BY-LAWS OF MONMOUTH CHINESE CHRISTIAN CHURCH


Chapter 1 - PRINCIPLES
Chapter 2 - MEMBERSHIP
Chapter 3 - OFFICERS
Chapter 4 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING
Chapter 5 - SACRED CEREMONIES
Chapter 6 - DISSOLUTION
Chapter 7 - AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS



Chapter 1 - PRINCIPLES


  1. NAME: Monmouth Chinese Christian Church (abbreviated as MCCC or "this Church" hereafter).

  2. PURPOSE: To unite Christians in worshiping God, proclaiming the Gospel, witnessing Christ, glorifying God the Father, and edifying each other. To work toward fulfilling the great commission entrusted by Jesus Christ.

  3. AFFILIATION: This Church honors Christ as the head of the Church; it is independent and non-denominational.

  4. STATEMENT OF FAITH:

    1. We believe in the triune God that is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19, Mark 12:29). He is the one and only one God. He is the Creator and the Lord of the universe (Genesis 1, Acts 17:24).
    2. We believe that Jesus Christ is God's only begotten Son, our Lord (John 3:16). Conceived by the Holy Spirit, He was born by virgin Mary (Matthew 1:18-25). The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us (John 1:11,14). Crucified on the cross for the redemption of our sins, He was buried and resurrected on the third day (Matthew 27, 28, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8). He ascended to Heaven (Acts 1:9). He is now sitting at the right hand of God, praying for all believers (Mark 16:19, Hebrews 1:3). He will return to judge the living and the dead (Matthew 25:31-46, Revelation 20:11-15).
    3. We believe that Holy Spirit abides with believers. The Holy Spirit inspires, intervenes, counsels, and comforts. The Holy Spirit leads sinners to repentance, believers to holiness (1 John 4:13; Galatians 5:22-24; Ephesians 4:30).
    4. We believe that the Bible is given by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16), The original Bible Scripture is inerrant and serves as the principles of a Christian's faith and conduct.
    5. We believe that God created mankind in His image, in His likeness. Sin entered the world through one man, and death came to all because all sinned. We can not be justified by works (Romans 3:20). In order to be saved, we must repent and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord (Acts 4:8-12, 2:38, 4:12, Romans 10 9, Galatians 3:24).
    6. We believe that Church is the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:23) and the house of the eternal God (1 Timothy 3:15). Christ is the Head of the Church (Ephesians 5:23). In Christ, Christians form one body, and each member belongs to all the others (Romans 12:5, Ephesians 4:11-16).

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Chapter 2 - MEMBERSHIP


  1. REQUIREMENTS:

    1. A born-again, baptized believer who regularly attends this Church's activities for at least a period of three (3) months, and

    2. Is willing to fulfill a member's duties (see Section 2 on Duties), and agrees to the By-Laws of this Church, may apply for MCCC membership. The application procedure is as follows:

      1. The applicant fills out a Membership Application Form.

      2. Upon interview by two or more members of the Executive Council (see chapter 3), the interviewers may recommend acceptance of the application. recommend acceptance of the application.

      3. Upon approval by the Executive Council, the applicant becomes a member of this Church. Church.

      4. The new member is welcomed during a worship service.

  2. DUTIES:

    1. Members must respectfully obey the teaching of the Bible, regularly attend various services and activities of this Church, and earnestly seek spiritual growth.

    2. Members must exert themselves in building the various ministries of this Church, witnessing Christ at all time and at all places, leading others to Christ, serving the Church, and proclaiming the Gospel in unity.

    3. Members shall, with the grace of the Lord, cheerfully offer their resources to God, so that this Church will not find itself in need.

  3. RIGHTS: All members over 18 years of age have the rights to vote and to be elected.

  4. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP: A membership shall be terminated upon one of the following conditions:

    1. Death.

    2. A Member requests such termination.

    3. The Executive Council can terminate the membership of one who engages in activities contrary to the teaching of the Bible and the Statement of Faith of this Church, jeopardizes the testimony of this Church, or behaves disgracefully to the Lord's name. Prior to the termination action, a committee comprised of representatives from the Executive Council must conduct a reasonable, fair, and thorough investigation in the spirit and intent described in the Scripture in Matthew 18:15-20. The findings of such investigation must be fully presented and explained to the member being investigated. And, an opportunity must be granted to the investigated member to explain his/her action.

