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CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

INDEX

CONSTITUTION

PREAMBLE         

ARTICLE   1            Name      

ARTICLE   2            Prerogatives

ARTICLE   3            Affiliation

ARTICLE   4            Tenets of Faith

ARTICLE   5            Ordinances

ARTICLE   6            Membership

ARTICLE   7            Officers

ARTICLE   8            Meetings

ARTICLE   9            Departments and Committees

ARTICLE 10            Finances

ARTICLE 11            Property

ARTICLE 12            Amendments

BY-LAWS

ARTICLE   1            Duties of Officers

ARTICLE   2            Elections and Vacancies

ARTICLE   3            Membership

ARTICLE   4            Employees and Ministries

ARTICLE   5            Sunday School

ARTICLE   6            Young People’s Society

ARTICLE   7            Property Rights

ARTICLE   8            Order of Business

ARTICLE   9            Amendments and Changes

ARTICLE 10            Standing Resolution

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

Adopted this twenty-eighth day of June, 1954

Revised this twenty-third day of October, 1973

Revised this twenty-seventh day of January, 1976

Revised this twenty-ninth day of January, 1979

Revised this twenty-fifth day of January, 1983

Revised this ninth day of February, 1986

Revised this eighth day of September, 1991

Revised this twenty-fourth day of February, 2002

Revised this sixteenth day of July, 2017

Revised this eighteenth day of February, 2024

PREAMBLE

            For the purpose of establishing and maintaining a place for the worship of Almighty God, our heavenly Father; to provide for Christian fellowship for those of like precious faith, where the Holy Ghost may be honored according to our distinctive testimony; to assume our share of responsibility and privilege of propagating the Gospel of Jesus Christ by all possible means; we do hereby recognize ourselves as a local Assembly in the fellowship and a part of the General Council of the Assemblies of God, and adopt the following articles of church order and submit ourselves to be governed by them.

CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE 1: Name

            The name of this Assembly shall be:

“VIBRANT CHURCH

ASSEMBLY OF GOD, INC.”

of the City of SOUTH BURLINGTON, VERMONT

ARTICLE 2: Prerogatives

Section 1

            This Assembly shall have the right to govern itself according to the standards of the New Testament Scriptures, “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace…till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect

man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”  (Ephesians 4:3, 13).

Section 2

            In connection therewith, or incidental thereto, it shall have the right to purchase or acquire by the gift, bequest, or otherwise either directly or as to trustee, and to own, hold in trust, use, sell, convey, mortgage, lease or otherwise dispose of any real estate or chattels as may be necessary for the furtherance of its purpose; all in accordance with its Constitution and By-Laws or as the same may be hereafter modified or amended.

ARTICLE 3: Affiliation

            While maintaining its inherent rights to sovereignty in the conduct of its own affairs, this Assembly shall voluntarily enter into full cooperative fellowship with assemblies of like precious faith associated in the Northern New England District Council and the General Council of the Assemblies of God with headquarters at Springfield, Missouri and shall share voluntarily in the privileges and the responsibilities enjoined by that affiliation.

ARTICLE 4: Tenets of Faith

            This Assembly accepts and adopts the Statement of  Fundamental Truths approved by the General Council of the Assembly of God.  We believe that the Bible is our all-sufficient rule for faith and practice.  Hence, this statement of Fundamental Truths is intended as a basis of fellowship among us (i.e., that we all speak the same thing, I Cor. 1:10; Acts 2:42).  The human phraseology in such statement is not inspired nor contended for, but the truth set forth is held to be essential to a Full-Gospel ministry.  No claim is made that it contains all truth in the Bible, only that it covers our present needs as to these fundamental matters.

Section 1:       The Scriptures Inspired

            The Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments, are verbally inspired of God and

are the revelation of God to man, the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct

(II Tim. 3:15-17; I Thess. 2:13; II Peter 1:20-21)

Section 2:       The One True God

            The one true God has revealed Himself as the eternally self-existent “I AM”, the

Creator of heaven and earth and the Redeemer of mankind.  He has further revealed Himself as embodying the principles of relationship and association as Father, Son and Holy Ghost  (Deut. 6:4; Isa. 43:10, 11; Matt. 28:19; Luke 3:22).

