CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS

CROSSROADS ASSEMBLY OF GOD

12 Edsall St.

Hamburg, New Jersey 07419


Revised 1989

PREAMBLE

For the purpose of establishing and maintaining a place for the worship of Almighty God, our Heavenly Father; to provide for Christian Fellowship for those of like precious faith, where the Holy Spirit may be honored according to our distinctive testimony; to assume our share of responsibility and the privilege of propagating the gospel of Jesus Christ by all available means, both at home and in foreign lands; we whose names appear on the assembly membership roster due hereby recognize ourselves as a local assembly in fellowship with, and a part of the General Council of the Assemblies of God, and adopt the following articles of church order and submit ourselves to be governed by them.

CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I - NAME

The corporate name of this assembly shall be Crossroads Assembly of God (formerly known as Hamburg Assembly of God), of the Borough of Hamburg, the County of Sussex, the State of New Jersey (Jeremiah 6:16)

ARTICLE II - PREROGATIVES

SECTION 1. This Assembly shall have the right to govern itself according to the standards of the New Testament Scriptures, "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit thought the bond of peace . . . until we reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:3, 13)

SECTION 2. In connection with, or incidental to, it shall have the right to purchase or acquire by gift, bequest, or otherwise, either directly or as a trustee, and to own, hold, and trust, use, sell, convey, mortgage, lease, or otherwise dispose of real estate or chattels as may be necessary for the furtherance of its purposes; in accordance with its Constitution and By-Laws, or as the same, may be hereafter modified or amended.

ARTICLE III - AFFILIATION

This assembly shall voluntarily enter into full cooperative fellowship with the assemblies of like precious faith associated in the New Jersey District Council, and the General Council of the Assemblies of God, with headquarters in Springfield, Missouri; and shall share in the privilege and assume the responsibilities enjoined by that affiliation.

ARTICLE IV - TENANTS OF FAITH
See Appendix #1

ARTICLE V - AMENDMENTS

SECTION 1. This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds majority of all votes cast by the active membership present at the annual business meeting, or special meeting called for that purpose. Due notice of the actual proposed amendment(s) shall be made at least two Sundays prior to the date of such a meeting. A copy shall be made available to all members.

SECTION 2. It shall be understood that Article V, Section 1 shall not apply to the Statement of Fundamental Truths of the General Council of the Assemblies of God, which are set forth in this constitution under Article IV, Tenets of Faith.

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BY - LAWS

ARTICLE I - ORDINANCES

SECTION 1. WATER BAPTISM. The ordinance of baptism by immersion in water (Matt. 28:19) shall be administered to all those who have repented of their sins and who have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ to the saving of their souls, and who give clear evidence of their salvation (Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12)

SECTION 2. THE LORD'S SUPPER. The ordinance of the Lord's Supper shall be observed regularly as enjoined in the Scriptures. (Luke 22:19,20; I Cor. 11:23-26).

ARTICLE II - CHURCH GOVERNMENT

SECTION 1. THE PASTOR. Jesus Christ is the Great Shepherd and head of the church. The Pastor, under Christ, shall be recognized as under-shepherd and head of this assembly. He shall be respected in his sacred calling (Eph. 4:11-12). He shall fulfill his responsibilities as the spiritual overseer (elder) of the assembly in conformity with all scriptural order, compliance with the Constitution and By-Laws of this assembly, and in submission to the authority of the New Jersey District Council of the Assemblies of God.

SECTION 2. FULL-TIME MINISTERIAL STAFF. Any full-time member of the ministerial staff shall be respected in their sacred calling (Eph. 4:11-12), and shall fulfill their responsibilities as elders of the assembly (I Tim. 3:1-7; 5:17-20; Titus 1:6-9). No member of the ministerial staff shall have the right to supersede the authority vested in the office of Pastor.

SECTION 3. BOARD OF DEACONS. Under the headship and direct supervision of the Pastor, there shall be a Board of Deacons. They, together with the Pastor, shall be committed to the spiritual management of all the affairs of the assembly. The Board of Deacons shall not have the right to supersede the authority vested in the scriptural office of the Pastor. A Deacon shall be respected in his sacred office and shall show consistent evidence of the Christlike attitude of servanthood. The members of the Board of Deacons are chosen to serve the assembly in conformity to the Scriptures, and are directly responsible to both Pastor and church for their actions and conduct. No credentialed minister shall be eligible for any office on the Board of Deacons. At his discretion, the Pastor shall appoint lay elders from the Board of Deacons.