    4. The Executive Council can terminate the membership of one who, without any special reasons, is not fulfilling the duties of membership as outlined in Section 2.

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Chapter 3 - OFFICERS


This Church shall be governed by the Executive Council, under the headship of Jesus Christ. The Executive Council is comprised of the Elders, Deacons, and Pastoral Staff and shall be chaired by a member of the Board of Overseers.

The Board of Overseers is responsible for the spiritual welfare of this Church. Members of this Board shall provide biblical guidance in planning and carrying out the ministries of this Church. This Board is comprised of the Pastors and the Elders and shall be chaired by one of its members.

  1. PASTOR:

    1. DUTIES: The pastors shall give particular attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word, proclaiming the Gospel, leading others to Christ, expounding the Truth, ministering to believers, conducting sacraments. Pastors are members ex-officio of all Boards and Committees.

    2. SELECTION:

      1. A Pastoral Search Committee shall be formed under the guidance of the Executive Council.

      2. Upon the recommendation of the Pastoral Search Committee to the Executive Council and the consent of said Council, a pastoral candidate must be approved by the General Assembly (see Chapter 4, Section 4, Item 3).

    3. TERMINATION: In the case of a termination request from the pastor to this Church or vice versa, a written notification of such a request must be provided to the other party at least three months prior to the requested termination date.

  2. ELDERS:

    1. DUTIES: The elders shall give particular attention to the governing of spiritual issues in this Church. Elders may assume pastoral duties in accordance with their spiritual gifts.

    2. REQUIREMENTS: One with at least two years of MCCC membership who fulfills member's duties, conducts oneself according to the teaching of 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9, 1 Peter 5:2-3, and desires to serve the Lord, is qualified to be appointed.

    3. SELECTION:

      1. A candidate for elder must be qualified for the position according to the qualifications set forth in Scripture and shall be recommended by the Board of Overseers.

      2. 2. Upon the recommendation of the Board of Overseers, a candidate must be approved by the General Assembly (see Chapter 4, Section 4, Item 3).

    4. TERMS: An elder's term lasts for three years. An elder may be re-elected.

  3. MINISTRY DIRECTORS:

    1. DUTIES: Each Ministry Director is responsible for a particular area of ministry. A Director's specific responsibilities are outlined in the Scope of Ministry Description.

    2. SELECTION:

      1. A Ministry Director Search Committee shall be formed under the guidance of the Executive Council.

      2. Upon the recommendation of the Ministry Director Search Committee to the Executive Council and then the consent of the Executive Council, a candidate must be approved by the General Assembly (see Chapter 4, Section 4, Item 3).


    3. TERMS: Each Ministry Director shall be given an initial term of one year. During this period, the Ministry Director and one's ministry shall be reviewed and evaluated by the Board of Overseers. After which shall make a recommendation to the Executive Council for the terms of renewal.


  4. DEACONS:


    1. DUTIES: Deacons are volunteer workers who administer the business matters of this Church, serves in the various ministries, assists the Board of Overseers in building up the ministries, and manages this Church.

    2. REQUIREMENTS: One with at least one year of MCCC membership who fulfills member's duties, conducts oneself according to the teaching of 1 Timothy 3:8-13, and desires to serve the Lord, is qualified to be elected.

    3. SELECTION:


      1. A Deacon Nomination Committee shall be formed under the guidance of the Executive Council

      2. Candidates are presented to the congregation for approval during the General Assembly Meeting in October of each year (see Chapter 4, Section 4, Item 2). The new deacons shall assume office on January 1 of the following year.

      3. In the case of vacancies, the Executive Council shall appoint a member to the office for the remaining term.


    4. TERMS: A deacon's term lasts for two years. A deacon may be re-elected but must take a one year sabbatical after serving four consecutive years in this office. Half of the deacons shall be re-elected each year.