Section 3:       The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ

            The Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God.  The Scriptures declare:

1. His virgin birth (Matt. 1:23; Luke 1:31, 35).

• His sinless life (Heb. 7:26; I Peter 2:22).

• His miracles (Acts 2:22; 10:38).

• His substitutionary work on the cross (I Cor. 15:3; II Cor. 5:21)

• His bodily resurrection from the dead (Matt. 28:6; Luke 24:39; I Cor. 15:4).

• His exaltation to the right hand of God (Acts 1:9, 11; 2:33; Phil. 2:9-11; Heb. 1:1-3).

Section 4:       The Fall of Man

Man was created good and upright, for God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.”  However, man by voluntary transgression fell, and thereby incurred not only physical death, but also spiritual death, which is separation from God (Gen. 1:26, 27; 2:17; 3:6; Rom. 5:12-19).

Section 5:       The Salvation of Man

            Man’s only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of  God. 

1. Conditions to Salvation

Salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ.  By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, being justified by grace through faith, man becomes an heir of God according to the hope of eternal life (Luke 24:45-47; John 3:3; Rom. 10:13-15; Eph. 2:8; Titus 2:11; 3:5-7).

• The Evidences of Salvation

The inward evidence of salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit (Rom. 8:16).  The outward evidence to all men is a life of righteousness and true holiness (Eph. 4:24; Titus 2:12).

Section 6:       The Ordinances of the Church

1. Baptism in Water

The ordinance of baptism by immersion is commanded in Scripture.  All who repent and believe in Christ as Savior and Lord are to be baptized.  Thus they declare to the world that they have died with Christ and that they also have been raised with Him to walk in newness of life (Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 10:47, 48; Romans 6:4).

• Holy Communion

The Lord’s Supper, consisting of the elements of bread and the fruit of the vine, is the symbol expressing our sharing the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ (II Peter 1:4); a memorial of His suffering and death (I Cor. 11:26); and a prophecy of His second coming (I Cor. 11:26); and is enjoined on all believers “til He come!”

Section 7:       The Baptism in the Holy Ghost

            All believers are entitled to and should ardently expect and earnestly seek the promise of the Father, the baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ.  This was the normal experience of all in the early Christian church.  With it comes the enduement of power for life and service and the bestowal of the gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8; I Cor. 12:1-31).  This experience is distinct from and subsequent to the experience of new birth (Acts 8:12-17; 10:44-46; 11:14-16; 15:7-9).  With the baptism in the Holy Ghost comes such experiences as an overflowing fullness of the Spirit (John 7:37-39; Acts 4:80, a deepened reverence for God (Acts 2:43; Heb. 12:28, an intensified consecration to God and dedication to His work (Acts 2:42), and a more active love for Christ, for His Word and for the lost (Mark 16:20).

Section 8:       The Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Ghost

            The baptism of believers in the Holy Ghost is witnessed by the initial physical sign

of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives them utterance (Acts 2:4).  The speaking in tongues in this instance is the same in essence as the gift of tongues (I Cor.

12:4-10, 28), but different in purpose and use.

Section 9:       Sanctification

            Sanctification is an act of separation from that which is evil and of dedication unto God (Rom. 12:1,2; I Thess. 5:23; Heb. 13:12).  The Scriptures teach a life of “holiness without which no man shall see the Lord” (Heb. 12:14).  By the power of the Holy Ghost we are able to obey the command:  “Be ye holy, for I am holy” (I Peter 1:15,16).

            Sanctification is realized in the believer by recognizing his identification with Christ in His death and resurrection and by faith reckoning daily upon the fact of that union and by offering every faculty continually to the dominion of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 6: 1-11, 13; 8:1, 2, 13; Gal. 2:20; Phil. 2:12, 13; I Pet. 1:5).

Section 10:     The Church and Its Mission

            The church is the body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of her great commission.  Each believer born of the Spirit is an integral part of the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn which are written in heaven (Eph. 1:22-23; 2:22; Heb. 12:23).

