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| CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS of HILLTOP CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP (Approved by congregation vote – April 24, 2004) Amended by membership vote - January 23, 2010) |
PREAMBLE
The New Testament teaches that the local church is the visible,
organized expression of the Body of Christ. The people of God
are to live and serve in obedience to the Word of God and
under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
By the Grace of God, our Savior the Lord Jesus Christ, and our faith in
Him, we, the members of the Hilltop Christian Fellowship, being completely
dependent on the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit, in order to
establish rules and procedures with which to administer this church, do
ordain and establish the following Constitution and By-laws to which we
voluntarily submit ourselves.
ARTICLE I NAME
The name under which this church is organized is Hilltop Christian
Fellowship.
ARTICLE II AFFILIATION
Hilltop Christian Fellowship is not affiliated with any denomination.
ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP
Qualifications for membership shall consist of:
1. Confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
2. Agreement with the Hilltop Christian Fellowship Statement of Faith
and Mission Statement in their entirety.
3. Attendance at one or more membership classes during which the Faith
and Mission Statements, Water Baptism and the Lord’s Supper will be
explained and questions will be welcomed.
4. Approval by the Membership Committee.
5. Water Baptism. If a person who wishes to join Hilltop Christian
Fellowship has previously been baptized, Hilltop Christian Fellowship will
accept his or her baptism. To those who have not been baptized, or desire
baptism, it will be administered prior to or during the time the person joins
Hilltop Christian Fellowship. Note: See Hilltop Christian Fellowship’s
Statement of Faith (Item #7) for the explanation that Baptism is immersion.
By-Laws of ARTICLE III- MEMBERSHIP
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
1. Applicants 18 years and older, shall request membership from the
Senior Pastor or Chair of Membership Committee.
2. Children ages 12 through 17, shall request membership from
Senior Pastor or Chair of Membership Committee and be accepted into
membership of Hilltop Christian Fellowship after fulfilling the qualifications
of Article III and upon written consent of a parent or guardian.
3. All applicants will be provided with a copy of, and be required to
read and consent to, this constitution and its by-laws. Further, they must
affirm their agreement with the Hilltop Christian Fellowship Statement of
Faith and Mission Statement. Such consent and affirmation exists when
applicants place their signature on the application for membership.
B. TYPES OF MEMBERSHIP
1. Active Membership. Active members shall consist of those members
who adhere to the conditions stated in the Constitution and Bylaws, and are
regularly attending Hilltop Christian Fellowship.
2. Inactive Membership
a. Those, who for any cause, except physical disability or who
are temporarily absent from the community, have absented themselves from
the regular services of this church for six (6) months or more, shall be placed
on the inactive membership list. A letter shall be sent informing them of this
action.
b. Those who have permanently moved from the community, but
have not transferred their membership to another church shall be placed on
the inactive membership list. A letter shall be sent informing them of this
action.
c. An inactive member may be placed on the active membership
list again by request to and approval of the senior pastor and the Chair of the
Membership Committee.
d. Inactive members shall not be eligible to vote on any question.
e. After one year of inactive membership, member(s) will be
removed from the roll of membership of Hilltop Christian Fellowship.
C. MEMBERSHIP LIST:
The membership list shall be examined each year by the Senior Pastor
and the Membership Committee prior to the annual congregational meeting
so that HCF will have an updated membership list.
D. TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP:
Upon request, members shall be granted a letter of transfer.
ARTICLE IV SACRAMENTS
Water Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are recognized as the two
sacraments of Hilltop Christian Fellowship:
a. Water baptism will be administered by Hilltop Christian
Fellowship after a profession of faith in Jesus Christ.
b. The Lord’s Supper shall be served monthly and on other
occasions as determined by the Board of Elders.
ARTICLE V GOVERNMENT
There will be an Annual Congregational Meeting of Hilltop Christian
Fellowship to be held at a time specified in the By-laws at which time
committee reports will be distributed. The elected officers and committees
will begin their service after the Annual Congregational Meeting. The Board
of Elders, as defined in the Hilltop Christian Fellowship’s By-laws, will
conduct the affairs of Hilltop Christian Fellowship between meetings.
