Constitution and Bylaws of Valleybrook Church, Inc.
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
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I. INTRODUCTION
Purpose
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We, the members of Valleybrook Church of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, hereby adopt the following
Constitution, in order to:
1.
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bring glory to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit
proclaim the Gospel to the nations
make disciples
hold true to Biblical doctrine
worship, teach, minister, fellowship, and pray in harmony with Christian principles
conduct business affairs in an orderly, responsible manner consistent with Biblical
teachings
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Name
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The name of this organization will be Valleybrook Church, Inc. located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin,
operating under its independent 501(c)(3), or corresponding section of any future federal tax
code, as granted by the Internal Revenue Service in August, 2014.
II. STATEMENT OF FAITH
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We believe this Statement of Faith to be an accurate description of what Scripture teaches and
foundational to being a follower of Christ. All members of Valleybrook Church shall not
advocate doctrines that stand in opposition to this Statement of Faith.
The Bible
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The Bible is the inspired, revealed Word of God to His people. All original sixty-six books of the
Old and New Testaments were inspired by the Holy Spirit without error through the unique
backgrounds, styles, and vocabularies of their human authors. The Bible is the final authority
on all matters of faith and practice, and there are no other writings similarly inspired by God.
The Bible is to be interpreted and embraced in its entirety, unified from beginning to end. (Acts
20:27; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21)
The Trinity - Our God
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We worship the One True God of the Bible -- the Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit -- God in
three distinct persons, yet identical in one divine being. Each person is fully and equally God
while exhibiting unique characteristics and personality. (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14;
Galatians 4:4-6)
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God is infinite and personal. He is self-existent, all powerful, all knowing, and always present.
His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. He created
the heavens and the earth, and transcends His creation. He loves us, He’s for us, and He
actively involves Himself in our lives. In fact, God is love, and God is holy. God speaks to us
today, and He hears and answers our prayers. He saves from sin and death all who come to
Him through Jesus Christ. (Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 55:8-9; John 16:23-28; Ephesians 1:3-23; 1
John 4:8)
God, the Father
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The Father is the “First Person of the Trinity.” He sent the Son (for our redemption) and
from Him proceeds the Holy Spirit (for our sanctification). (John 3:16; John 15:26;
Romans 15:16; Galatians 3:13; 1 John 4:10)
God, the Son (Jesus Christ)
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Jesus Christ came to this earth fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the Holy
Spirit and born of a virgin -- Mary. He was tempted like us in every way yet did not sin.
As the perfect sacrifice for our sin, He willingly gave His life in obedience to His Father,
fully satisfying God's wrath. His sacrifice was substitutional, so that through faith in
Jesus, we who were dead in our sins can now be made alive to God. After His death,
Jesus physically rose from the dead and ascended into Heaven. He is now seated on
the throne of God, the Father, where He lives to intercede for us. Through faith in Jesus,
we inherit eternal life and full rights as sons and daughters of God. One day, He will
return to this earth for His Church to fulfill God's ultimate plan of redemption and to judge
the living and the dead. (Matthew 1:18-23, 3:16-17; Luke 23:26-24:8, 44-47; 2
Corinthians 5:19-21; Hebrews 4:14-16, 7:24-25; Revelation 19, 20).