            Since God’s purpose concerning man is to seek and to save those who are lost, to be worshipped by man and to build a body of believers in the image of His Son, the priority reason for being of the Assemblies of God as part of the Church is:

            a.         To be an agency of God for evangelizing the world (Acts 1:8; Matt. 28:19-20; Mark                     16:15-16).

b. To be a corporate body in which man may worship God (I Cor. 12:13).

• To be a channel of God’s purpose to build a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son (Eph. 4:11-16; I Cor. 12:18; I Cor. 14:12).

The Assemblies of God exists expressly to give continuing emphasis to this reason-for-

being in the New Testament apostolic pattern by teaching and encouraging believers to be baptized in the Holy Spirit.

This experience:

1. Enables them to evangelize in the power of the Spirit with accompanying supernatural signs (Mark 16:15-20; Acts 4:29-31; Heb. 2:3-4).

• Adds a necessary dimension to worshipful relationship with God (I Cor. 12, 13, 14).

• Enables them to respond to the full working of the Holy Spirit in expression of the fruit and gifts and ministries as in New Testament times for the edifying of the body of Christ (Gal. 5:22-26; I Cor. 14:12; Eph. 4:11-12; I Cor. 12:28; Col. 1:29).

Section 11:     The Ministry

             A divinely called and Scripturally ordained ministry has been provided by our Lord for a three-fold purpose of leading the church in: (1) Evangelization of the world (Mark 16:15-20); (2) Worship of God (John 4:23-24); and (3) Building a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son (Eph. 4:11-16).

Section 12:     Divine Healing

            Divine healing is an integral part of the Gospel.  Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the Atonement and is the privilege of all believers (Isa. 53:4-5; Matt. 8:16, 17; James 5:14-16).

Section 13:     The Blessed Hope

The resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation, together with those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord, is the imminent and blessed hope of the church (I Thess. 4:16, 17; Rom. 8:23; Titus 2:13; I Cor. 15:51-52).

Section 14:     The Millennial Reign of Christ

The second coming of Christ includes the rapture of the saints, which is our blessed hope, followed by the visible return of Christ with His saints to reign on earth for one thousand years (Zech. 14:5; Matt. 24:27-30; Rev. 1:7; 19:11-14; 20:1-6).  The millenial reign will bring the salvation of national Israel (Ezek. 37:21-22; Zeph. 3:19-20; Rom. 11:26-27) and the establishment of universal peace (Isa. 11:6-9; Psalms 72: 3-8; Micah 4:3-4).

Section 15:     The Final Judgment

There will be a final judgment in which the wicked dead will be raised and judged according to their works.  Whosoever is not found written in the Book of Life together with the devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet will be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Matt. 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Rev. 19:20; 20:11-15; 21:8).

Section 16:     The New Heaven and the New Earth

            “We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness” (II Peter 3:13; Rev. 21:1 – 22:5).

ARTICLE 5:  Ordinances

Section 1

            The ordinance of Baptism by immersion in water (Matt. 28:19) shall be administered to all those who have repented of their sins and who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ to the saving of their souls, and who give clear evidence of their salvation, according to Article 4, Section 5, Subsection a and b of the Tenets of Faith.

Section 2

The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper shall be observed regularly, as enjoined in the Scriptures (Matt. 26:26-29; I Cor. 11:23-34).

ARTICLE 6:  Membership

            Membership in this Assembly shall be made available to all those who give evidence of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and who voluntarily subscribe to its Tenets of Faith and agree to be governed by its Constitution and By-Laws as herein set forth.  The shall be classified as follows:

Section 1:  Active Membership

            All those who meet the Scriptural standards for membership or whose names appeared on the original membership roll of the Assembly at the time the Assembly was first organized, together with those names which shall be added from time to time shall constitute the voting membership of the Assembly, provided they are in agreement with our distinctive testimony.

            Provision shall be made to accept both Associate (13-17 years of age) and Junior (12 years of age and under) members, according to Article 3, Sections 1 and 2 of the By-Laws.

Section 2:  Inactive Membership

            Enrolled members shall be considered inactive for any of the following reasons:

1. Absence without a good cause from the services of this Assembly for a minimum period of three consecutive months.

• Ceasing to contribute of their means to the support of this Assembly.