Additional meetings may be called by proper notice as specified in the By-
laws. On general matters in which no legal questions are involved, it is
understood that all members in good and regular standing and have attained
the age of 16 shall be entitled to vote, but in matters involving titles of
property or legal procedures, the laws of the state determine the age at which
members are eligible to vote.
By-Laws of ARTICLE V GOVERNMENT
A. CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS
1. The Quarterly Congregational Meeting shall be held approximately
one month after the end of each quarter. Notification of the quarterly meeting
shall be published in the church bulletin at least two weeks prior to the date
of the meeting.
2. A completed report from the auditor(s) of all financial records within
Hilltop Christian Fellowship will be published and distributed at the 1st
Quarter Congregational Meeting.
3. The Annual Congregational Meeting shall be held approximately one
month after the end of the last quarter and will be combined with the fourth
quarter meeting. An annual report will be published and distributed at this
meeting and will include reports from each of the following:
a) The senior pastor and other members of pastoral staff.
b) The secretary of the Board of Elders.
c) The chairperson or secretary of each of the various committees
and organizations within Hilltop Christian Fellowship.
d) A year-end financial report from the Hilltop Christian Fellowship
treasurer(s).
e) Finance committee’s annual budget.
These reports shall be processed in printed form and copies
distributed to the congregation prior to the start of the Annual
Congregational Meeting. All written financial and departmental reports shall
cover the calendar year.
4. All elections will be held bi-annually at the first quarter
congregational meeting. Voting shall be by ballot and the member receiving
the highest number of votes shall be elected.
5. Special Congregational Meetings may be called by the Board of Elders
upon notification approximately one week in advance, when possible.
6. Roberts Rules of Orders shall govern all matters of church business.
7. Quorum: A quorum shall consist of the “active” membership present
at any meeting, except at a meeting where the Constitution and/or By-Laws
are amended. (See Article XI – Amendments)
8. A proxy vote will be accepted from a member, provided that the proxy
bearer presents it to the Secretary prior to the commencement of the meeting.
The proxy must state who the bearer is, and shall be signed and dated by the
member submitting the proxy. A proxy shall be valid only for the specified
date stamped on the proxy.
B. BOARD OF TRUSTEES
1. The Board of Trustees will be elected bi-annually by the voting
members of Hilltop Christian Fellowship. The election of six (6) Trustees
shall be held at the first quarter congregational meeting every other year
beginning in 2011. Each Trustee shall serve a two (2) year term, or until his
or her successor has been elected. Offices (Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary)
shall be elected within the Board.
2. The affairs and property of Hilltop Christian Fellowship shall be
managed by the Board of Trustees.
3. The Board of Trustees shall be members of the Board of Elders and
will meet the guidelines for leadership qualifications.
C. BOARD OF ELDERS
1. The Board of Elders, with the exception of the Senior Pastor, shall be
elected bi-annually by the voting membership of Hilltop Christian Fellowship
and shall include: the Senior Pastor, the Board of Trustees and the following
positions as elected by the Hilltop Christian Fellowship membership: Chair,
Vice-Chair, Recording Secretary, and Treasurer(s). The election will be held
at the first quarter congregational meeting beginning in 2011. Each Elder
shall serve a two (2) year term, or until his or her successor has been elected
and shall include the following positions: Chair, Vice-Chair, Recording
Secretary, and Treasurer(s).
2. To be qualified to hold a position of leadership (Trustee, Elder,
Secretary, Treasurer) at Hilltop Christian Fellowship, a person must be at
least 18 years of age and a member of Hilltop Christian Fellowship in good
standing, shall have worshipped at Hilltop Christian Fellowship on a regular
basis for at least a six (6) month continuous period, shall fundamentally agree
with Hilltop Christian Fellowship’s Statement of Faith, agree to abide by the
by-laws and procedural rules of Hilltop Christian Fellowship and
demonstrate the following Biblical principles:
a) Be a mature self-feeding Christian of spiritual depth, willing and
devoted to invest their life into God’s calling in this ministry
b) Have a long-term commitment to regular worship, Bible study
and financial support of Hilltop Christian Fellowship.