God, The Holy Spirit
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The Holy Spirit is the initiator of our relationship with God. He convicts us of our sins
and awakens our recognition of a need for a Savior. He supernaturally transforms our
hearts and makes them new. He sustains our relationship with God, indwelling each
believer with the love of God and equipping each believer with unique spiritual gifts to
build up the Church. He guides believers to the truth in understanding and applying the
Scripture. He makes it possible for every believer to develop a more Christ-like
character, obeying all of Jesus’ commands, bearing fruit to the glory of God. (John 3:36; John 14:15-17, 25-26; John 16:5-15; Romans 5:5; 1 Corinthians 12:1-13)
Sin and Salvation
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We are created in the image of God, but as a result of Satan’s deception and Adam and Eve’s
disobedience, sin entered the world. We all have inherited that sinful nature or disobedience to
God’s commands making us enemies of God. We are incapable -- in our own strength -- of
overcoming the desire to sin. (Genesis 3:1-24; Isaiah 53:5-6; Romans 1:21, 3:23, 5:12-21;
James 4:1-4)
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Salvation is the eternal restoration of our relationship with God through faith in the person and
work of Jesus on our behalf. It is entirely a work of God's free grace, based on His merciful love
for us. Salvation is made available to all. Being drawn by the Holy Spirit, we receive the free gift
of salvation when we believe in and confess the Lordship of Jesus and what He has done for us
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and choose to obey His commands, receiving Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Faith in Jesus
Christ is the only way to all He has secured for us including salvation and Heaven. Those who
do not believe in Jesus Christ and make him Lord of their life live an eternal existence apart
from Him in Hell. (Matthew 10:28; 25:31-46; John 3:16, 6:44; Romans 6:23, 10:9; 1 Corinthians
15:12-23; Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 Timothy 2:3-4; Titus 3:4-7; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 19, 20)
The Church and Its People
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There is only one true Church composed of all people who have asked Jesus Christ for
forgiveness and made Him Lord of their lives. The Church is the Body of Christ, of which Jesus
Christ is the Head. The Church finds its expression across the world in local communities of
believers who gather for teaching, prayer, worship, fellowship, service, outreach, communion,
and baptism. The purpose of the Church is to glorify God by loving Him, reflecting His love, and
making Him known to the lost world. (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 12:28-34; Acts 2:42-47, 8:4-8;
Colossians 1:18; Hebrews 10:23-25)
People are created in the image of God. Christians strive to live for the glory of God and the
well-being of others, not for themselves. Their conduct should be blameless before the world,
and they should be faithful stewards of their possessions. By obedience to the Word of God
and daily yielding to the Spirit of God, believers mature and are conformed to the image of
Christ. (Matthew 10:28; John 3:16; Romans 12:1-2; Romans 14; 1 Corinthians 2:6-16;
Ephesians 3:14-21; Hebrews 13:17)
III. ORDINANCES
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Valleybrook Church observes two Biblical ordinances: baptism and communion. Ordinances
are an outward expression of faith that are conducted out of obedience to Scripture. (Acts 2:4147; Acts 4:12; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5)
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Baptism
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Valleybrook Church practices believer's baptism by immersion in accordance with our
understanding of Scripture. Baptism symbolizes Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
As an act of obedience after salvation, we are buried with Christ by going under the water and
raised with Christ to walk in newness of life when coming out of the water. This symbolizes the
death of one’s old way of life and the rising up to one’s new life in Christ. (Matthew 3:16, 18-20;
Mark 1:5, 9-10; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 8:12, 36-39; Romans 6:4; 2 Corinthians 5:27)
Communion
Communion is a regular community celebration, marking the continuation of Christian life in
remembrance of what Jesus Christ has done for us. This is celebrated by breaking and eating
of the bread representing Christ’s body and by drinking of the wine representing Christ’s blood
which was shed for us. Any believer can partake of communion after self-examination,
confession, and thanksgiving so they can partake with a clean heart and be spiritually refreshed.
(Matthew 26:26-28; Luke 22:14-20; John 6:48-58; Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29)
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IV. EXPRESSIONS OF MINISTRY
Introduction
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First and foremost, we yearn for unity within the Body of Christ that Paul talks about in
Ephesians 4:3-6:
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body
and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith,
one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (NIV)
That said, we also recognize that Christians have a wide range of Biblically-defensible positions
on various faith and ministry topics. In order to bring consistency to the preaching, teaching,
and practice of our ministry at Valleybrook Church, we adopt the Expressions of Ministry below.
The goal of these expressions is to reduce confusion within Valleybrook Church. (1 Corinthians
14:33) Our goal is to neither elevate Valleybrook Church nor divide the Body of Christ in any
way.
All are welcome to commune with the body at Valleybrook without agreeing personally with
these Expressions of Ministry. Healthy, constructive discussion is welcome. Members are
encouraged to discuss concerns with the Expressions of Ministry statements with Pastoral Staff
and/or Elders but are to refrain from sowing discord with alternate positions in the general
congregation.
