council and staff. 
6.  Performs all duties of member at large

Member at Large: (3)
1. Review agenda and agenda materials received in advance of meetings 
2. Take meeting minutes as assigned by the Chair. 
3. Perform special (Stewardship related ) projects as assigned by the Chair. 
4. Serves in liaison capacity to other Councils and FCC groups as deemed necessary by the Council
5. Engages in all activities required to fulfill the roles and responsibilities and delegated authority assigned in the bylaws to the Stewardship Council.

Ex Officio Members:
          Pastor
          Chief Financial Officer

Meetings

Regular meetings shall be held monthly  The Stewardship Council Chair may call special meetings, if needed.  Council members are expected to attend all Congregational meetings and summits. 

D.  Delegated Authority –  The FCCNH Board of Trustees delegates to the Stewardship Council as follows:

1. All finance actions, with the exception of actions which make policy, or fall under existing policy which require Board action and approval.  (For example, the Investment policy states that all investments (a) pose no risk to principal, (b)  be made with BCE, and (c) be for a period of three years or less.  The Stewardship Council would need Board approval for an investment with a 4-year term.)
2. All actions by the Stewardship Council will be reported to the Board of Trustees, in writing, at the following meeting.
3. At the request of the majority of Stewardship Council members, review and action by the Board may be requested by Stewardship Council on any item.
4. Any action for budget increase less than $5,000 in all funds, including CNS. 
5. Approval of all budgets for the Advent Theater and Choir Programs.

A. Objectives – 

1. To provide guidance and implementation of the FCCNH Mission Statement for the various ministries of the church and the community at large.
2. To encourage, prioritize and coordinate all church ministry programs.
3. To disseminate information about the church to the larger church family and community.
4. To disseminate information from the Ministries Council to all other church organizations.

A.  Membership Development Department: Evangelism, Library, Hospitality, Singles Fellowship, Athletics, Historian, Christian Women’s Fellowship (CWF), and Publicity.
B. Christian Education Department:  Nine members—Chair nominated by the Nominating Council.  Church School Director, Logos Administrator, Church School Teacher, representatives from CNS and CYF and three (3) at large members to be selected by the Committee Chair.  The Senior Minister, Minister of Christian Education and Youth Director will serve ex-officio on the committee.
C. World Outreach and Community Service Department: Outreach Ministries, Food Pantry, Habitat for Humanity, Tree Lot, and Advent Theater.
D. Worship Department: Chancel Choir, Diaconate, and Elders.
E. Special Events Department: All Church Picnic, Father-Son/Mother-Daughter Banquets, and Chili Cook-off.
F. Christian Nursery School.

The responsibilities of the committees of the Ministries Council are:

1. To carry the Church Mission Statement into the community by way of our various ministries.
2. To implement and coordinate the new and existing programs of the church in keeping with the Mission Statement.
3. To coordinate all calendar events within the church.
4. To ensure the programs of the church are given first priority on the use of church facilities.
5. To be the first in a chain of approval for a proposed ministry or event.
6. To disseminate information from the Board or other Councils to the larger church via newsletter, bulletin, announcements, and other forms of publicity.
7. To prioritize program suggestions and new program formation within the church and to coordinate such prioritization with Stewardship Council for funding.
8. To create and implement policies and procedures to guide the various  departments and committees in church-related activities and to take these policies to the Board of Trustees for approval.

12 Step Liaison Representative

This church member will keep a roster of the outside groups holding regular meetings in church facilities.  He/she will maintain contact information with organizers of each individual group.  His/her primary function will be to provide communication between the church and the responsible parties for these groups.  All complaints and scheduling problems will be handled by the Liaison representative.

This position will be nominated by the Nominating Council and confirmed by the Congregation.  It will be part of the Council of Ministries.  The term will be at the discretion of the Board of Trustees.

D. Delegated Authority—

IV. CHRISTIAN NURSERY SCHOOL COUNCIL

A. Objectives:

1. To centralize the operational oversight duties on behalf of the Congregation through the Board of Trustees including reporting and evaluation of services.
2. To coordinate and integrate all operational aspects of the school with the appropriate church organizational groups.
3. To organize and unify support services for the CNS Director, staff and constituents.
4. To insure continuity of operational oversight.
5. To insure compliance with Federal, State and Local laws and regulations.
6. To monitor risk management and liability issues on behalf of the FCCNH Board of Trustees.
7. To review, communicate and insure that the mission of CNS is supported in all of its programs.
8. To oversee the financial affairs of CNS, including development of annual budgets and management of reserve accounts.
9. To insure that CNS fund-raising needs are met.
10. To coordinate CNS marketing and public relations activities in concert with others.