3. Duties and Authority:
a. Organize, establish and supervise such committees as are
necessary for the work of Hilltop Christian Fellowship.
b. Call and review all persons compensated by Hilltop Christian
Fellowship for services rendered except the Pastor(s). (See Article V, Section
E, 2, (b) )
c. Assist in preparation of an annual budget to be submitted at the
Annual Congregational Meeting.
d. Determine the compensation to be paid all persons by Hilltop
Christian Fellowship for services rendered (except the Pastor(s). (See Article
V, Section E, 2, (c) ).
D. AREAS OF STRATEGIC FOCUS
Prayer Ministry Evangelism Team
Spiritual Maturity Ministry
E. PASTORATE
1. Qualifications of the Pastor:
a) shall have a confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
b) shall agree with the Hilltop Christian Fellowship Statement of
Faith and Mission Statement in their entirety.
c) shall have the gift of pastor/teacher for equipping the saints to do
the work of the ministry.
d) shall have a wholehearted commitment to the task of evangelism.
e) shall express a conviction of the calling of God to be the Pastor
of Hilltop Christian Fellowship.
f) shall be committed to prayer.
g) shall be water baptized by immersion.
h) shall be licensed.
2. Call:
a) The pastor shall be interviewed by the Board of Elders and the
Pastoral Committee and thereafter be recommended to the church
membership.
b) shall be extended a call only after such recommendation and an
80% vote of the quorum at a duly called Congregational Meeting.
c) Condition of Employment: The salary of the Pastor and other
compensation such as Social Security, insurance, housing allowance and
pension shall be specified in writing and made a part of the call upon which
the membership votes. Likewise, such items as authorized vacation,
attendance at meetings and conferences, moving expenses and other agreed
upon conditions shall be addressed in the call. The call shall be in the form of
a legal agreement. Changes in the initial conditions of employment are to be
enacted by vote of the membership.
3. Duties:
a) shall assume the spiritual leadership of all areas of church life.
b) shall attend church business meetings except when the meeting
directly involves the position of the Pastor.
c) shall preach the Gospel and teach the Word of God at all
regularly scheduled services except when, by the Pastor’s request, the Pastor’
s absence from the pulpit is approved by the Board of Elders.
d) shall secure from the Board of Elders approval for persons to
replace the Pastor in the pulpit in the Pastor’s absence.
e) shall administer the sacraments, visit the sick, conduct funeral
services.
f) shall conduct pre-marital counseling classes.
g) shall perform Christian marriages between a man and a woman,
according to the Holy Scriptures and at the Pastor’s discretion.
h) shall oversee the teaching and training ministries of Hilltop
Christian Fellowship and oversee the spiritual needs of the membership.
4. Accountability:
a) The pastor shall be accountable to the Board of Elders and
members of Hilltop Christian Fellowship.
b) Term of Service: A pastor will be called for an indefinite period of
time. The Pastor’s tenure of service shall terminate by the Pastor’s
resignation or death or a 75% vote of the members present at a business
meeting.
In the event of the Pastor’s resignation, the Pastor shall give at least thirty
days notice; in the event Hilltop Christian Fellowship votes to terminate the
Pastor’s services, the Pastor shall receive thirty days notice or thirty days
salary in lieu of such notice.
F. SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS
1. Qualifications:
a) shall have a vital Christian testimony and demonstrate the call of
God to the particular ministry in which they are serving.
b) shall provide a Godly example of a Christian life for Hilltop
Christian Fellowship members and constituents to observe and copy.
c) shall be a member of Hilltop Christian Fellowship and regular in
attendance at Hilltop Christian Fellowship.
ARTICLE VI MISSIONS
Hilltop Christian Fellowship is a tithing church. Tithing will be based upon
the previous quarter’s gross income. Recommendations for disbursement of
tithing are to be made by the Finance Committee and voted upon at the
quarterly meetings. In case of an emergency, the Board of Elders will decide
the validity of such disbursement of tithing funds.
ARTICLE VII SERVICES
Hilltop Christian Fellowship shall meet Sundays for worship of God and study
of His Word and at other times as designated.
ARTICLE VIII FINANCIAL POLICY
Hilltop Christian Fellowship shall be supported by tithes and free-will
offerings. Fund-raising projects are permissible, except on Sunday, but must
be approved by the Board of Elders.