God Today
God still moves and acts today. God is not only all-powerful, but He uses His power, in our time,
to accomplish His perfect will and plan. (1 Chronicles 29:11-12; Psalms 115:3, 135:5-6; Isaiah
55:8-9; Romans 11:36; Revelations 4:11, 19:16)
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Our Identity
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Our identity in Christ is one of newness. We are new creations in Christ. As 2 Corinthians
5:17 states: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away;
behold, the new has come.” (ESV) This new identity and new creation completely changes
our relationship with God and our friends, families, and community.
One of the greatest blessings about our identity in Christ is the grace we’re given in order to
grow into the spiritual maturity that truly reflects our new identity. This is clearly stated in
Scripture in Philippians 1:6 -- “And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you
will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (ESV)
Spiritual Gifts
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Spiritual gifts are supernatural abilities that are unique for each believer and given by the Holy
Spirit, as He wills, to believers who seek them. They are all for today. They should be active
and used to strengthen and build up the Body of Christ, not neglected. Spiritual gifts are to be
conducted in a decent and orderly manner so not to cause distraction or dissension. They are
given to equip the Church to carry out its ministry until Christ returns and to extend the Kingdom
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of God throughout the world. (Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 7:7; 1 Corinthians 12; 1 Corinthians
14:1, 33, 40; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Timothy 4:14; 1 Peter 4:11)
Marriage
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Marriage, ordained by God and detailed in the Bible, is the lifelong exclusive spiritual and
physical union between one genetic male and one genetic female. God designed marriage to
be the only proper setting for sexual intimacy. Marriage is God’s unique gift to reveal the union
between Christ and His Church. Marriage ceremonies conducted on Valleybrook Church
properties or by Valleybrook Church staff, volunteers, or members must adhere to the definition
of marriage above. (Genesis 2:20-24; Matthew 19:4-6; Mark 10:6-9)
Respect for Life
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We are created in the image of God. Every human life, from conception to natural death,
displays His workmanship and is valued equally by God. Thus, to take an innocent life is an
offense to God and our own humanity. Therefore, we stand against abortion, fetal cell
destruction, assisted suicide and other forms of euthanasia. We commit ourselves to working
within Valleybrook Church and with like-minded organizations to not only defend life, but to help
those in the midst of difficult situations -- loving mother, father, and child equally and tangibly.
(Genesis 1:27; Psalm 139:13-16; Jeremiah 1:5)
Women in Ministry
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At Valleybrook Church, we practice the conviction that God’s intent is for women and men to be
full and equal partners in service, worship, leadership, pastorship, and eldership. All are one in
Christ Jesus as Galatians 3:28 states -- “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave
nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (ESV) There are
many Biblical examples of women in leadership, such as, Miriam in Exodus 15:20-21; Deborah
in Judges 4-5; Huldah in 2 Kings 22:14-20; Mary, the mother of Jesus in Luke 1:35-39, 46-55;
Anna in Luke 2:36-38; Phoebe in Romans 16:1-2 among others. It is the Holy Spirit that
empowers each individual with gifts including pastoral, prophetic, and preaching gifts. These
gifts are not determined by sex. (Acts 2:17-18;1 Corinthians 12:11; Galatians 3:28)
Conclusion
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Jesus gave us a new command, “to love one another.” Every person must be afforded
compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes
directed toward any individual or organization are to be rejected and are not in accord with
Scripture or the doctrines of this Church. (Matthew 5:44-45; Mark 12:31; John 13:34-35;
Romans 12:9-10)
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We serve a gracious and merciful God, and there is no sin beyond forgiveness. We are
committed to love, care for, and seek healing for all in our midst. We will provide comfort and
support to those who have been wounded by their own sin or the sins of others. (James 2:9-10;
1 John 1:9)
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V. CHURCH LEADERSHIP
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Christ is the Head of the Church. He is the true source of all the Church is and does, and His
glory is to be the objective of every action and motive of the Church, individually and
corporately. (Ephesian 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18)
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Members
Members have full and final authority in these areas:
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confirming the Lead Pastor
confirming the Elders
ratifying the annual budget
purchasing and selling land/property
securing long-term debt (beyond 6 months)
amending this document
changing affiliation status
Elders
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Biblically, Elders are an office of the Church, called by God and recognized by the Body. The
Elder Team will provide overall church leadership. The Lead Pastor is a member of the Elder
Team and the only staff member eligible for eldership. The purpose of the Elder Team is to
provide spiritual and operational oversight for the Valleybrook Church community. Elders must
exhibit the character outlined in and based on an egalitarian understanding of 1 Timothy 3:1-16,
Titus 1:5-9, and 1 Peter 5:1-4. Elders are called to provide support and accountability to the
Lead Pastor, lead through example, pray for the sick, and govern church policies.
