Article I Preamble
This constitution and bylaws provides a framework for maintaining biblical principles and practices within that part of the Body of Christ commonly called Cole Community Church. In addition, we desire to perpetuate order in this body by providing organizational guidelines and a climate where all believers can move toward Christ centered maturity. To these ends we, the believers at Cole Community Church, commit ourselves.
Article II Purpose
This organization shall seek to glorify God and to this end it shall endeavor to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; to recognize the variety of gifted individuals in the body; to equip the body for works of service for the edification of the body to maturity; to make disciples by means of sharing the good news and edification; to agree with the Holy Spirit in the licensing, ordaining, commissioning and support of workers; and to establish similar New Testament fellowships. Ephesians 4:3,7-13 • Matthew 28:19,20 • Acts 13:1-4
Article III Doctrinal Position
Section 1 • Statement of Faith
The fundamental beliefs that undergird all that we teach, believe, and practice. There is one God, who is infinitely perfect, existing eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Acts 5:3,4 · 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 · 2 Corinthians 13:14 · Ephesians 1:1-14
Jesus Christ is true God and true man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He died upon the cross, the Just for the unjust, as a substitutionary sacrifice, and all who believe in Him are justified on the grounds of His shed blood. He rose from the dead according to the Scriptures. He is now at the right hand of the Majesty on high as our great High Priest. Matt. 1:22-23 · Luke 1:35 · John 1:1-18 · Romans 3:21-26 · Hebrews 1:1-3, 2:7 · 1 Peter 3: 18
The Holy Spirit is a divine person, sent to indwell, guide, teach, empower the believer, and convince the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. John 14:16-26; 16:5-11
The Old and New Testaments, inerrant as originally given, were verbally inspired by God and are complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men. They constitute the divine and only rule of Christian faith and practice. Matthew 5:17-20 · John 10:35 · 2 Timothy 3:16
Man was originally created in the image and likeness of God; he fell through disobedience, incurring both physical and spiritual death. All men are born with a sinful nature, are separated from the life of God, and can be saved only through the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Genesis 1:26-27 · John 14:6 · Acts 4:12 · Romans 1:18-20
Salvation has been provided through Jesus Christ for all men; and those who repent and believe in Him, receiving Him as personal Savior and Lord, are born again of the Holy Spirit, receive the gift of eternal life, and become the children of God. Acts 2:38 · Romans 3:21-26; 10:9-10 · Titus 3:5-6 · 1 Peter 1:3-5
The Church consists of all those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, are redeemed through His blood, and are born again of the Holy Spirit. Christ is the Head of the Body, the Church, which has been commissioned by Him to go into all the world as a witness, preaching the gospel to all nations. Matt. 28:18-20 · Romans 1:4 · 1 Corinthians 12:13 · Ephesians 1:22-23
The local church is a body of believers in Christ who are joined together for the worship of God, for edification through the Word of God, for prayer, fellowship, the proclamation of the gospel, and observance of the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Acts 10:47-48 · Acts 2:42-47 · Luke 22:17-20 · 1 Corinthians 11:23-32
There shall be a bodily resurrection of the just and of the unjust; for the former a resurrection unto life; for the latter, a resurrection unto judgment. Matthew 25:31-46 · Hebrews 9:27
The second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ is imminent and will be personal, and visible. This is the believer’s blessed hope and is a vital truth which is an incentive to holy living and faithful service. Acts 1:9-11 · Titus 2:13 · 1 Peter 1:13 · 2 Peter 3:11
Section 2 • Biblical Marriage
Intended to clearly state our beliefs and practice regarding marriage.
God wonderfully creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God. Marriage was designed by God to be the life-long union of one genetic man and one genetic woman, and only within the context of such a marriage does sexual intimacy have God’s blessing. This principle, as applicable, shall govern all matters of Cole Community Church.
Unfortunately, sin has tainted and distorted God’s design, causing people to struggle with aspects of sexuality. While we know from Scripture that those who unrepentantly continue practicing and advocating sexual expression outside of biblical marriage will not inherit the kingdom of God, we also know that Christ died to save sinners. Therefore our desire is to compassionately minister to those who struggle with aspects of sexuality, acknowledging the difficulties and complexities, while speaking the truth in love. Gen. 1:26-27 · Gen. 2:20-24 · Mark 10:2-9 · 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 · Ephesians 4:14-15 · I Timothy 1:15 · Hebrews 13:4
Section 3 • Interpretive Authority
For questions and issues not specifically addressed by the Statement of Faith, by the statement on Biblical Marriage, or elsewhere in the Constitution of Cole Community Church.
The Doctrinal Position does not exhaust the extent of our beliefs. The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality and proper conduct, is the sole and final source of what we believe. With regard to faith, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, the Council of Elders is the final interpretive authority on the Bible’s meaning and application for Cole Community Church.
Article IV Membership
The membership of this fellowship shall consist of those who have given testimony of having received Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord, who take the Scriptures as their rule of faith and practice, who have declared their agreement with the constitution and bylaws of this church, and who have been received into the membership by signing the Covenant of Fellowship.
Article V Organization of The Church
Section 1 • Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church
We recognize that Jesus Christ is the head of the church (Col. 1:18, Eph. 1.22) and He has called elders to shepherd the flock as His under-shepherds and as stewards (I Peter 5:1-4).
Section 2 • Elders
The Council of Elders shall be comprised of an indefinite number of men, of which staff elders may not comprise a majority of the Council. These men must be members of the church who meet the requirements of elders as set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; and 1 Peter 5:1-3.
An elder shall be so designated by the Council of Elders and shall continue at the discretion of the Council of Elders in accordance with the bylaws. The Council of Elders shall have the authority to make appointments of such persons as are necessary to implement the constitution and bylaws. The Council of Elders shall be organized according to the constitution and bylaws for the purpose of conducting all church business and considering all matters of importance of the church.