ARTICLE III - OFFICERS

The officers of the assembly shall be the Pastor and the Board of Deacons, which shall consist of up to seven members, and shall include a Secretary and a Treasurer.

ARTICLE IV - DUTIES OF OFFICERS

SECTION 1. THE PASTOR. The Pastor shall be considered the spiritual overseer of the assembly and shall direct all of its activities. He shall be the president of the corporation and shall act as chairman of all business meetings of the assembly, and of the Board of Deacons. He shall provide for all of the services of the assembly, and shall arrange for all special meetings, conventions, etc. No person shall be invited to speak or preach in the assembly without his approval.

    A. No business, except as outlined in Article XI, Section 3, By-Laws, shall be transacted in his absence, except by his verbal or written consent. In an emergency situation, where all attempts to contact the Pastor prove futile, the Board of Deacons may meet in emergency session, to transact the necessary business of the assembly. In each case, it shall be understood that a verbal report, along with a copy of the official minutes of this meeting, shall be rendered to the Pastor upon his location.

    B. At his discretion, the Pastor may choose to serve in any part-time district office, provided he notify the Board of Deacons of his intentions within thirty days. It shall be understood that such service must not compromise his effective ministry to this assembly. The assembly will not assume any financial obligations as a result of such district office without the approval of the Board of Deacons.

SECTION 2. BOARD OF DEACONS. The Board of Deacons is chosen to serve the church, and therefore shall act in an advisory capacity with the Pastor in all matters pertaining to the assembly, in its spiritual life, and in the ministry of its ordinances. They shall act in the examination of applicants for membership, and also in the administration of discipline.

    A. Qualifications for the scriptural office of Deacon shall be those as set forth in God's Word:

    Acts 6:3 - "Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them."

    I Timothy 3:8-13 - "Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus."

    B. The Board of Deacons shall be the custodians of all the property of the assembly and shall be responsible for the same.

    C. A simple majority present at any meeting of the Board of Deacons shall constitute a quorum, provided all members have been notified to be present. In the event the assembly is temporarily without a Pastor, the Board of Deacons shall be empowered to appoint someone currently serving on the board to act as chairman, in order to transact the necessary business for the assembly.

SECTION 3 . SECRETARY. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the official meetings of the Board of Deacons, and of the annual and special business meetings of the assembly. He shall keep a record of the membership of the assembly and perform any other clerical work necessary for the proper discharge of his duties. He shall be responsible for all the legal documents of the assembly, as well as the corporate seal, and as custodian of the same, shall provide for their safekeeping.

SECTION 4 . TREASURER. The Treasurer shall be entrusted with all the finances of the assembly which are committed to him by the Pastor and Board of Deacons. He shall deposit all funds in a responsible bank in the name of the assembly, and shall disburse the same by check, as authorized by the Pastor and Board of Deacons. The treasurer shall keep an itemized account of the receipts and disbursements. He shall make an itemized report at the regular meeting of the Board of Deacons, and a summarized report to the assembly at its annual business meeting. His accounts shall be audited under the direction of the Pastor and Board of Deacons.

ARTICLE V - NOMINATIONS

SECTION 1. PASTOR. The Board of Deacons, as the nominating committee, shall nominate a pastoral candidate by a simple majority vote of all votes cast, and present him to the assembly for election at an annual business meeting, or a special meeting called for that purpose. The counsel of the District Superintendent and Sectional Presbyter shall be sought.

SECTION 2. BOARD OF DEACONS. The Secretary shall submit to the Pastor a listing of men who have been active members of the assembly for at least one year. This list shall be submitted to the Pastor by the end of the December preceding the annual business meeting. The Pastor shall review the list of potential candidates to determine their willingness to serve, and their scriptural and constitutional eligibility.

SECTION 3. NOMINATING COMMITTEE. The Board of Deacons shall act as the nominating committee. The Pastor shall act as chairman of this committee but will not have the right to vote. The Pastor shall submit to the Board of Deacons for further discussion the names of those meeting the eligibility requirements. The committee shall nominate by a simple majority vote of all votes cast, those qualified candidates for the office of deacon. This shall be done at any regular meeting of the Board of Deacons, or at a special meeting called for that purpose. Results of this process shall be entered into the official minutes of the meeting.

SECTION 4. POSTING. The Secretary will prepare a sample ballot containing the names of the nominees and post the same in a conspicuous place in the church at least two Sundays prior to the annual business meeting.