Qualifications
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The qualifications of Elders shall be based on an egalitarian understanding of 1 Timothy
3:1-16, Titus 1:5-9, and 1 Peter 5:1-4. Candidates must also be members in good
standing for a minimum of three years.
Duties/Role
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The Elder Team is responsible for the overall health of the church including the
following:
1. leading through example (1 Peter 5:3)
2. guiding, directing and protecting the members of the body (Acts 20:28; 1
Peter 5:1-2)
3. providing support and accountability to the Lead Pastor
a. providing care to the Lead Pastor and the Lead Pastor’s family as
persons and members of this Church community
b. conducting an annual performance review
4. instructing in sound doctrine (Titus 1:9)
5. refuting those who contradict the truth (Titus 1:9)
6. praying for the sick (James 5:14)
7. creating policies and appointing teams/task forces as necessary to
administer Church functions
8. entering into contracts for purposes other than long-term debt
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Selection
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There must be a minimum of four Elders (not including the Lead Pastor). The Elder
Team will annually determine the number of positions, if any, to be filled. The Elders will
appoint a Nominating Team of no less than four members, comprised of one Elder and
three, non-staff members-at-large of the Valleybrook Church community. The
Nominating Team will present candidates to the Elder Team. The Elder Team will make
the final selection and present the prospective candidates to the membership for
affirmation by written ballot at the Annual Meeting.
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Should the membership of the Elders drop below five members, the Elder Team may
appoint a temporary Elder until the next Annual Meeting.
All Elders shall be presented for reaffirmation by the membership at the Annual Meeting.
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Commitment
Elders commit to a three (3) year term (barring unforeseen circumstances). There are
no term limits for eldership.
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Removal
An Elder may be removed by one of three means:
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1. unanimous vote to remove the Elder by the other members of the Elder Team
due to inability to perform duties or living in disharmony with Biblical principles
2. a letter of resignation from the Elder
3. a simple majority of members present do not reaffirm the Elder at the Annual
Meeting
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Officers
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While authority is shared equally among the Elder Team, officers shall be appointed to
perform the functions as delineated. Officers shall be selected by the Elder Team. The
Lead Pastor may not be an officer of the Elder Team. Officers alone shall serve as
signatories for authorized contracts.
Lead Elder
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The Elder Team will select a Lead Elder who will chair Elder meetings and all
Church business meetings. The Lead Elder may delegate chair responsibilities
as needed. For business purposes, the Lead Elder shall serve as President of
the corporation.
Treasurer
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The Treasurer shall:
1. oversee the financial affairs and condition of the Church
2. report to the Elder Team the financial status of the church
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3. see that the financial books, reports, statements, and all other documents
and records of the Church required by statute are properly kept and filed
4. ensure that the fiscal policies of the Church are followed
5. ensure that external audits and internal reviews are accomplished as
prescribed in the Financial Accountability Section of this constitution and
according to church policy
6. present the financial status and budget to the members at the Annual
Meeting
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Secretary
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The Secretary shall:
1. ensure that minutes are kept of all official Elder Team and Church
business meetings
2. be custodian of all Elder Team records
3. ensure that key non-financial documents and records of the Church are
properly kept according to the document retention policy
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Meetings
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The Elder Team shall meet as and when necessary to conduct business. A quorum for
the transaction of business will be the greater of 4 members or 60% of the Elder Team.
Elder meetings and Elder meeting minutes for non-executive session Elder Team
meetings shall be made available to members.
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The Elder Team may meet in executive, closed session, with or without the Lead
Pastor, to discuss personnel matters, to receive legal advice, or when confidentiality or
sensitivity is required. Should the Elder Team meet in executive session without the
Lead Pastor, the Lead Pastor will be notified of the meeting.
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Teleconference and other digital or electronic communications are acceptable for
conducting Elder Team business.
