Recommendation #5 from the VitalChurch Ministry Diagnostic Report was to, Overhaul the Current Governance Structure, Including the Constitution/Bylaws. It should also be noted that it is normal to review and update organizational bylaws every few years. Here is what has happened over the last several months:
· The Transition Team began its work and research toward the end of May.
· The Governing Authority (GA), along with a few Transition Team members participated in a zoom conference call with members of the GA from CrossPointe Alliance Church in Lewiston, ID.
· CrossPoint was held out as example by our Alliance District Superintendent, Monte Wright, as a church who had more recently updated their Bylaws and whose current Bylaws have been serving their church well.
· Chief among additional considerations was a move from a two-board system of governance, to a one-board GA which encompasses both Elders and “Board Members at Large.” With additional help and input from Monty and adaptations for our own HRAC culture and needs, this is what the Transition Team and GA of HRAC present.
· The GA has also adopted Policy Governance (PG) as a governance model. PG is an integrated set of concepts and principles that describes in detail the responsibilities of the GA. PG outlines the manner in which the GA can be unified and focused in their servant-leadership role, as well as in their all-important relationship with our church staff, as well.
· Links to both the updated Bylaws and Policies can be found on the Leadership page of our website.
The Current Bylaws are set out in Sections identified as Articles, with sub-paragraphs referred to as sections. The proposed is re-formatted to establish sections and sub-numbered elements of each section and does not refer to Articles. So, Article I — Identification and Scope, Sections 1, 2 and 3 are replaced by Section l: Name and Section Il: Purpose and Mission.
The current Bylaws do not contain an opening paragraph. One has been added, which precedes the numbered sections of the proposed. We recognize in this paragraph that we operate within the Uniform Constitution for Accredited Churches of the Christian and Missionary Alliance.
Section l: Name - The proposed bylaws simply add detail to our name by including our legal filing status as 501(c) (3) and provides our address. Otherwise, no substantive changes or difference between current and proposed.
Section Il — Purpose is now redefined as "Purpose & Mission" and states our updated core values.
Section Ill — Relationship with the C&MA is completely new and added to
further affirm and identify our relationship with the Christian and Missionary Alliance, including property.
Section IV on Covenant Membership: Member qualifications now specifically mention agreement with our stated Values and mission. Membership rolls are given improved definition and clarity. There are new sections on "Responsibility' and "Rights" of members.
Approval and removal are provided by the "GA" and not specifically to the elders only. The proposed bylaws update adds a role of responsibility to members regarding conflict resolution, not in the current Bylaws. The section on Discipline is removed from the Membership paragraphs.
Section V Annual Meeting: GA memberships are now "affirmed" by the members. We also add a "Facilitator" roll with respect to agenda planning and, possibly, presenting. There are otherwise, no substantive changes to the Annual Meeting or Special Meetings.
Section VI: Church Government is now stated as "GA." The GA is noted as its legal designation and also its purpose related to the affairs of the church between Annual Meetings. Member qualifications are specifically stated and tied to New Testament Bible text.
Composition of the GA is changed to state specifically no fewer than 6 and no more than 8 members. The elders are to outnumber at large members and at least 2 at large members are to be women.
Elders have more specific definition, responsibility, and qualification based on New Testament Bible text. Responsibilities relate to Doctrine, Discipleship, and further in this section, Discipline.
All members of the GA are expected to maintain a lifestyle in keeping with the spirit and intent set out in 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:6-9.
Length of terms — All GA members serving for the first time have a I-year internship, subject to review and affirmation of the GA. At large members will then have a 2-year term and elders a 3year term.
Current Bylaw Sections labeled as The Board of Elders, Deacons, and Deaconesses has been replaced by the Section 6.6 titled Governance. The overall stated purpose of the GA is to ensure Ministry Outcomes and budget assumptions are adhered to is noted, with paragraphs added for culture, Lead Pastor Expectations, and GA linkage to staff are added. Deacons and Deaconesses are no longer mentioned.
The matter of Discipline formerly under the Membership section is now a part of the GA Section. Elders will take the lead, but work "with the GA" in this matter. Specific New Testament Bible texts are referenced as methods to be followed with an overall stated intent of restoration.
Meetings are restated to be no less than 9 times a year rather than "monthly."
Section VII: Nominating Committee: The composition is re-stated. Annual meeting vote for nominating committee members will be a vote of affirmation based on names presented by the GA. There is no longer a required ballot process.
Section VIII: Lead Pastor and Other Church Staff: This is a completely new section that establishes selection, responsibility, and dismissal of the Lead Pastor. It also establishes clear lines of authority that vocational staff report directly to the Lead Pastor, or his designated representative (e.g., Executive Pastor), including "Ministry Teams" who preferably consist of lay-leaders rather than vocational staff.
Section IX: Biblical Character & Standards: This is a whole new section providing greater depth into what Hood River Alliance Church is about, and is a part of, including standards of conduct we intend to adhere to, including the use of HRAC facilities.
Section X: Administrative Provisions: Has been added and provides greater detail about
HRAC administration.