SECTION 5. SECRETARY AND TREASURER. During the annual business meeting and after the election process for the Board of Deacons has been completed, the Pastor and the newly-elected Board of Deacons shall meet in caucus to nominate from its members one to serve as Secretary and one to serve as Treasurer. These nominees shall be immediately submitted to the active membership present for ratification.

SECTION 6. It shall be understood that only those men who fully meet the scriptural and constitutional requirements for the office of Deacon are eligible for nomination. If in the event the Pastor and Board of Deacons determine there is an insufficient number of men who meet the eligibility requirements to fill any available office(s), then the vacant office(s) shall remain vacant until the next election at the following annual business meeting. With respect to Article VII, Section 3, By-Laws, this vacancy shall not be defined as irregular.

ARTICLE VI - ELECTIONS AND RATIFICATIONS

SECTION 1. PASTOR. The Pastor shall be a two-thirds majority of all votes cast at an annual business meeting or special business meeting called for that purpose. The Pastor shall be called for an indefinite period of time, unless otherwise stipulated by the assembly at the time of election.

SECTION 2. BOARD OF DEACONS. A Deacon shall be elected by a simple majority of all votes cast at the annual meeting. His term of office shall be three years.

SECTION 3. SECRETARY. A Secretary shall be elected by a simple majority of all votes cast at the annual meeting. His term of office shall be one year.

SECTION 4. TREASURER. A Treasurer shall be elected by a simple majority of all votes cast at the annual meeting. His term of office shall be one year.

SECTION 5. If after the second ballot, all available offices have not been filled, only two nominees per unfilled office shall remain on the ballot. The two nominees shall be determined as those having the highest total of votes on the ballot. All other nominees shall be dropped. This process shall continue until all available offices have been filled.

SECTION 6. In the event there are less than or the same number of eligible nominees for the available offices and after the first ballot one or more of the nominees fail to receive the majority vote required for election, the available office(s) shall then be considered vacant until the next election at the following annual business meeting.

SECTION 7. In the event the nominee for Secretary and/or Treasurer fails to receive the majority vote required for ratification on the first ballot, the Pastor and newly-elected Board of Deacons shall again meet in caucus to review the nominee selection. The nominee(s) selected shall then be presented to the active membership present for ratification. This process shall continue until a selection is made.

SECTION 8. Those officers elected at the annual business meeting shall assume their office immediately.

SECTION 9. Election of the Pastor, Board of Deacons, and ratification of Secretary and Treasurer shall be made by secret ballot.

SECTION 10. Ministers of Music, Youth, Education, and any other members of the ministerial or church staff shall be appointed by and under the direct supervision of the Pastor. These appointments shall be ratified by the Board of Deacons, by a simple majority of all votes cast.

ARTICLE VII - VACANCIES

SECTION 1. THE PASTOR. The tenure of office of the pastorate shall be terminated by resignation, death, or removal by disqualification. Power is vested in the Board of Deacons to ask for the resignation of the Pastor at any of its regular business meetings. If such resignation is refused, the pastorate shall not be considered vacant until the action of the Board of Deacons has been confirmed by a two-thirds majority vote of all votes cast by the active membership present at a meeting called for that purpose. Such meeting must be presided over by the district officiary. When a vacancy in the pastorate shall occur, a supply shall be arranged for by the Board of Deacons until a Pastor shall be chosen, according to the Constitution and By-Laws of the assembly. In the case of the Pastor's removal from office, a report of such action shall be made in writing to the District Council office within one week.

SECTION 2. OTHER OFFICERS. Any office may be declared vacant by a simple majority vote of all votes cast by the Board of Deacons at any regular or special business meeting of the board. Grounds for such action shall be: (1) unscriptural conduct, (2) doctrinal departure from the tenets of faith, (3) incompetence in office, (4) for any good and sufficient cause.

SECTION 3. The Board of Deacons is empowered but not required to fill any irregular vacancy until the next annual election of officers. It shall be understood that such appointment must meet the qualifications for the office of Deacon as defined in the By-Laws Article II, Section 3, and Article IV, Section 2, 2.A and 2.B.

ARTICLE VIII - MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1. MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY. Membership in this assembly shall be open to all those who give evidence of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and who voluntarily subscribe to its tenets of faith and agree to be governed by its Constitution and By-Laws.