Pastors and Staff
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Lead Pastor
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The Lead Pastor, in partnership with the Elder Team, is responsible to lead, care for,
and equip the Church as well as seek and discern God’s vision for the Church. The
Lead Pastor provides leadership, Biblical instruction, and prayer toward that vision. The
Lead Pastor shall have the authority and responsibility to provide executive leadership
over the operations of the Church.
Qualifications
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In addition to meeting the Biblical requirements for Elder, the Lead Pastor will
demonstrate one or more of the gifts of Ephesians 4:7-16. The Lead Pastor
shall believe the Statement of Faith and agree with the statements on
Ordinances, and Expressions of Ministry.
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Duties
The Lead Pastor’s job description will be approved by the Elder Team. The Lead
Pastor is a voting member of the Elder Team.
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Selection
To fill the position of Lead Pastor:
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1. Elders shall establish a Pastoral Search Team to identify a qualified pool
of candidates. The Pastoral Search Team shall consist of no less than
four members, comprised of one Elder and three, non-staff members-atlarge of the Valleybrook Church community.
2. The Pastoral Search Team shall recommend their top 2-3 candidates to
the Elder Team.
3. The Elder team shall select the best available candidate.
4. The final candidate will be given a variety of interaction opportunities with
members of the congregation at large.
5. The members will then vote at a special business meeting on whether or
not to extend a call to the candidate. An affirmative vote of not less than
three-quarters of the votes cast (by a quorum of members) will be
required to extend a call to the Lead Pastor.
6. The Lead Pastor shall become a member of Valleybrook Church within
three months of hire.
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Term
The Lead Pastor will serve indefinitely.
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The relationship with the Lead Pastor may be terminated on sixty days written
notice by:
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1. resignation of the Lead Pastor submitted to the Elders.
2. action of the Elders. By 3/4 consent (with the Lead Pastor abstaining), the
Elders can call for a vote of confidence on the Lead Pastor by the
membership. An affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of the votes
cast (by a quorum of members) will be required to dismiss the Lead
Pastor.
3. action of the Church. After a written petition requesting the Lead Pastor’s
resignation, signed by at least 25% of the membership, is submitted to
the Elders, the Elders will hold a special business meeting. The purpose
of the special business meeting must be publicly stated with at least a two
weeks notice. An affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of the votes
cast (by a quorum of members) will be required to dismiss the Lead
Pastor.
In the event of suspected immoral or unethical behavior, the Elder Team has the
authority to suspend, with or without pay, the Lead Pastor.
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Associate Pastors and Staff
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The Associate Pastors and Staff support the Lead Pastor in providing leadership, care,
administration, and Biblical instruction in order to accomplish God’s purpose for
Valleybrook Church.
Selection and Promotion
The Lead Pastor shall seek and recommend a final candidate for Associate
Pastors or Management Staff (i.e., Children’s Director or Business Manager).
Candidates for hire or promotion shall be presented to the Elder Team for their
advice and confirmation prior to such action. In the absence of an active Lead
Pastor, all staffing decisions will be made by the Elder Team. Staff position
openings will be posted to the membership and, when appropriate, externally.
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Associate Pastors and Management Staff shall become members of Valleybrook
Church within three months of hire.
Non-Retaliation
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The Elder Team shall develop, maintain, and enforce a written whistleblower
policy.
Conclusion
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The relationship between the Elders and Lead Pastor is a balance of support and accountability.
This is a partnership where the Lead Pastor can still be a Pastor to the Elders and the Elders
can still oversee the Lead Pastor. They are to bear each other up in love.
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VI. MEMBERSHIP
Membership at Valleybrook Church is recognized as a strategic partnership between individual
members and the Valleybrook community. It is a commitment before God to share life together.
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Membership is open to anyone who:
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1. has put their faith in Jesus and chosen to obey His commands
2. has publicly followed that decision with believer's baptism by immersion. Exceptions
may be made by the Elders in cases of physical or emotional disability.
3. has read and agrees with the Statement of Faith
4. has attended a membership meeting and signed an affirmation of membership
The affirmation of membership statement must be approved by the Elder Team.
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Members have the right to vote on congregational business as outlined in this Constitution.
Members willingly submit to the care and oversight of the Elder Team and to the spiritual
guidance and leadership of the Pastoral Staff.