• Being out of harmony with the teachings or ministries of this Assembly.

• Falling under charges for misconduct.

• Falling under condemnation through sinful or worldly practices.

Inactive members shall lose their voting privileges in this Assembly until they are

restored to the fellowship.  Any member’s standing will be determined by the definite action of the Assembly through its elected Officers.

ARTICLE 7:  Officers

Section 1

There shall be an Official Board of not less than three members to whom, together with the Pastor and Assistant pastor (if applicable), shall be committed to the spiritual and physical management of the Assembly.

Section 2

            Of this Board, one shall be elected as Treasurer and one shall be elected as Secretary.  The Official Board shall also act in the capacity of Trustees, provided they qualify for the office according to the laws of the State.

ARTICLE 8:  Meetings

Section 1

            Meetings for public worship shall held on each Lord’s Day and during the week as may be provided for under the direction of the Pastor and the Official Board.

Section 2

            There shall be an annual business meeting of the Assembly at which time reports of all offices shall be read and necessary business conducted, including the election of Officers.  This meeting shall be held between January 1 and February 28 of each year.  The time, place, and date are to be determined by the Pastor and Official Board and announced by the Pastor or Board Secretary.  Due notice is to be given two Sundays prior to the date of the meeting.

Section 3

            Special business meetings of the Assembly may be called when necessary, after proper notice has been given by the Pastor or by the Board Secretary of the Assembly, provided the meeting has been agreed upon by a majority of the Official Board.  Special meetings may also be called by petition having been signed by not less than one-fourth of the active membership of the Assembly, the petition to be placed in the hands of the Pastor or the Board Secretary and announcement made on two Sundays prior to the date of the meeting.

Section 4:  Quorum

            No official business may be conducted at any special or regular business meeting of the Assembly unless one half or more of the active members are present to constitute a quorum.

Section 5

            The Official Board, with the Pastor, shall meet at least monthly for the transaction of routine business for the Assembly; time and place to be announced by the Pastor.

ARTICLE 9:  Departments and Committees

            The Assembly shall hereby provide for the establishment of the Sunday School

Department, Young People’s work, Relief Committees, Home and Foreign Missionary Committees, or any other departments or committees as the needs of the work may require.  All such departments and committees are subordinate to the Assembly and shall contribute to the harmony and development of the whole.  They shall be under the general supervision of the Pastor and Official Board, and the Pastor shall be an ex-officio member of all committees and departments.

ARTICLE 10:  Finances

1. All funds for the maintenance of the Assembly shall be provided by the voluntary contributions or the tithes and offerings of the members and friends of the organization.  Offerings shall be accepted by the Assembly at such times and in such ways as agreed upon by the Pastor and the Official Board and shall be administered by the Treasurer under their direction.

• The Board of Directors is prohibited from authorizing expenditures of no more than15% of the annual budget in cash or assets, collectively equivalent to said amount, without obtaining the approval of at least two-thirds of the majority vote from the church body present. This restriction does not apply to routine operational expenses, including maintenance-type needs essential for the proper functioning of the church facility.

ARTICLE 11:  Property

            All property of the Assembly shall be deeded to the Assembly and held in its name.  Any acquisition or disposition of property shall be transacted in the name of the Assembly, according to Article 7 of the By-Laws.

ARTICLE 12:  Amendments

            This Constitution may be amended or changed by two-thirds vote of the membership of the Assembly who are in attendance at any regular or special business meeting called for that purpose, provided due notice of such proposed change is given two Sundays preceding the time of such meeting.

BY-LAWS

ARTICLE 1:  Duties of Officers

Section  1

            The Pastor shall be considered as the spiritual overseer of the Assembly and shall direct all of its activities.  He shall be the President of the Corporation and shall act as Chairman of all business meetings of the Assembly and of the Official Board.  He shall be an ex-officio member of all committees and departments.  He shall provide for all the services of the Assembly and shall arrange for all special meetings, conventions, or revival campaigns.  No person shall be invited to speak or preach in the Assembly without his approval.

