The Vine ByLaws
The Vine Church
Of Whitesburg, Ky By-Laws
Article 1 - Name
The name of this church is Rooted Church, Inc DBA The Vine Church
Article 2 - Organization
Section 1 - Purpose
The purpose of this church shall be to bring God all the glory and honor that He rightfully deserves. This church shall spread the good news of Jesus Christ, equip believers to be leaders, Connect with, Serve with, and Grow with our community by demonstrating the love and compassion that Christ demonstrated to us throughout His ministry. The church will do this by preaching the Scriptures, public worship of God, community outreach, and by walking the walk, not just talking the talk.
Section 2 - Authority
The Board of Elders is the governing body over this church, with God being the governing entity. ALL decisions are to be made with prayer, and diligent seeking of God’s guidance. Decisions regarding the further direction of the church wherein termination of the Head Pastor, Deacon(s), leaders, etc. will be brought before the members of the church; wherein 80% of the member vote of the congregation will decide the deciding matter(s).
Article 3 - Church Membership
Section 1 - Qualifications
Any person can become a member of the church after having made a public confession that they believe Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, He rose on the third day, He’s coming back for his church, accept Him as their Savior, are in agreement with the Statement of Faith, and accept the Bible as their roadmap of faith, and action. Membership can be announced at the discretion of the new member during a church service, and/or via social media, including but not limited to: Facebook, church website, church media pages, live feeds, etc.
Section 2
All members shall be considered active members that are supporting the church by attendance in meetings of worship at least once a month, for the previous four months unless physically unable to attend.
Section 3 - Voting
Only ACTIVE members may vote in congregational meetings. Voting may be done by both in person, or virtual in the event that a member cannot attend physically.
Article 4 - Elders
Section 1
All duty elected Elders Shall comprise the Board of Elders. The Board of Elders will meet once a month to transact business, and otherwise on occasion take into consideration any and necessary action in order to ensure the betterment of the congregation and the church. The board of Elders shall be the official Church Board of The Vine Church.
Section 2
The Board of Elders shall comprise of a minimum of three members, with a maximum set at the discretion of the church but never to be a set even number of Elders at a given time. The Board shall consist of the Head Pastor of The Vine Church, at least one “voice” of the church, and one other, at a minimum totaling to three Elders at any given time. The members of the Board will service a term maximum of two years, with the Head Pastor serving his entire tenure on the board.
Section 3
The Board of Elders will give monthly budget updates to the congregation during a monthly business meeting with members of the church. Wherein members can discuss concerns, ideas, etc. in which may, at the discretion of the Head Pastor, be voted on with the members of the church, or brought back before the board. All monthly congregational business meetings will be led by the Head Pastor, in the event that the Head Pastor is unable to attend, the appointee by the Head Pastor will be leading the congregational meeting.
Section 4
An elder shall demonstrate exemplary christian testimony in private, family, and public life; a committed Christian leader; supporter and promoter of the church faith, practice, programs, and ministries.
Article 5 - Ministers
Section 1
Each Minister shall be in agreement with the doctrinal position of and become a member of The Vine Church. Furthermore, each Minister must believe without reservation the Statement of Faith with The Vine Church.
Section 2
The compensation of each minister shall be such as is agreed upon by the Board of Elders.
Section 3
The Lead Pastor shall be responsible to the Board of Elders for the performance of the duties of his office, and the character of his doctrinal teachings. All other ministers and church leaders shall be responsible to the designated leaders under the authority of the Lead Pastor and the Board of Elders for the performance of the duties of their respective offices.
Article 6 - Miscellaneous Items of Importance
Section 1
No smoking shall be permitted in any part of the Church Building at any time.
Section 2
All organizations of this Church shall be under the jurisdiction of the Elders. It is understood that every action taken by the organization shall be subject to the approval or revision of the Elders.
Section 3
ALl amusements, entertainment, socials, picnics, and similar activities shall be conducted in a manner devoid of offense and in accord with the highest Christian standards. All forms of gambling, lewd or suggestive dancing, and intoxicating substances are barred from all connections with any function of the Church.
Section 4
All members of this Church should be willing to share generously and grow toward tithing and beyond in the matter of personal finances. The leaders of the Church must lead the way with their example. Therefore, all Elders, Ministers, and volunteer leaders are asked to tithe and give beyond a tithe.
Section 5
Guidelines for the sale of merchandise and exchange of money on the Church property shall be established and approved by the Board of Elders
Section 6
Those handling Church funds shall be bonded and covered by appropriate insurance by the Church
Section 7
In all matters the Church shall be governed by the Bible as God intended for it to be.
Article 7 - Amendments
Section 1
The By-Laws of The Vine Church may be amended at and only during a congregational meeting of the Church by a unanimous approval of every active member of the church. Once By-Laws have been amended, The Vine Church will have 30 days to get the amendments made, and new By-Laws disbursed to the members of The Vine Church.
Section 2
Any recommended amendments to the bylaws must be initiated by the Board of Elders, or only during a congregational meeting to be taken into consideration, by both the Board of Elders, and the congregation as a whole.