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The Elders will remove from membership those who:
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1.
2.
3.
4.
transfer to another church
indicate a desire to be released from membership
fail to re-confirm their membership
do not respond to church discipline as addressed in the Discipline of Members section
under Membership
Members shall confirm their membership on an annual basis.
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Voting
To vote at business meetings, a member must be of legal voting age in the state of Wisconsin.
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A simple majority of those votes cast (by a quorum of members) shall be sufficient to either
approve or disapprove matters submitted for determination by vote, except for votes taken
relating to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
calling the Lead Pastor (75%)
removing the Lead Pastor (66%)
amendments to the Constitution (66%)
denominational/association affiliation (66%)
Absentee ballots may be available to members who cannot attend a given meeting for reasons
of incapacitation or travel. Absentee ballots shall be on forms stipulated by and processed for
consideration as prescribed by the Elders. If the Elders decide absentee ballots are not to be
allowed for a given meeting, that decision must be included in the meeting notice.
Discipline of Members
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Ongoing sin in the life of a believer obstructs their walk in the Lord, threatens the unity and
fellowship within the Body, and ultimately weakens the witness of the Church among nonbelievers. Scripture therefore encourages believers to be concerned with each other’s spiritual
well-being, and teaches them to confront in love where there is evidence of sin. The procedure
outlined by Christ in Matthew 18:15-20 will be encouraged in all cases for such confrontations.
1. When sin is observed, a private meeting should be arranged as soon as possible to
lovingly confront the other member.
2. If the other member refuses to listen, then one or two witnesses shall be taken along to
attempt to restore the sinning member. At least one of these witnesses should be an
acknowledged Leader in the Church. Our desire is to keep the process of restoration in
as limited a circle as possible, and to provide Biblical counsel to the member. (Galatians
6:1-2)
3. If the member refuses to listen to the two or three witnesses, an Elder or Pastor should
be informed concerning the sin. The Elders must then call a meeting and request in
writing that the member be present along with all parties involved.
4. If the member fails to appear before the Elders, the Elders, as representatives of the
Church, shall determine the actions to be taken against the offending member, which
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may include removal from church membership. (Matthew 18:17, I Corinthians 5:11-13; 2
Thessalonians 3:6-15)
5. If, after such actions, there is still no evidence of repentance, Scripture teaches that the
individual should be removed from the Body and believers should break fellowship with
him, until such time as there is genuine repentance. (Romans 16:17-18; I Corinthians
5:11)
6. A dismissed member may request reinstatement of membership upon repentance and
reconciliation according to an agreed upon restoration process.
VII. CHURCH POLICIES
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Licensure and Ordination
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Valleybrook Church possesses the legal authority as granted by the Internal Revenue Service to
license and ordain members of our local congregation, both men and women, as ministers to
our local congregation and to missionary appointments around the globe.
To become a licensed or ordained minister through Valleybrook Church, one must fulfill the
following requirements:
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1. must be a member in good standing of Valleybrook Church
2. must publicly demonstrate a life of faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to His Word
3. must demonstrate a thorough understanding of Biblical truth and practical ministry
knowledge
4. must exhibit good fruit coming from their ministry within the Valleybrook Church
community and/or in local or global missions as confirmed by the testimony of others
Candidates for licensure are required to:
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1. submit a completed application for Valleybrook Church licensure to include a statement
of faith and statement of call to ministry
2. serve in an official role of ministry within the Valleybrook Church community
3. undergo a formal interview with the Executive Staff and Elders of Valleybrook Church.
Other leaders (i.e., mentors, church leaders, sister churches) may also be included in
this interview.
4. receive a unanimous decision of affirmation by the Executive Staff and Elders for
licensure
Candidates for ordination are required to:
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1. hold licensure through Valleybrook Church for a period of two years
2. submit a completed application for Valleybrook Church ordination to include a statement
of faith and statement of call to ministry.
3. offer three letters of recommendation supporting the fruit of his/her ministry
4. undergo a formal interview with the Executive Staff and Elders of Valleybrook Church
and invited guests from other churches
5. receive a unanimous decision of affirmation by the Executive Staff and Elders for
ordination
6. attend a commissioning ceremony, giving public testimony to his/her call to ministry
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The existing licensure or ordination of incoming staff may be recognized by unanimous decision
of affirmation by the Executive Staff and Elders.