  5. TRUSTEES:

    1. DUTIES:

      1. Externally, a trustee represents this Church in handling legal and financial matters.

      2. Internally, a trustee approves this Church's annual budget, handles all matters relating to this Church's realties.

    2. REQUIREMENTS: One who has been approved by the General Assembly to serve on the Executive Council.

    3. SELECTION:
      1. The Trustees are the members of the Board of Deacons who serve in the financial and administrative aspects of this Church along with one or more elders.
      2. In the case of vacancies, the Executive Council shall appoint a member to the office for the remaining term.


    4. TERMS: A trustee's term lasts for three years. A trustee may be re-elected but must take a year of sabbatical after serving six consecutive years in this office. One third of the trustees shall be re-elected each year.

  6. NOMINATION PROCEDURE TO BE FOLLOWED BY ALL NOMINATION COMMITTEES: Any nomination committee must seek candidate nominations from church members. Committee members of a nomination committee can also nominate candidates. A nomination committee shall recommend all qualified candidates, upon their consent, to the General Assembly for election.

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Chapter 4 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING


  1. ORGANIZATION: All the members of this Church form the General Assembly.

  2. CONVENTION: The Executive Council will convene General Assembly Meetings. The Executive Council shall announce such meetings by both a written notice on the Sunday Worship Service bulletin and an oral announcement in the Sunday Worship Service two weeks in advance.

  3. SCHEDULE: An annual General Assembly Meeting shall be held in October to re-elect deacons and trustees. In the case of special matters of concern, the Executive Council can call for additional General Assembly Meetings.

  4. AUTHORITY:

    1. All important decisions of this Church must be proposed by the Executive Council to the General Assembly for voting. The selection and termination of officers, amendment and changes to the By-Laws, and transfer of this Church's assets are considered to be important decisions that must be voted by the General Assembly. The Executive Council determines if other matters need to be brought to the General Assembly for voting.

    2. In electing deacons, at least 50% of the MCCC eligible voting members must cast their votes. The candidate(s) with the highest number of votes which also must constitute at least 50% of the cast votes shall be elected.

    3. For voting on all other church officers or on matters other than officer's election, at least 50% of the MCCC eligible voting members must cast their votes. A proposal is passed upon approval by at least 80% of the cast votes.


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Chapter 5 - SACRED CEREMONIES


  1. BAPTISM: This Church shall perform baptism for those who confess their sins and repent, accept Jesus Christ as Lord, worship and serve God. The baptism is to testify that they now belong to Jesus Christ (I John 1:9, Romans 6:1-11, 10:9-10, Acts 2:37-39, Mark 16:16, Galatians 3:27, Matthew 3:13-17, Ephesians 4:5).

  2. HOLY COMMUNION: All baptized Christians can partake in the Holy Communion. Partakers shall observe Holy Communions, according to Christ's teaching, in remembrance of Jesus Christ. Testifying Christ's grace and sharing Christ's presence, partakers shall receive Christ's power, fervently serve Him, await His return (1 Corinthians 11:23-32, Matthew 26:26-30, Mark 14:22-26, Luke 22:14-20).

  3. INFANT DEDICATION: At the request of Christian parents, this Church will perform infant dedication ceremonies for the parents to affirm their willingness to bring up their children with Biblical truth, to help their children build up Christian faith, to guide them to live a life worthy of the grace and honor of Christ, and for the parents to fulfill the responsibilities that God has entrusted upon them (Mark 10:13-16, Matthew 19:13-15, Proverbs 22:6, 14:26).

  4. SUNDAY WORSHIP: Christians should sanctify Sunday as Lord's day, in spirit and truth, worship God in His sanctuary with joy, offer Him thanksgiving and praise, and enjoy the fellowship between God and His children (Exodus 20:8, Matthew 28:16, John 3:23, Hebrews 10:22-25, Psalms 84:2, 5-7, 122:1).

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Chapter 6 - DISSOLUTION


In the event of dissolution of this Church, the Board of Trustees shall be responsible for distributing all assets of this Church to evangelical churches or para-church organizations of the same faith.



Chapter 7 - AMENDMENTSTO BY-LAWS


These By-Laws can be amended as proposed by the Executive Council and approved by the General Assembly (see Chapter 4, Section 4, Item 3).




 

 

 


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