Welcome to Paul Community Church’s Bylaws page. Our church is founded on the guiding principles found within Scripture, embodying a non-denominational approach that nurtures each individual’s journey toward a deeper relationship with Christ and God. We believe in supporting each member of our community as they navigate their personal path of faith, offering guidance and companionship along the way. In order to maintain the integrity of our mission and ensure the effective operation of our church organization, we have established a set of bylaws. These bylaws are designed to outline the structure of our church, the roles and responsibilities of our members, and the procedures we follow to make decisions and manage church affairs. By adhering to these guidelines, we uphold the values at the heart of Paul Community Church, fostering a supportive and thriving environment for all who join us in faith.
Paul Community Church
Church Bylaws
Article I: Name and Purpose
Section 1: Name
The name of this church shall be Paul Community Church (hereafter referred to as “the Church”).
Section 2: Purpose
The purpose of the Church is to glorify God by:
a. Preaching and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Holy Bible, with an emphasis on salvation by faith alone through the atoning death and resurrection of Jesus Christ;
b. Encouraging believers to grow in their faith and walk with God through worship, prayer, fellowship, and obedience to God’s Word;
c. Reaching out to the community with the love of Christ, meeting physical and spiritual needs as God provides opportunities;
d. Planting and supporting other churches as God leads and enables; and
e. Conducting such other activities consistent with the purposes stated in this section as the Church may determine from time to time.
Article II: Statement of Faith
Section 1: Basis of Statement
The Church believes the Bible to be the inspired, infallible, authoritative Word of God, and therefore subscribes to the following statement of faith.
Section 2: Statement of Faith
a. We believe in the triune God, consisting of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, who is eternally existent, co-equal, and co-eternal.
b. We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right-hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory.
c. We believe that regeneration by the Holy Spirit is essential for the salvation of lost and sinful humanity and that repentance from sin and faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is the only way of salvation.
d. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life and by whom the Church is empowered to do the work of Christ.
e. We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost: those who are saved to the resurrection of life and those who are lost to the resurrection of damnation.
f. We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ and that the Church, the Body of Christ, consists of all true believers.
Article III: Membership
Section 1: Qualifications
a. Any person who has repented of sin and put faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and who agrees with the statement of faith and the bylaws of the Church may be considered for membership.
b. Each member must be committed to worshiping and serving in the Church and to contributing financially to the support of the Church according to his or her ability.
Section 2: Admission
a. Applications for membership shall be made to the Church Board (hereafter referred to as “the Board”) or to the Pastor. The Board or the Pastor shall review the application and make a recommendation to the congregation.
b. A candidate for membership shall be received upon the approval of the Board and a vote of the congregation at a regular business meeting.
Section 3: Responsibilities
a. Each member shall be committed to living a life consistent with the Christian faith, and to regularly attending worship services and participating in the life of the Church.
b. Each member shall seek to grow in his or her faith and walk with God, and to serve the Church and the community as God provides opportunity.
c. Each member shall be subject to the discipline of the Church as outlined in in the bylaws and articles of the Church’s foundation.
Section 4: Privileges
a. Church members shall have the privilege of participating in the decision-making processes of the Church, including voting on important matters brought before the congregation.
b. Members shall have access to spiritual guidance, pastoral care, and support from the Church leadership.
Section 5: Termination of Membership
a. Membership may be terminated by voluntary withdrawal or transfer to another church.
b. In cases of unrepentant sin or conduct contrary to the teachings of Scripture, membership may be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the Church’s disciplinary procedures.
Section 6: Records
a. Accurate and confidential records of membership shall be maintained by the Church to track membership status and history.
Article IV: Church Governance
Section 1: Leadership
a. The Church shall be led by a Board consisting of elected members and the Pastor, who serves as the spiritual leader.
b. The Board shall oversee the spiritual direction and administrative affairs of the Church, guided by the principles of servant leadership.
Section 2: Meetings
a. Regular business meetings of the Church shall be held once a quarter or as needed to address important matters, including financial reports, leadership elections, and other significant decisions.
b. The Board or the Pastor may call special meetings as needed.
Section 3: Financial Accountability
a. The Church shall maintain accurate financial records and conduct annual financial audits or reviews as necessary.
b. Financial decisions and budgeting shall be transparent and subject to approval by the congregation.
These bylaws serve as a foundational framework for the governance, faith, and community life of Paul Community Church. They reflect our commitment to following biblical principles and serving our congregation and community with love and integrity.