Conflict of Interest & Nepotism
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A conflict of interest, real or perceived, occurs when an Elder, Pastor, or Staff member at
Valleybrook Church or a member of their immediate family may benefit financially or positionally
through “insider” connections. Conflicts shall be dealt with according to the conflict of interest
policy. The Elder members and Staff shall annually disclose in writing to the Elder Team any
real or perceived conflicts of interest. (2 Corinthians 6:3; 1 Timothy 3:2-3; Titus 1:6-7)
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Association Affiliation
615
The membership shall approve denominational/association affiliation status via two paper-ballot
votes separated by no less than 60 days. Approval shall be by a vote of not less than two-thirds
of the votes cast (by a quorum of members).
Document Retention
The Elder Team shall develop, maintain, and enforce a written document retention policy.
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Financial Accountability
The Elder Team shall:
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1. ensure the preparation of complete and accurate financial statements
2. periodically approve the engagement of an independent certified public accountant to
assess the accuracy of the financial statements. “Audits” shall be conducted every third
year. “Internal accounting reviews” shall be conducted in non-audit years, by a minimum
of three qualified candidates or, if not available, an outside firm.
3. maintain appropriate communication with the independent certified public accountant or
qualified reviewers
4. review the annual financial statements
5. be apprised of any material weaknesses in internal control or other significant risks
6. make available to members upon request the annual audit/review statement, prepared
by the independent certified public accountant or in non-audit years by qualified
reviewers
VIII. BUSINESS AFFAIRS
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Fiscal Year
The fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30.
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Business Meetings
Annual Meeting
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The Annual Meeting will be held each year at the discretion of the Elders, in advance of
the new fiscal year.
Members will vote:
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1. to approve the yearly budget
2. to affirm the Elders
3. on any resolutions brought by the Elders
Special Meetings
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Special Meetings may be called at any time by the Elder Team or by written petition
signed by 25% of the members in good standing. Business Meetings will be scheduled
by the Lead Elder.
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Quorum
A minimum of twenty percent of the voting-age members must be present for voting.
(Decisions will be made by vote as noted in Voting section under Membership.)
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Notification
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Notice of regular or special business meetings will be given at least two Sundays prior to
the meeting. Business meetings regarding amendments to the Constitution or the
dismissal of the Lead Pastor require a minimum of two weeks notice. Notifications shall
be accomplished by:
1. sending written and/or email notification
2. posting notification in a prominent place in the church building
3. enclosing notification in any newsletter of the Church
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Other Meeting Protocol
The Elder Team has the authority to table any topic for further review.
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Division & Dissolution
In the case of a division of church membership, all church property will belong to those
members who abide by this Constitution. In case of dissolution, where the church work cannot
continue, Valleybrook Church assets/property will be transferred to Converge Great Lakes.
Transferred assets or proceeds from dissolution will be used to advance the Gospel within the
Chippewa Valley, either by direct use by Converge Great Lakes or by donation to Chippewa
Valley ministries of Converge Great Lakes’ choosing.
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Indemnification Statement
Valleybrook Church shall indemnify any person who is or was an employee, agent,
representative, or member of the Elders of the Church against any liability asserted against
such person and incurred in the course and scope of his or her duties or functions within the
Church to the maximum extent allowable by law, provided the person acted in good faith and
did not engage in an act or omission that is intentional, willfully or wantonly negligent, or done
with conscious indifference or reckless disregard for the safety of others. The provisions of this
article shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which such person may be entitled
under any bylaw, agreement, insurance policy, vote of members or otherwise.
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Amendment Procedure
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This Constitution may be amended by the members by an affirmative vote of not less than twothirds of the votes cast (by a quorum of members) at the Annual Meeting or at a meeting
specially called for that purpose. The proposed change(s) shall be presented to the members in
writing not less than two (2) weeks prior to the time of the proposed action.
Amendments shall not be incorporated into the original body of this Constitution but instead be
added and dated at the end of this document.
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Adopted on: January 31, 2016 by vote of 77-1 (notice provided on January 15, 2016).
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