1. Develop policy and approve changes in operational programs of the Christian Nursery School to be approved by the FCCNH Board of Trustees and administered and implemented by the CNS faculty, staff and supervisory personnel.
2. Support the CNS Director and Chief Financial Officer in the development of procedures for approved policy and programs.
3. Authorize developed procedures for administration and implementation by the CNS faculty, staff and supervisory personnel.
4. Advise the FCCNH Board of Trustees on all matters related to the school and implement its decisions as appropriate.
5. Perform the function if liaison between the FCCNH Board of Trustees and CNS supervisory staff.
6. Perform the function of Liaison between the FCCNH Staff Committee and the CNS staff.
7. Insure staff compliance with organizational structure.
8. Act in an advisory capacity to CNS supervisory staff.
9. Prepare proposals and insure compliance with budgets and other financial policies on behalf of the FCCNH Board of Directors.
10. A.  Develop Criteria for the evaluating and assessing of the overall performance of the school’s operation and services for appropriateness, effectiveness, and compliance. 
11. Evaluate and affect the school according to these criteria.
12. Consult with the CNS Director to determine CNS property and equipment needs and assure the purchase and maintenance of equipment and facilities in conjunction with the FCCNH Property Council.
13. Organize and direct CNS fund-raising programs.
14. Develop, with the CNS Director, and assure implementation of appropriate publicity and marketing programs throughout the community.
15. Organize a program of parent hospitality in consultation with the CNS Director
16. Insure the timely implementation of a parent education program.
17. Implement a scholarship program by approving and providing oversight of student scholarships

Chair:
1.  Presides at all meetings of the Council and shall call emergency meetings as needed.
2. Provides CNS supervisory staff with appropriate feedback for use in performing staff evaluations.
3. Consults with the CNS Director regarding risk management and quality improvement issues including customer satisfaction surveys.
4. Assures that operational issues are communicated to the appropriate Councils and Board of Directors.
5. Prepares mid-year and yearly FCCNH congregational and Board of Directors reports in consultation with the CNS Council and the CNS Director as appropriate.
6. Forwards nominating recommendations to the Nominating Committee in a timely manner.
7. Serves on the FCCNH Board of Directors. 
8. Assigns committees for development of budgets, policy, procedure and programs as needed.
9. Prepares, monitors and maintains assigned budgetary line items.

Vice Chair:
1. Serves on the FCCNH Finance Council as the CNS Financial Liaison.
2. Assists the Chief Financial Officer with financial oversight and budget preparation.
3. Acts as the CNS Council Chair in the absence or unavailability of the CNS Council Chairperson.
4. Prepares, monitors and maintains assigned budgetary line items.

Staff Representative: 
1. Serves on the FCCNH Staff Committee 
2. Responsible for communicating staff issues to and from the FCCNH Staff Committee
3. Acts as a resource for CNS Staff via the CNS Director
4. Provides CNS supervisory staff with appropriate feedback for use in performing staff evaluations.
5. Initiates an annual review of staff contract terms in a timely manner and facilitates necessary contract negotiations. 
6. Assures staff contracts are signed and distributed to the appropriate individuals in a timely manner.
7. Communicates personnel handbook changes to staff in a timely manner and maintains these changes in the CNS office.
8. Reviews completed CNS Staff Evaluations with the appropriate supervisory staff and forwards these evaluations to the appropriate council or staff committee. 
9. Prepares, monitors and maintains assigned budgetary line items.

Secretary:
1. Records and documents minutes of all meetings.
2. Distributes minutes to all appropriate individuals, councils and Board.
3. Insures that CNS minute files and archives are maintained.
4. Maintains a current CNS Council calendar and roster with the FCCNH & CNS office.
5. Prepares and forwards Council correspondence as directed by the CNS Council Chair.
6. Prepares, monitors and maintains assigned budgetary line items.

Property:
1. Serves on the FCCNH Property Council
2. Consults with the CNS Director to identify CNS equipment and property needs, including emergency preparedness supplies.
3. Coordinates and directs contract negotiations related to CNS facilities, property and equipment.
4. Assists the CNS Director in coordinating property repairs.
5. Insures that the CNS office staff has appropriate guidelines and contacts for routine property repairs & maintenance, including appropriate equipment manuals.
6. Provides the CNS Director with appropriate feedback for use in performing evaluation(s) of janitorial services.
7. Prepares, monitors and maintains assigned budgetary line items.

Fund-Raising: 
1. Develops and maintains fund-raising calendars in consultation with the CNS Director and Council of Ministries.
2. Organizes and directs parents, Staff and others to produce CNS fund-raising activities and events.
3. Prepares, monitors and maintains assigned budgetary line items.
4. Evaluates the appropriateness and effectiveness of CNS fund-raising activities in consultation with the CNS Director.
5. Serves on the FCCNH Council of Ministries and communicates with the Finance Council as appropriate.

Public Relations:
1. Develops appropriate publicity and marketing programs in consultation with the CNS Director and Fund-Raising Chair. 
2. Implements approved publicity and marketing programs throughout the community and school.
3. Reviews CNS handbook & brochures no less than bi-annually for appropriateness and effectiveness in consultation with the CNS
4. Supports the CNS Director in organizing a program of parent Hospitality
5. Assists the CNS Director in coordinating Room Parent activities and meetings including parent networking opportunities and special events.
6. Supports the CNS Director in the timely implementation of a parent education program.
7. Maintains communication with the FCCNH Public Relations Person(s).
8. Prepares, monitors and maintains assigned budgetary line items.