Section  2

            The Official Board is chosen to serve the church and, therefore, shall act with the Pastor in all matters pertaining to the Assembly in its spiritual life and in the ministry of its ordinances. They shall act in the examination and approval of applicants for membership and also in the administration of the discipline of the Assembly.  They shall act as Trustees in the administration of church business affairs.

            A majority present at any meeting of the Official Board shall constitute a quorum, provided all the members shall have been notified to be present.  In the event the Assembly is temporarily without a Pastor or the Pastor is unable to be present, the Official Board shall be empowered to provide for its own Chairman from its membership in order to transact business for the Assembly.  They shall also be the custodians of all the property of the Assembly and shall be responsible for the maintenance of the same.

Section  3

            The Board Secretary shall keep the minutes of the Official Board meeting and of the annual and special business meetings of the Assembly.  They shall keep a record of the membership of the Assembly and perform any other clerical work necessary for the proper discharge of their duties.  They shall be the custodian of all legal documents.

Section  4

            The Treasurer shall be entrusted with all the finances of the Assembly.  They shall deposit all funds in a responsible bank in the name of the Assembly and shall disburse the same by check as authorized by the Pastor and Official Board.  The Treasurer shall keep an itemized account of the receipts and disbursements.  They shall make an itemized report for the annual business meeting.  Their accounts shall be audited under the direction of the Pastor and Official Board.

ARTICLE 2:  Elections and Vacancies

Section  1

            The Pastor shall be elected to serve for an indefinite period of time.  He shall be nominated by the Official Board.  Election shall be by secret ballot at a special meeting called for that purpose.  A two-thirds majority vote of all votes cast shall be required to constitute an election.

Section  2

1. The Official Board shall be chosen from the Active Membership of the Assembly.  They shall be nominated by secret ballot at least two weeks prior to an annual or special business meeting.  The method of collection of the ballots is determined by the Pastor and the Official Board.

2. Qualifications: The names shall be examined according to 1 Timothy 3:8-13; Titus 1:5-9; Acts 6:1-6, et cetera, by the Pastor and Official Board. A nominee shall not be automatically considered ineligible to serve on the Official Board because a former spouse is still living. Those names meeting the Scriptural standards shall be submitted to the church membership at a pre-announced annual or special business meeting.

3. Election: A nominee shall be elected by secret ballot with a 51% majority vote, and when applicable the majority vote over 51% will be declared the person elected by the active Membership present for the said number of positions available. If a majority vote is not achieved, the church membership may vote on the action to be taken.

4. Length of Term: All board positions are for three years and are to be rotational, providing for positive overlap.

Section 3:  Vacancies

1. In the event that the Pastor has serious civil and/or moral charges preferred against

him or that the Official Board seriously questions the effectiveness of his ministry, or in the event that no other provision has been made for the termination of his ministry, power is vested in the Official Board to request his resignation.  If such resignation request is refused, the Pastorate shall not be considered vacant until the action of the Official Board has been confirmed by a two-thirds majority vote of all votes cast by Active members at a special meeting called for that purpose.  Such meeting shall be presided over by the District Officiary.

• Should a vacancy in the Pastorate occur, the Official Board shall arrange a substitute until a Pastor has been chosen as pre-described in Article 2, Section 1 of the By-Laws.  In the case of a Pastor’s removal from office, a report of such action shall be made to the District Officiary.

• Other Officers:  Any office may be declared vacant by a two-thirds majority vote of the Official Board taken during any regular or special Board meeting.  Grounds for such action shall include:  (1) Unscriptural conduct; (2) Doctrinal departure from the Tenets of Faith; (3) Incompetency in office; (4) Any good and sufficient cause.

• Appeal:  Any incumbent Officer whose office has been declared vacant shall, if he so desires, have the opportunity to present his case to the Assembly at a special or regular business meeting.  A two-thirds majority of all votes cast by active members present at such a meeting shall be required to overturn the decision of the Official Board.

ARTICLE 3:  Membership

Section 1

            The Standard of Membership of this Assembly shall be:

1. Evidence of a genuine experience in regeneration.

• Evidence of a consistent Christian life.

• Subscription to the Tenets of Faith as set forth in the Constitution and By-Laws adopted by the Assembly.