ARTICLE IX BUDGET
A detailed annual budget shall be prepared by the Finance Committee and
approved by Hilltop Christian Fellowship’s membership. The Finance
Committee shall be authorized to spend up to and including $500 per
occurrence without prior approval of the Board of Elders or the membership.
The Board of Elders shall be authorized to spend up to and including $2,000
per occurrence without prior approval of the membership.
ARTICLE X ORDINATION
When, in the judgment of a majority of the members of the Board of
Elders, a person is called to the Christian ministry, the Board of Elders shall,
after the approval of a majority vote of Hilltop Christian Fellowship
members, call and conduct a committee for ordination.
1. The composition of the Ordination Committee shall be at the sole
discretion of the Board of Elders, except that the total number of members of
the Ordination Committee shall be five (5), and at least two (2) shall be
ordained ministers.
2. The Ordination Committee shall thoroughly examine the applicant for
ordination as to their call to the Christian ministry, education, Christian
experience, reputation, character, doctrinal beliefs and demonstrated
efficiency in Christian service.
3. The decision as to whether or not to ordain the applicant is within the
discretion of the Ordination Committee, provided the applicant has:
a) served at least one year as pastor, assistant pastor, or in definite
Christian work at Hilltop Christian Fellowship in such manner as to convey
reasonable evidence of God’s call to the ministry.
b) met all of the qualifications as listed in By-Law Article V (E)—
Pastorate Qualifications of the Pastor.
4. The vote of the Ordination Committee to confer ordination upon an
applicant must be at least four (4) affirmative votes.
5. All members of Hilltop Christian Fellowship are welcome to observe
the proceedings of the Ordination Committee.
6. After the applicant has been approved by the Ordination Committee, a
public ordination service shall be called, during which the pastor will be
publicly ordained.
ARTICLE XI AMENDMENTS
This Constitution and By-Laws may be amended at a duly organized
business meeting, provided a quorum of 50% of the membership is
represented (proxies included).
A two-thirds (2/3) vote in the affirmative is required to pass the amendment.
The text of the amendment must be posted in a conspicuous place in the
church building for four (4) consecutive weeks prior to the vote on said
amendment and provided the time, date, place and purpose of the amendment
has been announced to the membership for four (4) consecutive weeks prior to
the vote on said amendment.
ARTICLE XII MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
A. All financial statements shall be kept on file and made available for
review by all active members of Hilltop Christian Fellowship.
B. Hilltop Christian Fellowship, including all of its ministries, shall
accept no funds, services, or benefits of any kind whatsoever from any level of
government or agency thereof unless the church pays fair market value for
the same.
C. No profit shall ever accrue to the benefit of any persons from the
assets, holdings, or other transactions in which the Hilltop Christian
Fellowship corporation may become involved.
D. No fees, dues or assessments shall be levied against any member of
Hilltop Christian Fellowship.
E. The fiscal year of Hilltop Christian Fellowship shall be from January
1 through December 31.
F. In addition to other matters specifically reserved to the Hilltop
Christian Fellowship’s members, no sale, lease, mortgage, or pledge of, or the
creation of a security interest in, or a lien or judgment against all or part of
church property, real or personal, shall be done without prior approval of the
Hilltop Christian Fellowship’s membership.
ARTICLE XIII PROPERTY AND RECORDS
Section 1. Property. The Hilltop Christian Fellowship may acquire, own,
dispose of, improve, encumber, and convey property, real and personal, for
church purposes, in conformity with the laws of the state where the property
is situated.
Real property may be purchased, sold, conveyed, exchanged, mortgaged,
or encumbered only by order of Hilltop Christian Fellowship membership.
Section 2. Records. The official records of all officers of Hilltop Christian
Fellowship and all its departments are the property of Hilltop Christian
Fellowship. In the event of the death or resignation of the incumbent or upon
the election of his/her successor, the current records of the office shall be
passed on to the newly elected officer. All records other than current shall be
kept in a secure repository.
ARTICLE XIV DISSOLUTION
In the event of the dissolution of Hilltop Christian Fellowship, all of its
debts shall be fully satisfied. None of its assets or holdings shall be divided
among the members, but shall be irrevocably dedicated by the Board of
Elders to such other non-profit religious corporation(s) as are in agreement
with the letter and spirit of the Statement of Faith, and in conformity with
requirements of Section 401(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as
amended.