SECTION 2. STANDARD OF MEMBERSHIP. The standard of membership of this assembly shall be:

    A. Evidence of a genuine experience in regeneration (the new birth, John 1:12-13; 3:3-8; I Peter 1:18-25)

    B. Evidence of a consistent Christian life (Romans 6:4; 8:1-4; 13:13-14; Ephesiaqns 4:17-32; 5:1-21; I John 1:6-7)

    C. To fully subscribe to the tenets of faith as set forth in the Constitution and By-Laws adopted by the assembly.

    D. Obedience to the scriptural teaching of tithing and the giving of offerings and alms (Malachi 3:8-12; Luke 11:42; 2 Cor. 9; Prov. 9 and 10; Matt. 6:1-4; Luke 6:38)

SECTION 3. ACTIVE (VOTING) MEMBERSHIP. All those who meet the scriptural standards for membership whose names appear on the original membership role of the assembly at the time the assembly was first organized, together with those names which shall be added from time to time, shall constitute the legal voting membership of the assembly, provided they are eighteen years of age or over, regularly attend and participate in the services, live consistent Christian lives and are in agreement with our distinctive testimony.

SECTION 4. JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP. There shall be a non-voting junior membership for young people, ages 13-17, who give clear evidence of their salvation having made Christ both Savior and Lord, who regularly attend and participate in the services, and meet the qualifications for membership as set forth in this Constitution and By-Laws. Upon reaching eighteen years of age, junior membership shall expire, and it will become necessary to apply for active (voting) membership, as specified in Article VIII, Section 8 of the By-Laws.

SECTION 5. STUDENT MEMBERSHIP. There shall be a non-voting student membership for those at least 18 years of age who because of educational commitments cannot meet the eligibility requirements for active membership. Upon conclusion of this commitment and re-entry into the assembly, their membership status shall be reviewed and changed accordingly upon the evidence of their meeting the qualifications for membership set forth in this Constitution and By-Laws.

SECTION 6. LEAVE OF ABSENCE. A non-voting membership classification of "leave of absence" shall be granted to those members who, for reasons of employment, military, or other reasonable obligation, cannot meet the eligibility requirements for membership. Upon conclusion of this commitment and re-entry into the assembly, their membership status shall be reviewed and changed accordingly upon the evidence of their meeting the qualifications for membership set forth in this Constitution and By-Laws.

SECTION 7. INACTIVE MEMBERSHIP. Members who shall, without good cause, absent themselves from the services for a period of three consecutive months or more, or who shall cease to contribute of their means to its support, who may be out of harmony with its teachings or ministries, or who shall be under charges for misconduct, or who may have fallen under condemnation through sinful or worldly practices, shall be considered as inactive members. They shall lose their voting privileges until they are restored to the fellowship, and then their standing will be settled by the definite action of the Board of Deacons.

SECTION 8. RECEPTION OF MEMBERS. Persons desiring to become active members of the assembly shall make the fact known through appropriate application procedures. The Pastor will examine applicant(s) according to Article VIII, Sections 1 and 2, By-Laws. He shall then present the names of those applicants along with his recommendation to the Board of Deacons. They shall act upon said recommendation and render a final decision. All applicants shall be approved for membership by a simple majority vote of all votes cast by the Board of Deacons. Their names shall be inscribed on the active membership roster the next business day. These same shall be publicly received into the assembly on the next designated Membership Sunday.

SECTION 9. DISCIPLINE. Any member of the assembly who shall willfully absent himself from the regular services for a period of three consecutive months, or who shall be under charges of failing to meet the membership eligibility requirements and/or standard of membership shall be temporarily placed on the inactive list, pending investigation and final decision by the Board of Deacons.

SECTION 10. TRANSFER. Members in good standing, who desire to be transferred to another assembly may request a letter of transfer from the Secretary.

SECTION 11. REMOVAL. Any member who no longer desires to be in fellowship with this assembly must notify the Secretary in writing and their name shall be deleted from the membership roster.

SECTION 12. REVISION OF ROSTER. The Pastor and Board of Deacons shall be authorized to revise the membership list of this assembly as often as deemed necessary. They shall remove from the list of active members all the names of those who have become ineligible; i.e., death, disqualification, transfer, or request.

SECTION 13. NOTIFICATION. If a name is removed for any cause, as detailed in Article VIII, Section 9, and 9.A. Of the By-Laws, they shall be notified of this action by the Board of Deacons through the Secretary within thirty (30) days.

ARTICLE IX - DEPARTMENTS/COMMITTEES

SECTION 1. PURPOSE. The establishment of departments and committees shall be provided for as the needs of the church may require. They shall contribute to the development of Christian character and service, and shall be conducted as branches of the church. They shall be subordinate to the assembly and shall contribute to the harmony and development of the whole.