• Regular, willing financial contribution to the support of the Assembly, according to his or her ability.

• Fulfillment of any other educational requirements deemed necessary by the Official Board.

Section 2:  Reception of Members

1. Persons desiring to become active members of the Assembly shall submit an official

application form to the Official Board.

• The Pastor and the Official Board shall examine each applicant according to the Standard of Membership in Article 3, Section 1 of the By-Laws.

• All persons who meet the Standard of Membership and who have received the unanimous approval of the Pastor and the Official Board shall be received into the Assembly publicly at any of the regular services and their names inscribed on the roster.

Section  3:  Discipline

1. Any member of the Assembly who shall willfully absent himself from the regular services for a period of three consecutive months, or who shall be under charges, shall be temporarily suspended from active voting membership pending investigation and final decision in his case by the Official Board.

• Unscriptural conduct or doctrinal departure from the Tenets of Faith held by this Assembly shall be considered sufficient grounds upon which any person may be disqualified as a member by the Official Board.

Section  4

            Members who wish to terminate their relationship with the Assembly may do so

by means of a letter of resignation submitted to the Official Board.  Active members who desire to transfer to another Assembly may apply to the Board Secretary for a letter of recommendation which, when approved by the Pastor and the Official Board, will be

granted, signed by the Pastor and the Board Secretary.

Section  5

            The Pastor and Official Board shall be authorized to revise the membership roll of the Assembly as required and to remove from the list of active members all names of those who

are deceased, or who may have been disqualified from Active membership according to Article 6, Section 2 of the Constitution.  If a name is removed for cause, the one whose name

is removed shall be notified of the action of the pastor and official Board through the Board

Secretary.  If appeal is made to the Board for reconsideration of the action and reinstatement is not granted, the dismissed member may make a final appeal to the congregation at the next special or annual business meeting.  The action of the Assembly, by a two-thirds majority vote of Active members present is required to reinstate the individual’s membership.

ARTICLE 4:  Employees and Ministries

Section 1

            The Pastor and Official Board may hire those people necessary to fulfill the advance of the gospel as the Lord leads.  The positions may include ministries such as Assistant Pastor, youth, music, radio, office maintenance.  Staff may be hired only upon nomination by the pastor and approval by a two-thirds majority of the Official Board.  Staff may be dismissed only upon recommendation by the Pastor and approval by a two-thirds majority of the Official Board.

Section  2:   Elders

1. The Elder(s) shall assist the Pastor in the spiritual oversight of the Assembly.  Additional duties might include but not be limited to the following:

1. Hospital and home visitation.
2. Assisting the Pastor in originating strategic goals for the Assembly.
3. Recommending implementation methods for these goals.
4. Pastoral counseling as directed by the Pastor.
5. Prayer support for the Pastor concerning the Assembly’s needs.
6. Assisting the Pastor and Church Board in the execution of disciplinary measures as required.
7. Serving as assistant to the Pastor in any other areas of spiritual or moral need of the Assembly.

• Method of elder appointment:  (1) Elders shall be appointed by the Pastor from the active membership of the Assembly and ratified by a two-third (2/3) vote of the Official Church Board.  (2) An Elder may not serve concurrently as a member of the Official Church Board.  (3) Total number of elders will never exceed half (50%) of the authorized Official Church Board members.

• Recognition:  Recognition by the membership of the Assembly, of the appointment and elevation of an individual to the position of Elder will take place at a main service of the Assembly as directed by the Pastor.

• Method of Elder Removal:  (1)  Persons may be removed from the position of Elder

by the recommendation of the Pastor or approval of two-third (2/3) vote of the Official Church Board.   (2)  Provisions of ARTICLE 3, Membership, Section 3, Discipline of the Constitution and By-Laws of the Vibrant Church – Assembly of God, Inc., 2025 Williston Road, South Burlington, Vermont, revised 2/9/86 do apply.

• Publication of Elder Removal:  Membership will be notified of the removal of an Elder from that position by appropriate remarks in the regular Sunday bulletins for a period of four (4) weeks following such removal.  Content of remarks as determined by the Pastor and approval of two-third (2/3) of the Official Church Board.