The New Testament teaches that the local church is the visible,
organized expression of the Body of Christ. The people of God
are to live and serve in obedience to the Word of God and
under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
By the Grace of God, our Savior the Lord Jesus Christ, and our faith in
Him, we, the members of the Hilltop Christian Fellowship, being completely
dependent on the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit, in order to
establish rules and procedures with which to administer this church, do
ordain and establish the following Constitution and By-laws to which we
voluntarily submit ourselves.
ARTICLE I NAME
The name under which this church is organized is Hilltop Christian
Fellowship.
ARTICLE II AFFILIATION
Hilltop Christian Fellowship is not affiliated with any denomination.
ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP
Qualifications for membership shall consist of:
1. Confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
2. Agreement with the Hilltop Christian Fellowship Statement of Faith
and Mission Statement in their entirety.
3. Attendance at one or more membership classes during which the Faith
and Mission Statements, Water Baptism and the Lord’s Supper will be
explained and questions will be welcomed.
4. Approval by the Membership Committee.
5. Water Baptism. If a person who wishes to join Hilltop Christian
Fellowship has previously been baptized, Hilltop Christian Fellowship will
accept his or her baptism. To those who have not been baptized, or desire
baptism, it will be administered prior to or during the time the person joins
Hilltop Christian Fellowship. Note: See Hilltop Christian Fellowship’s
Statement of Faith (Item #7) for the explanation that Baptism is immersion.
By-Laws of ARTICLE III- MEMBERSHIP
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
1. Applicants 18 years and older, shall request membership from the
Senior Pastor or Chair of Membership Committee.
2. Children ages 12 through 17, shall request membership from
Senior Pastor or Chair of Membership Committee and be accepted into
membership of Hilltop Christian Fellowship after fulfilling the qualifications
of Article III and upon written consent of a parent or guardian.
3. All applicants will be provided with a copy of, and be required to
read and consent to, this constitution and its by-laws. Further, they must
affirm their agreement with the Hilltop Christian Fellowship Statement of
Faith and Mission Statement. Such consent and affirmation exists when
applicants place their signature on the application for membership.
B. TYPES OF MEMBERSHIP
1. Active Membership. Active members shall consist of those members
who adhere to the conditions stated in the Constitution and Bylaws, and are
regularly attending Hilltop Christian Fellowship.
2. Inactive Membership
a. Those, who for any cause, except physical disability or who
are temporarily absent from the community, have absented themselves from
the regular services of this church for six (6) months or more, shall be placed
on the inactive membership list. A letter shall be sent informing them of this
action.
b. Those who have permanently moved from the community, but
have not transferred their membership to another church shall be placed on
the inactive membership list. A letter shall be sent informing them of this
action.
c. An inactive member may be placed on the active membership
list again by request to and approval of the senior pastor and the Chair of the
Membership Committee.
d. Inactive members shall not be eligible to vote on any question.
e. After one year of inactive membership, member(s) will be
removed from the roll of membership of Hilltop Christian Fellowship.
C. MEMBERSHIP LIST:
The membership list shall be examined each year by the Senior Pastor
and the Membership Committee prior to the annual congregational meeting
so that HCF will have an updated membership list.
D. TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP:
Upon request, members shall be granted a letter of transfer.
ARTICLE IV SACRAMENTS
Water Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are recognized as the two
sacraments of Hilltop Christian Fellowship:
a. Water baptism will be administered by Hilltop Christian
Fellowship after a profession of faith in Jesus Christ.
b. The Lord’s Supper shall be served monthly and on other
occasions as determined by the Board of Elders.
ARTICLE V GOVERNMENT
There will be an Annual Congregational Meeting of Hilltop Christian
Fellowship to be held at a time specified in the By-laws at which time
committee reports will be distributed. The elected officers and committees
will begin their service after the Annual Congregational Meeting. The Board
of Elders, as defined in the Hilltop Christian Fellowship’s By-laws, will
conduct the affairs of Hilltop Christian Fellowship between meetings.
Additional meetings may be called by proper notice as specified in the By-
laws. On general matters in which no legal questions are involved, it is
understood that all members in good and regular standing and have attained
the age of 16 shall be entitled to vote, but in matters involving titles of
property or legal procedures, the laws of the state determine the age at which
members are eligible to vote.
