Current Bylaws (On Membership)

1. Membership


1-1

We believe membership involves a commitment to worship together faithfully, to walk together harmoniously, and to work together fervently for the effectiveness of the church.


1-2

A person requesting membership at Summit Church must profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, be baptized by immersion, and successfully complete the membership class.


1-3

Membership is not a prerequisite for participation in worship services or involvement in some ministry events, but it is required for anyone in a leadership position unless otherwise approved by the Senior Pastor after apprising the Ministry Advisory Team (MAT).


1-4

Every member of Summit is entitled to vote in all elections and on all questions submitted to a Church Conference, provided the member is present or previous provision has been made for absentee balloting.


1-5

Dismissal of membership shall be by death, transfer of membership to another church, written notice from a member requesting dismissal, or exclusion by action of the MAT. If exclusion of membership is brought to the MAT, the matter will be considered scripturally according to Galatians 6:1 and Matthew 18:15-17.



7.  Church Conference

7-1
A church conference may be called by the Senior Pastor or the team captain of any team of the MAT. At least one week's notice is required unless extreme urgency renders such notice impractical.

7-2
An annual Church Conference for the purpose of approving the budget and MAT selections shall be called between the first week of November and the first week of December.


7-3

The following matters will be presented at a Church Conference and will be approved by at least a 2/3 vote of all church members present and voting:

  • Annual Church Budget
  • Acquiring, selling, pledging, borrowing, or mortgaging the property of the church
  • Any matter the MAT agrees should be brought to the church
  • Amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws

*In lieu of floor discussions, question and answer forums may be made available to the church on any of the above matters prior to a Church Conference.


7-4

Agenda items for church conferences must be:

  • Presented for consideration to the Senior Pastor or a member of the MAT in writing at least seven days prior to the date of the Church Conference and approved by the MAT.
  • Motions will be brought by the Senior Pastor or his designee or a member of the MAT.
7-5
The quorum consists of those church members who attend the Church Conference.

7-6
Parliamentary rules of procedure, as set out by the Roberts Rules of Order, will be the authority for procedures in Church Conferences unless a parliamentary rule is in conflict with this constitution and bylaws. If there is such a conflict, this constitution and bylaws will control.

Proposed Bylaws (On Membership)

1. Membership

We believe the local church is the visible representation of God’s Kingdom on earth. As such, Summit Church Petal has the authority and responsibility to affirm who represents God’s Kingdom through our church. 


1-1 Expectations

Members of Summit Church Petal commit to pursue personal holiness, worship together regularly, live in biblical fellowship with one another, use their resources to support the work of the church, and serve in the church and our community. 


1-2 Admission

A person desiring membership in Summit Church must profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, be baptized by immersion, submit to the church’s statement of faith, successfully complete the membership process, and be affirmed by a two-thirds vote of the Members present at a Members’ Meeting. The elders shall provide a list of membership candidates at least two weeks prior to the Members’ Meeting to allow current members to ask questions or provide concerns about membership candidates.   


1-3 Responsibilities

  • Membership is required for anyone who serves in the church unless otherwise approved by the Elders. 

  • Every member of Summit Church Petal is entitled to vote in all elections and on all questions submitted to a Members Meeting, provided the member is present or previous provision has been made for absentee balloting. 

1-4 Dismissal

Dismissal of membership shall be any one of the following event:

  • Written notice from a Member requesting dismissal

  • Transfer of membership to another church

  • Disciplinary exclusion by a two-thirds vote of membership of Summit Church Petal following the process as summarized in section on Discipline elsewhere in these bylaws

  • Death of the Member


2. Discipline

A Member of Summit Church Petal who has not followed the expectations of membership outlined in Section 1 of these bylaws will be approached according to the biblical principles outlined in passages including, but not limited to, Galatians 6:1 and Matthew 18:15-17. All proceedings should be done in the spirit of Christian kindness and forbearance. Summit Church Petal may restore membership of any person previously excluded upon evidence of his or her repentance and reformation, the recommendation of the Elders, and a ⅔ vote of the Members.


Recommendations for dismissal and restoration shall be made by the Elders. A recommendation for dismissal shall only be made to the congregation after a unanimous vote of the Elders. Recommendations for dismissal or restoration shall be given at least two weeks before a scheduled vote at a Members’ Meeting to allow time for questions and prayerful consideration.



7. Members’ Meeting


7-1 Calling a Members’ Meeting

A Members’ Meeting may be called by the Lead Pastor or another Elder. An announcement of an upcoming Members’ Meeting shall be made no less than two consecutive  Sundays prior to the meeting, unless an extreme urgency renders such notice impractical. 


7-2 Scheduled Members’ Meetings

A quarterly Members Meeting for the purpose of fellowship of Members and church business, as necessary, shall be convened. One of these meetings (the last meeting of each calendar year) shall be for approval of the budget for the coming calendar/fiscal year, MAT selections, and Trustee selections; this shall be called between the first week of November and the first week of December. 


7-3 Voting

The following matters will be presented at a Members’ Meeting and will be approved:


By at least ⅔ vote of all church members present and voting: 

  1. Annual Church Budget

  2. Acquiring, selling, pledging, borrowing, or mortgaging the property of the church

  3. Any matter the Elders or MAT/Deacons agree should be brought to the church

  4. Amendments to the Bylaws

  5. Affirming and dismissing Members and MAT members

By at least ¾ vote of all church members present and voting:

  1. Amendments to the Constitution

  2. Affirming and dismissing Elders

In lieu of floor discussions, question and answer forums may be made available to the church on any of the above matters prior to a Members Meeting. 


7-4 Agenda

Agenda items for Members Meeting must be: 

  1. Presented for consideration to the Lead Pastor or another Elder in writing at least 7 days prior to the date of the Members Meeting and approved by the MAT.

  2. Motions will be brought by the Lead Pastor or his designee, an Elder, or a member of the MAT/Deacons.

7-5 Organization

The quorum consists of those church members who attend the Members’ Meeting. 


Parliamentary rules of procedure, as set out by the Roberts Rules of Order, Revised will be the authority for procedures in Members Meetings unless parliamentary rule is in conflict with this constitution and bylaws. If there is such a conflict, this constitution and bylaws will control.


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