• Qualifications:  The names for Elder shall be prayed over by the Pastor according to Titus 1:5-7; I Timothy 3:1-7.

• Term:  The term of office for Elder should not extend six months past the termination of the senior pastor’s tenure.

ARTICLE 5:  Sunday School

Section  1

            The Pastor and Official Board shall appoint and have the right to terminate the personnel for general Officers from among the Active members of the church.  The general Officers may include the following: General Superintendent, Assistant General Superintendent, Secretary and/or Treasurer and Department Superintendents.

Section  2

            The Pastor, Minister or Director of Christian Education and the General Superintendent shall have the authority to appoint and terminate the personnel for all positions other than the general offices in the school.

Section  3

            The Pastor, Minister or Director of Christian Education and the General Officers of the Sunday School who together constitute the Sunday School Executive Committee shall determine the policies and programs of the school.

Section  4

            All General Officers, teachers, and other positions shall be appointed for one-year terms.

ARTICLE 6:   Young People’s Society

            Should a Young People’s Society be created, it shall be under the general supervision of the Pastor and Official Board.  It shall be conducted as a branch of the activities of the Assembly and shall have the right to elect its own Officers.

ARTICLE 7:  Property Rights

Section  1

            All property, real or chattel, shall be taken, held, sold, transferred or conveyed in the corporate name of the Assembly.

Section  2:  Real and Chattel Property

1. Real Property – No real property of the Assembly shall be bought, sold, leased, mortgaged, or otherwise acquired or disposed of without being authorized by a two-thirds majority vote of the Active membership present at an annual or special business meeting.

• Chattel Property – No chattel property valued in excess of 10% of the Assembly’s current annual budget shall be bought, sold, leased, mortgaged, or otherwise acquired or disposed of without being authorized by a two-thirds majority vote of

the Active membership present at an annual or special business meeting.  All transactions involving chattel property valued at less than 10% of the Assembly’s current annual budget may be conducted by the Pastor and Official Board, provided they have been authorized by at least a two-thirds majority vote of the members of the Board attending any regular or special Board meeting.

Section  3

            The Pastor and the Board Secretary of the Assembly shall certify in such conveyance, lease or mortgage that the same has been duly authorized in accordance with Article 7, Section 2 of the By-Laws.  Such certificates shall be held to be conclusive evidence thereof.

Section  4

            In the event that the Assembly herein mentioned ceases to function as a church body, then the said property, real or chattel, shall revert to the Northern New England District of the Assemblies of God, Inc.  The Northern New England District of the Assemblies of God shall forthwith have full authority to use or dispose of the property at their discretion.  In the event of the sale of the property by the Northern New England District of the Assemblies of God, the proceeds derived therefrom shall be used by the said Northern New England District in the furtherance of the Gospel of Christ.

ARTICLE 8:  Order of Business

            The regular order of business for the annual business meeting of the Assembly shall be as follows:

1. Devotional
2. Reading of previous minutes by Board Secretary
3. Report of Board Treasurer
4. Reports of Committees
5. Unfinished Business
6. Election of Officers
7. New Business
8. Adjournment

ARTICLE 9:  Amendments and Changes

            The By-Laws may be amended or changed at any regular or special business meeting of the Assembly by a two-thirds vote of the Active membership present, provided the proposed amendment has been announced publicly at least two Sundays prior to the date of the meeting; announcement to be made by the Pastor or the Board Secretary.

ARTICLE 10:  Standing Resolution

            This resolution was adopted February 9, 1986 at the Annual Business Meeting.

            WHEREAS, the elected deacons of Vibrant Church serve together with the Pastor as the Official Board and,

            WHEREAS, serving on the Official Board requires countless volunteer hours and,

            WHEREAS, most of the committees of Vibrant Church are comprised of the Board members and therefore even more hours are required of the Board and,

            WHEREAS, the Official Board of Vibrant Church fulfills these duties admirably,

            BE IT RESOLVED that the Pastor of Vibrant Church arrange for a dinner once a year paid for by Vibrant Church for all Board members and their spouses and staff members and their spouses as an expression of the congregation’s love and appreciation to the Board for countless hours of unpaid service.