By-Laws of ARTICLE V GOVERNMENT
A. CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS
1. The Quarterly Congregational Meeting shall be held approximately
one month after the end of each quarter. Notification of the quarterly meeting
shall be published in the church bulletin at least two weeks prior to the date
of the meeting.
2. A completed report from the auditor(s) of all financial records within
Hilltop Christian Fellowship will be published and distributed at the 1st
Quarter Congregational Meeting.
3. The Annual Congregational Meeting shall be held approximately one
month after the end of the last quarter and will be combined with the fourth
quarter meeting. An annual report will be published and distributed at this
meeting and will include reports from each of the following:
a) The senior pastor and other members of pastoral staff.
b) The secretary of the Board of Elders.
c) The chairperson or secretary of each of the various committees
and organizations within Hilltop Christian Fellowship.
d) A year-end financial report from the Hilltop Christian Fellowship
treasurer(s).
e) Finance committee’s annual budget.
These reports shall be processed in printed form and copies
distributed to the congregation prior to the start of the Annual
Congregational Meeting. All written financial and departmental reports shall
cover the calendar year.
4. All elections will be held bi-annually at the first quarter
congregational meeting. Voting shall be by ballot and the member receiving
the highest number of votes shall be elected.
5. Special Congregational Meetings may be called by the Board of Elders
upon notification approximately one week in advance, when possible.
6. Roberts Rules of Orders shall govern all matters of church business.
7. Quorum: A quorum shall consist of the “active” membership present
at any meeting, except at a meeting where the Constitution and/or By-Laws
are amended. (See Article XI – Amendments)
8. A proxy vote will be accepted from a member, provided that the proxy
bearer presents it to the Secretary prior to the commencement of the meeting.
The proxy must state who the bearer is, and shall be signed and dated by the
member submitting the proxy. A proxy shall be valid only for the specified
date stamped on the proxy.
B. BOARD OF TRUSTEES
1. The Board of Trustees will be elected bi-annually by the voting
members of Hilltop Christian Fellowship. The election of six (6) Trustees
shall be held at the first quarter congregational meeting every other year
beginning in 2011. Each Trustee shall serve a two (2) year term, or until his
or her successor has been elected. Offices (Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary)
shall be elected within the Board.
2. The affairs and property of Hilltop Christian Fellowship shall be
managed by the Board of Trustees.
3. The Board of Trustees shall be members of the Board of Elders and
will meet the guidelines for leadership qualifications.
C. BOARD OF ELDERS
1. The Board of Elders, with the exception of the Senior Pastor, shall be
elected bi-annually by the voting membership of Hilltop Christian Fellowship
and shall include: the Senior Pastor, the Board of Trustees and the following
positions as elected by the Hilltop Christian Fellowship membership: Chair,
Vice-Chair, Recording Secretary, and Treasurer(s). The election will be held
at the first quarter congregational meeting beginning in 2011. Each Elder
shall serve a two (2) year term, or until his or her successor has been elected
and shall include the following positions: Chair, Vice-Chair, Recording
Secretary, and Treasurer(s).
2. To be qualified to hold a position of leadership (Trustee, Elder,
Secretary, Treasurer) at Hilltop Christian Fellowship, a person must be at
least 18 years of age and a member of Hilltop Christian Fellowship in good
standing, shall have worshipped at Hilltop Christian Fellowship on a regular
basis for at least a six (6) month continuous period, shall fundamentally agree
with Hilltop Christian Fellowship’s Statement of Faith, agree to abide by the
by-laws and procedural rules of Hilltop Christian Fellowship and
demonstrate the following Biblical principles:
a) Be a mature self-feeding Christian of spiritual depth, willing and
devoted to invest their life into God’s calling in this ministry
b) Have a long-term commitment to regular worship, Bible study
and financial support of Hilltop Christian Fellowship.