SECTION 2. ORGANIZATION. The Pastor and Board of Deacons shall be responsible for establishing all departments and/or committees. They shall be under the general supervision of the Pastor and Board of Deacons and the Pastor shall be exofficio member of all departments and/or committees.

SECTION 3. APPOINTMENTS AND APPROVALS. The Pastor shall appoint all department heads and shall approve of all workers involved in ministries within the assembly. All department heads shall be active members of this assembly and shall meet the qualifications and standards of the assembly. The Pastor shall determine the policies and approve of the programs of all departments and/or committees of the assembly.

ARTICLE X - MEETINGS

SECTION 1. PUBLIC WORSHIP. Meetings for public worship shall be held on each Lord's Day, and during the week as may be provided for under the direction of the Pastor and Board of Deacons.

SECTION 2. ANNUAL BUSINESS. There shall be an annual business meeting of the assembly, at which time reports of all officers shall be read, and election and ratification of officers shall take place. This meeting shall be held during the month of February each year. Due notice shall be given at least two Sundays prior to the date of the meeting.

SECTION 3. SPECIAL BUSINESS. Special business meetings of the assembly may be called when necessary after proper notice has been given by the Pastor or by the Secretary of the assembly provided the meeting has been agreed upon by a simple majority vote of all votes cast by the Board of Deacons.

SECTION 4. RIGHT OF INITIATIVE. Special meetings may also be called by petition having been signed by not less than one-third of the active membership of the assembly. The petition shall be placed in the hands of the Pastor, or the Secretary, and announcement made at least two Sundays prior to the date of said meeting.

SECTION 5. PARLIAMENTARY ORDER. All business meetings of this assembly shall be governed by parliamentary procedure, in keeping with the spirit of Christian love and fellowship.

SECTION 6. QUORUM. No record of any regular or special business meeting of the assembly shall be made unless one-third or more active members are present to constitute a quorum. Exception to this shall take place with the selection of the Pastor, at which time two-thirds or more active members must be present to constitute a quorum.

SECTION 7. BOARD OF DEACONS. The Board of Deacons with the Pastor shall meet monthly for the transaction of all necessary business of the assembly. Time and place to be announced by the Pastor.

ARTICLE X - FINANCES

SECTION 1. CONTRIBUTIONS. All funds for the maintenance of the assembly shall be provided by voluntary contribution of the tithe, offerings, and alms of the members and friends of the assembly. Offerings shall be accepted by the assembly at such times and such ways as agreed upon by the Pastor and the Board of Deacons and shall be adminstered by the Treasurer under their direction. (Malachi 3:10; Luke 6:38; I Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor.9:6-8).

SECTION 2. RESPONSIBILITY. The Board of Deacons shall have full responsibility for all financial matters in every department of the assembly. All records shall be subject to audit by the Board of Deacons.

SECTION 3. REMUNERATION. The Board of Deacons shall determine all salaries in the light of God's Word (I Tim.5:17-18; Luke 10:7). The Pastor, ministerial staff, church staff, and any other employees of the assembly shall be remunerated in the amount and manner determined by the Board of Deacons.

SECTION 4. AUDIT. The Treasurer's books are to be audited at the end of each year by an independent auditor, and his signed report presented at the annual business meeting.

ARTICLE XII - PROPERTY

All property of the assembly shall be deeded, held, sold, transferred, or conveyed in the corporate name of the assembly. No real estate or buildings owned by the assembly shall be sold, leased, mortgaged, or otherwise disposed of without having first been recommended by at least a two-thirds majority vote of all votes cast by the active membership present at the annual business meeting or special meeting called for consideration of such a proposal. The Pastor and the Secretary of the assembly shall certify in such conveyance, lease, or mortgage that the same has been duly authorized and recommended by a vote of the assembly. Such certificate shall be held to be conclusive evidence thereof. In the event that this assembly ceases to function as a church body, then the said property, real, or chattel shall revert to the General Council of the Assemblies of God, Inc., whose headquarters are located in Springfield, Missouri. The General Council of the Assemblies of God, Inc. shall then have the authority to use or dispose of the property at its discretion. In the event of a sale of the property by the General Council of the Assemblies of God, the proceeds derived form the sale shall be used by the said General Council in the furtherance of the gospel of Christ.

ARTICLE XIII - ORDER OF BUSINESS

The contents of the Annual Business meeting shall include the following: