Community Church of Portage Lakes

(Excerpts from the Church Constitution, rev. 2005)

AUTHORITY  
The government of this church, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, is vested in a group of godly men called elders as stated in I Timothy 3; Acts 20:28 ; and I Peter 5:1-3. The senior pastor, who is a teaching elder, shall serve in conjunction with the members of the Elder Board.  Other staff pastors, officers, boards, committees, and support staff shall also be responsible to this board. Active members of the church shall be given opportunities to affirm major decisions and policies established by the church leadership. This shall be done in an authorized business meeting and may include items such as: the affirmation of church officers, constitutional amendments, any proposals to buy or sell land, and major renovation or building projects.

PASTORAL LEADERSHIP
Senior Pastor - The senior pastor of the church shall be an ordained man of God who is equipped with the spiritual gifts to effectively minister to our congregation and community. (I Timothy 3:1-11, Titus 1:6-9) He should be in full agreement with the doctrinal statement of this church and be dedicated to the Holy Scriptures. He must be a man who leads with integrity as a servant-leader who can effectively delegate authority and responsibility.

Staff Pastor – These pastors serve under the direction of the senior pastor and should possess the same qualities of character and leadership. A staff pastor is expected to assist in ministry by performing as a leader of specialized areas such as, music and worship; Christian education for children, youth, or adults.

OFFICERS
The corporate officers of the church shall include the chairman of the Elder Board, treasurer, financial secretary and clerk. The treasurer and the clerk shall be appointed by the Nominating Committee and confirmed by congregational vote at the annual election. The chairman of the Elder Board shall be appointed from the members of the Elder Board. The financial secretary is a staff position. All appointed officers of the church shall be members of the church and 21 years of age or older.

CHURCH BOARDS
Board of Elders – The Board of Elders shall consist of the senior pastor and at least three (3) members. An elder shall be elected for a term of three (3) years. The Board of Elders shall have general oversight of the spiritual life of the church and care of the sick and needy with the pastor (Acts 20:28, I Peter 5:1-3, James 5:14-15).

Board of Deacons – The Board of Deacons shall be responsible for the ways and means to maintain the finances of the church. They shall be responsible to create fiscal and accounting guidelines to ensure the proper disbursement and reporting of all finances within the church. They shall be responsible for the preparation of the church budget.

Board of Deaconesses – The Board of Deaconesses shall, under supervision of the pastor, prepare the elements and service for Communion, contact the ill of our church and those in need, and assist the senior pastor as he shall direct.

Community Christian Pre-school Board - The Pre-school Board shall exercise oversight of the pre-school which includes the following: Establishing policy and setting goals in accordance with the mission statement of the school; advising the director in areas such as hiring staff, establishing job descriptions, salary charts, and supporting the director when issues arise with staff or parents, etc.

Board of Trustees – The Board of Trustees shall be responsible for the upkeep of the church property, but shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease or transfer any such real property. They shall elect their own chairman.

Missions Board – The Mission Board is appointed to administer the entire mission program of the church, subject to review by the Board of Elders. Because The Community Church of Portage Lakes places a high value on missions, our mission ministry shall be funded by "faith promises" and at least 10% of the general offerings.