3. Duties and Authority:
a. Organize, establish and supervise such committees as are
necessary for the work of Hilltop Christian Fellowship.
b. Call and review all persons compensated by Hilltop Christian
Fellowship for services rendered except the Pastor(s). (See Article V, Section
E, 2, (b) )
c. Assist in preparation of an annual budget to be submitted at the
Annual Congregational Meeting.
d. Determine the compensation to be paid all persons by Hilltop
Christian Fellowship for services rendered (except the Pastor(s). (See Article
V, Section E, 2, (c) ).
D. AREAS OF STRATEGIC FOCUS
Prayer Ministry Evangelism Team
Spiritual Maturity Ministry
E. PASTORATE
1. Qualifications of the Pastor:
a) shall have a confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
b) shall agree with the Hilltop Christian Fellowship Statement of
Faith and Mission Statement in their entirety.
c) shall have the gift of pastor/teacher for equipping the saints to do
the work of the ministry.
d) shall have a wholehearted commitment to the task of evangelism.
e) shall express a conviction of the calling of God to be the Pastor
of Hilltop Christian Fellowship.
f) shall be committed to prayer.
g) shall be water baptized by immersion.
h) shall be licensed.
2. Call:
a) The pastor shall be interviewed by the Board of Elders and the
Pastoral Committee and thereafter be recommended to the church
membership.
b) shall be extended a call only after such recommendation and an
80% vote of the quorum at a duly called Congregational Meeting.
c) Condition of Employment: The salary of the Pastor and other
compensation such as Social Security, insurance, housing allowance and
pension shall be specified in writing and made a part of the call upon which
the membership votes. Likewise, such items as authorized vacation,
attendance at meetings and conferences, moving expenses and other agreed
upon conditions shall be addressed in the call. The call shall be in the form of
a legal agreement. Changes in the initial conditions of employment are to be
enacted by vote of the membership.
3. Duties:
a) shall assume the spiritual leadership of all areas of church life.
b) shall attend church business meetings except when the meeting
directly involves the position of the Pastor.
c) shall preach the Gospel and teach the Word of God at all
regularly scheduled services except when, by the Pastor’s request, the Pastor’
s absence from the pulpit is approved by the Board of Elders.
d) shall secure from the Board of Elders approval for persons to
replace the Pastor in the pulpit in the Pastor’s absence.
e) shall administer the sacraments, visit the sick, conduct funeral
services.
f) shall conduct pre-marital counseling classes.
g) shall perform Christian marriages between a man and a woman,
according to the Holy Scriptures and at the Pastor’s discretion.
h) shall oversee the teaching and training ministries of Hilltop
Christian Fellowship and oversee the spiritual needs of the membership.
4. Accountability:
a) The pastor shall be accountable to the Board of Elders and
members of Hilltop Christian Fellowship.
b) Term of Service: A pastor will be called for an indefinite period of
time. The Pastor’s tenure of service shall terminate by the Pastor’s
resignation or death or a 75% vote of the members present at a business
meeting.
In the event of the Pastor’s resignation, the Pastor shall give at least thirty
days notice; in the event Hilltop Christian Fellowship votes to terminate the
Pastor’s services, the Pastor shall receive thirty days notice or thirty days
salary in lieu of such notice.
F. SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS
1. Qualifications:
a) shall have a vital Christian testimony and demonstrate the call of
God to the particular ministry in which they are serving.
b) shall provide a Godly example of a Christian life for Hilltop
Christian Fellowship members and constituents to observe and copy.
c) shall be a member of Hilltop Christian Fellowship and regular in
attendance at Hilltop Christian Fellowship.
ARTICLE VI MISSIONS
Hilltop Christian Fellowship is a tithing church. Tithing will be based upon
the previous quarter’s gross income. Recommendations for disbursement of
tithing are to be made by the Finance Committee and voted upon at the
quarterly meetings. In case of an emergency, the Board of Elders will decide
the validity of such disbursement of tithing funds.
ARTICLE VII SERVICES
Hilltop Christian Fellowship shall meet Sundays for worship of God and study
of His Word and at other times as designated.
ARTICLE VIII FINANCIAL POLICY
Hilltop Christian Fellowship shall be supported by tithes and free-will
offerings. Fund-raising projects are permissible, except on Sunday, but must
be approved by the Board of Elders.
ARTICLE IX BUDGET
A detailed annual budget shall be prepared by the Finance Committee and
approved by Hilltop Christian Fellowship’s membership. The Finance
Committee shall be authorized to spend up to and including $500 per
occurrence without prior approval of the Board of Elders or the membership.