Section 3 • Multiple Leadership
The council of elders is the governing body of Cole Community Church.
Section 4 • Pastoral Staff
Pastoral staff shall be hired by the elders.
Article VI Organization of the Corporation
Section 1 • Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of the corporation shall be composed of the Council of Elders.
Section 2 • Chairman
The chairman of the Council of Elders shall be the chairman of the corporation.
Section 3 • Vice Chairman (en)
The vice chairman of the Council of Elders shall be a vice chairman of the corporation. In addition, the Council of Elders may elect other vice chairmen as it deems necessary.
Section 4 • Secretary
The Council of Elders, acting as a Board of Directors, shall elect a secretary of the corporation from among the Council of Elders.
Section 5 • Treasurer
The Council of Elders, acting as the Board of Directors, shall elect a treasurer of the corporation from among the Council of Elders.
Section 6 • Managing Agent
The chairman of the Council of Elders shall be the authorized agent of the corporation within the state of Idaho.
Section 7 • Committees
The Council of Elders may establish committees as they deem necessary. The members of these committees shall be approved by the Council of Elders.
Section 8 • Time of Election
All of the above named corporation officers and agents shall be elected at a November business meeting of the Council of Elders.
Section 9 • Duties
The duties of the board of directors, officers and agents of the corporation shall be to transact all legal business on behalf of the church, as provided for in the constitution and bylaws, governmental laws and regulations.
Section 10 • Staff
Any elder who is also a paid member of the church staff shall be a staff elder. It is hereby specified that annual compensation provided by the church to any staff person is only for ministerial duties rendered to the church and is not for duties associated with serving on the ruling board, the Council of Elders. Staff elders are without compensation for volunteer service on the Council of Elders in the same manner as any other member of the Council of Elders.
Article VII Transaction of Church Business
Section 1 • Chairman
The chairman of the Council of Elders shall preside at all meetings of the church and the Council of Elders. The vice chairman of the Council of Elders shall assume the duties of the chairman in his absence or incapacity.
Section 2 • Quorum
For the Council of Elders and all committees, a majority of the members shall constitute a quorum.
Section 3 • Annual Business Meeting
The annual business meeting of the church will be the first business meeting of the Council of Elders held in the new calendar year. It shall be held within 90 days after the close of the prior year.
Section 4 • Special Meetings
Special meetings of the church may be called at any time by the chairman of the Council of Elders, by the vice chairman of the Council of Elders, upon written request of a majority of the Council of Elders, or upon written request of ten percent of the members of the church. Notice of each special meeting and the purpose for which it is called shall be posted in a conspicuous place at the church and given from the pulpit during the Sunday services for two consecutive Sundays preceding the date of the meeting.
Section 5 • Meetings of the Council
The Council of Elders shall meet at regular intervals, at least quarterly, and more frequently as deemed necessary, to perform its functions as set forth in this constitution and the bylaws. Special meetings of the Council may be called by the chairman of the Council as required, or as requested by a majority of the members of the Council.
Section 6 • Rules of Process
As we transact the business of this church, it is our commitment that decisions be based on listening to God and discerning His will. We consider this to be a function of prayer, understanding His Word, listening to each other, and wisdom from the larger body of Cole. To that end we place a high priority on pursuing each other and drawing one another out. We consider decision making to be a process rather than simply a vote. This process will be pursued in a spirit of love, respect, cooperation, and a spirit of unanimity which honors relationships. No decisions will be considered final until a full polling of a least a quorum of elders, as defined in this Constitution, has been completed.
Article VIII Auxiliary Organizations
Section 1 • Initiation
Auxiliary organizations of the church shall be initiated only upon approval of the Council of Elders.
Section 2 • Governing Criteria
Auxiliary organizations shall have their own governing board and shall establish their own operating policies under the oversight of the Council of Elders. Auxiliary organizations shall establish and maintain their own operational budget which shall be approved by the Council of Elders. They may not assume legal obligations or financial encumbrances without the approval of the Council of Elders. There shall be one or more members of the Council of Elders on the governing board of each auxiliary organization.
Section 3 • Government
The Council of Elders shall have oversight of all auxiliary organizations through assigned elders. The constitutions and procedures of auxiliary organizations shall be in harmony with the constitution and bylaws of the church.
Section 4 • Qualifications of Officers
Members of the governing board and the executive director of any auxiliary organization shall be approved by the Council of Elders. Such persons must meet the qualifications of a deacon which we interpret to represent both men and women. (1 Timothy 3:8-13) It is the preference of the Council of Elders that members of the governing board shall be members of Cole Community Church. The Director of an Auxiliary Organization must be a member of the church.
Section 5 • Coordination With Church Program
Auxiliary organizations shall cooperate with the total church program and shall not enter into outreach support and projects of their own, except in unusual cases, and then only upon approval of the Council of Elders. Their meetings shall not conflict with the scheduled meetings of the church.
Article IX Amendments
This constitution may be amended at any regular business meeting of the Council of Elders. Amendments shall require one month’s notice and approval by two-thirds of the elders, with the exception of Article III, for which a unanimous vote of the total Council of Elders shall be required.
Article X Bylaws
Bylaws to this constitution may be adopted as required to implement its purposes. Bylaws may not conflict with or supersede the constitution. Amendments to the bylaws shall be by action of the Council of Elders. Written notice of all actions affecting the bylaws shall be provided promptly to the membership either by letter or through the official publications of the church.
Article XI Dissolution Clause
The Church may be dissolved with assent given in writing and signed by the unanimous membership of the Council of Elders. Upon dissolution of the Church, the assets of the Church shall be dedicated and transferred for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Last Revised and Approved by the Council of Elders – December 14, 2015