Parent Liaison/Hospitality: 
 (Duties to be determined later.)

Regular meetings shall be held monthly September through July.  The CNS Council Chair may call special meetings.  Roberts Rules of Order, revised, shall be the authority on all points not covered by these Roles and Responsibilities. 
 

D.   Delegated Authority – 

A. Objectives –

B.   Responsibilities -- Based on recommendations from each council and the Board of Trustees, the Nominating Council is responsible for nominating persons for the following positions:

1. All members of the Board of Trustees with the approval of the Congregation.
2. Selected members of the Property Council – Aesthetics Committee Chair; Property Council Chair.
3. Selected members of the Stewardship Council – Stewardship Council Chair, Vice Chair of Stewardship for Fund Raising; Vice Chair of Stewardship for Capital Programs.
4. Selected members of the Ministries Council – Membership Development Chair; Evangelism Chair; Librarian; Hospitality Committee Chair; Historian; World Outreach and Community Service Department Chair; Outreach Ministries Committee Chair; Diaconate; Elders; Special Events Department Chair, Christian Education Committee Chair. 
5. It is the Council’s responsibility to share statements of job responsibilities with each potential candidate.

D.  Delegated Authority-----

A. Objectives –

1. To insure that the assigned and delegated personnel management functions are performed with continuity and proper accountability.
2. To serve as advocates of all Church and School human resources.
3. To oversee, support and encourage the maximized use of all human resource assets of the Church and School.
4. To ensure compliance with Federal, State and Local laws and regulations pertaining to human resource management.
5. To insure compliance with generally accepted human resource management principles and practices.
6. To monitor all human resource risk management and liability issues on behalf of the Board o f Trustees for Church and School.
7. To mediate, arbitrate and resolve all human resource disputes on behalf of the Board of Trustees.

1. Monitor compliance with the Personnel Manual Policy Procedures of FCC.  However, the responsibility for implementation and execution of same belongs to the supervisor.
2. Prepare changes to the Personnel Manual Policy and Procedures as made necessary in response to changing law or internal proposals.
3. Serving as a resource to the supervisor as she/he executes the Personnel Manual Policy and Procedures.
4. Review and update all Develop and/or approve job descriptions and insure current copies are on file for all positions.  Submit all changes to the Board of Trustees for approval.
5. Provide persons who are employed by the church written terms of employment and access to the Policy and Procedures handbook Personnel Manual.
6. Develop with the supervisor the tools which are used in performance evaluation.
7. Consult with all supervisory personnel who have training and performance evaluation responsibilities.
8. Review and approve all performance evaluations.
9. Gather support data and make recommendations regarding salary changes to the Board of Directors through the Finance Council. Review, update, and approve all salaries except Pastor’s salary contingent upon Stewardship Council approval of funding.
10. Review and approve the hiring and termination decisions for all staff except for the following:  Clergy (other than the Senior Pastor) CNS Director, Minister of Music, Chief Financial Officer, and Youth Director for which recommendations will be made to the Board of Trustees. To provide advice and consultation to the supervisors, who recruit, interview and recommend to the Board for employment or release of all employees of the church with the exception of the Pastor.
11. Establish and/or review and approve all procedures, which may or may not result from policy. (Example: Time keeping procedures.)
12. Review and approve all compensation equity issues.
13. Review all grievances and make recommendation to the Board of Trustees.
14. Review payroll practices in conjunction with the Stewardship Council.
15. Insure that all Staff Council actions, which have a financial impact are subject to review and funding by the Stewardship Council.
16. At the request of the majority of Staff Council members, review and action by the Board of Trustees may be requested by the Staff Council on any item.
17. Evaluate proposals for new staff positions and make recommendations to the Board of Trustees for any action to hire new staff at CNS or FCC with the exception of incidental laborers.
18. Establish and supervise all Search Committees
19. Monitor the maintenance of all Personnel Files.
20. All action by the Staff Council will be reported to the Board of Trustees, in writing, at the next scheduled Board meeting.
21. Insure that the appropriate level of workers compensation insurance is maintained for the Church and School. Work with Stewardship Council to accomplish this.

Chair:
1. Presides over all meetings of the council and calls emergency meetings as needed.
2. Creates agendas for each meeting, ensuring all issues within is authority are handled to completion and/or delegated to other appropriate authority.
3. Appoints committees and subcommittees as needed to research specific issues, which are then reported back to the Council for information and/or action.

All Members:
1. Attend a minimum of  75% of advanced scheduled meetings.
2. Be available to take one or more special assignments during the year.
3. In the absence of a secretary, be available to serve as secretary (take meeting minutes) of the council at least once during the year.
4. Read materials that may be distributed to members as background to business before the Council meetings.
5. Execute with responsibility and diligence the Objectives of the Staff Council, attached.

D.  Delegated  Authority –