The Board of Elders shall be authorized to spend up to and including $2,000
per occurrence without prior approval of the membership.
ARTICLE X ORDINATION
When, in the judgment of a majority of the members of the Board of
Elders, a person is called to the Christian ministry, the Board of Elders shall,
after the approval of a majority vote of Hilltop Christian Fellowship
members, call and conduct a committee for ordination.
1. The composition of the Ordination Committee shall be at the sole
discretion of the Board of Elders, except that the total number of members of
the Ordination Committee shall be five (5), and at least two (2) shall be
ordained ministers.
2. The Ordination Committee shall thoroughly examine the applicant for
ordination as to their call to the Christian ministry, education, Christian
experience, reputation, character, doctrinal beliefs and demonstrated
efficiency in Christian service.
3. The decision as to whether or not to ordain the applicant is within the
discretion of the Ordination Committee, provided the applicant has:
a) served at least one year as pastor, assistant pastor, or in definite
Christian work at Hilltop Christian Fellowship in such manner as to convey
reasonable evidence of God’s call to the ministry.
b) met all of the qualifications as listed in By-Law Article V (E)—
Pastorate Qualifications of the Pastor.
4. The vote of the Ordination Committee to confer ordination upon an
applicant must be at least four (4) affirmative votes.
5. All members of Hilltop Christian Fellowship are welcome to observe
the proceedings of the Ordination Committee.
6. After the applicant has been approved by the Ordination Committee, a
public ordination service shall be called, during which the pastor will be
publicly ordained.
ARTICLE XI AMENDMENTS
This Constitution and By-Laws may be amended at a duly organized
business meeting, provided a quorum of 50% of the membership is
represented (proxies included).
A two-thirds (2/3) vote in the affirmative is required to pass the amendment.
The text of the amendment must be posted in a conspicuous place in the
church building for four (4) consecutive weeks prior to the vote on said
amendment and provided the time, date, place and purpose of the amendment
has been announced to the membership for four (4) consecutive weeks prior to
the vote on said amendment.
ARTICLE XII MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
A. All financial statements shall be kept on file and made available for
review by all active members of Hilltop Christian Fellowship.
B. Hilltop Christian Fellowship, including all of its ministries, shall
accept no funds, services, or benefits of any kind whatsoever from any level of
government or agency thereof unless the church pays fair market value for
the same.
C. No profit shall ever accrue to the benefit of any persons from the
assets, holdings, or other transactions in which the Hilltop Christian
Fellowship corporation may become involved.
D. No fees, dues or assessments shall be levied against any member of
Hilltop Christian Fellowship.
E. The fiscal year of Hilltop Christian Fellowship shall be from January
1 through December 31.
F. In addition to other matters specifically reserved to the Hilltop
Christian Fellowship’s members, no sale, lease, mortgage, or pledge of, or the
creation of a security interest in, or a lien or judgment against all or part of
church property, real or personal, shall be done without prior approval of the
Hilltop Christian Fellowship’s membership.
ARTICLE XIII PROPERTY AND RECORDS
Section 1. Property. The Hilltop Christian Fellowship may acquire, own,
dispose of, improve, encumber, and convey property, real and personal, for
church purposes, in conformity with the laws of the state where the property
is situated.
Real property may be purchased, sold, conveyed, exchanged, mortgaged,
or encumbered only by order of Hilltop Christian Fellowship membership.
Section 2. Records. The official records of all officers of Hilltop Christian
Fellowship and all its departments are the property of Hilltop Christian
Fellowship. In the event of the death or resignation of the incumbent or upon
the election of his/her successor, the current records of the office shall be
passed on to the newly elected officer. All records other than current shall be
kept in a secure repository.
ARTICLE XIV DISSOLUTION
In the event of the dissolution of Hilltop Christian Fellowship, all of its
debts shall be fully satisfied. None of its assets or holdings shall be divided
among the members, but shall be irrevocably dedicated by the Board of
Elders to such other non-profit religious corporation(s) as are in agreement
with the letter and spirit of the Statement of Faith, and in conformity with
requirements of Section 401(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as
amended.
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