APPENDIX: CIC CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
Included for review as part of the CIC membership process. Please read carefully and affirm your agreement with the Articles of Faith and Church Covenant.
Constitution & By-Laws
CROSSPOINTE INDIAN CHURCH CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I – NAME The name of the church shall be Crosspointe Indian church, and it shall be located wherever God should lead the leadership of the church consisting of the senior pastor and the elders and the congregation that gathers. We are currently located at 2121 Bay Hill Dr. Plano Texas
ARTICLE II – vision values and purpose
VISION: Crosspointe Indian Church exists to passionately present Jesus Christ and make disciples of the first-generation Asian Indian families, professionals and students in the greater Plano area and beyond!
The three essential Es - which define the purpose of the church: the
Exaltation of God, the Edification of the body of Christ, and the Evangelization of the lost.
Our 5 Core Values: Prayer, Biblically measured, Reaching the unreached,
Fellowship & Discipleship.
ARTICLE III – ARTICLES OF FAITH
THE SCRIPTURES
We hold to the Scriptures as inspired by God and interpreted properly, are the measure of truth for Crosspointe Indian Church. Below are the doctrines we require are people to hold to as truth. The Scriptures We believe that "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God,” by which we understand the whole Bible is inspired in the sense that holy men of God “were moved by the Holy Spirit” to write the very words of Scripture. We believe that the whole Bible in the originals is therefore without error and that no portion of Scripture, properly interpreted, contracts another part of the Scripture. We believe that all the Scriptures center around God's redemptive plan to “reconcile all things unto God” through the work of our Lord Jesus Christ (Mark 12:26, 36; 13:11; Luke 1 24:27, 44; John 5:39; Acts 1:16; 17:2–3; 18:28; 26:22–23; 28:23; Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 2:13; 10:11; 2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:21
THE GODHEAD / TRINITY
We believe that the Godhead eternally exists in three persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—and that these three are one God (Matt. 28:18– 19; Mark 12:29; John 1:14; Acts 5:3–4; 2 Cor. 13:14; Heb. 1:1–3; Rev. 1:4–6).
MAN, CREATION AND THE FALL
We believe that man and woman were created by God and that God established marriage between a man and woman to create family through which the human race would populate the earth. We believe that man was originally created in a direct relationship with God who walked in the Garden and that mankind rebelled against God and fell in sin. Mankind is, therefore, no longer born directly into a relationship with God. Human nature is, therefore, fallen and sinful, seeking its own rather than that of God. This sinful nature separates us from God (Gen. 1:26; 2:17; 6:5; Ps. 14:1–3; 51:5; Jer. 17:9; John 3:6; 5:40; 6:35; Rom. 3:10–19; 8:6–7; Eph. 2:1–3; 1 Tim. 5:6; 1 John 3:8.
GOD'S PLAN FOR RECONCILIATION
We believe that God's plan for Reconciliation began from the outset. We believe that throughout history God has worked through history to show man his own failing and to point the path toward final redemption through Christ Jesus. Each stage of history has been orchestrated so that mankind would be left without excuse and that he should seek salvation only through God's only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. We further believe that in every era salvation has always been attained solely “by grace through faith” and not by man's works or efforts (Eph. 3:11, 1 Cor. 9:17; Eph. 3:2; 3:9; Col. 1:25; 1 Tim. 1:4, Heb. 11:6, John 1:29, 1 Pet. 1:10–12, Rom. 4:3 with Gen. 15:6; Rom. 4:5–8; Heb. 11:7).
JESUS CHRIST
We believe that God became flesh (John 1:14), born of a virgin, in the person of Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God. We believe that this same Jesus Christ was both fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity. We believe that He alone among mankind was sinless and that He died on the cross as a substitutionary atonement for all man's sins in order that whosoever repents and puts their trust in Christ shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). We do not believe that His death guaranteed Physical healing for anyone but God chooses according to his will who he heals and who he does not. We believe that Jesus was dead and buried, but on the third day Rose from the dead. His resurrection gave victory over death to all who follow Him and He promises that we too will be resurrected in the Last Day. This will be finally accomplished at the Second Coming when Jesus returns to the earth bodily at the end of the age to establish His kingdom on earth.
SALVATION AND ETERNAL SECURITY
We believe that "there is no other name by which men must be saved" (Acts4:12). Anyone who places His faith in Jesus is saved by God's grace through faith alone and given the assurance of salvation. We further believe that our salvation is guaranteed so that we may not loose it once we have accepted it. When we repent and trust in Christ we are given a new birth wherein the Holy Spirit is sent by God to indwell us.
THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that that Third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, indwells all believers. He is the Counselor who comforts us and guides us. Every good thing we do through the Holy Spirit is a gift from God. Such gifts are under the control of the Saints and should be used in an orderly fashion for the benefit of the Church. We believe that such gifts are not intended to divide believers but to unite them. Consequently, any use of spiritual gifts must abide by the rules found in 1 Corinthians. We further believe that such gifts are but a partial glimpse of His Glory and when God's physical presence in His Kingdom comes, these gifts will be but shadows of His true glory (1 Corinthians 12-13).
THE GREAT COMMISSION
We believe that Jesus gave us a Great Commission to go out into the world and deliver the gospel to the lost. It is the duty of all believers to spread the news of the gospel and of God's grace. There are none who are exempt and no special dispensation is required to fulfill this duty (Matt. 28:18–19; Mark 16:15; John 17:18; Acts 1:8; 2 Cor. 5:18–20; 1 Pet. 1:17; 2:11)
THE ETERNAL STATE
We believe that at the end of the age, following a great Tribulation when the anti-Christ will rule, Jesus will return to the earth to establish His kingdom on earth. Satan will be bound and Jesus will rule on earth. Following a thousand years of peace and prosperity Satan will be released for a short while, after which he and all who followed him will be damned and those of us who have trusted in Christ will live in an Eternal Heavenly state with Christ Jesus (Luke 16:19–26; 23:42; 2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23; 2 Thess. 1:7–9; Jude 6–7; Rev. 20:11–15)..
ARTICLE IV - STATEMENT OF RELIGIOUS BELIEF REGARDING MARRIAGE,
GENDER, AND HUMAN SEXUALITY
We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God. Rejection of one’s biological gender is a rejection of the image of God within that person. We believe that term “marriage” has only one meaning and that is marriage sanctioned by God which joins one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture.
We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to only occur between a man and a woman who are married to each other. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of sexual immorality (including adultery, fornication, homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pornography, and attempting to change one’s biological sex or otherwise acting upon any disagreement with one’s biological sex) is sinful and offensive to God. We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of the church as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical role model to the church members and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by the church in any capacity, or who serve as volunteers, should abide by and agree to this Statement on Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality and conduct themselves accordingly. We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with scripture nor the doctrines of the church.
ARTICLE V - CHURCH COVENANT
The members of this church and new members whom the Lord shall add, voluntarily bind themselves together in accordance with the following
Church Covenant: Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God, angels and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ. We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; To strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; To contribute cheerfully, and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel, through all nations; We also engage to maintain family and personal devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; To walk attentively in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our behavior; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior. We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay.
ARTICLE VI – MEMBERSHIP
Membership in the church shall consist of those believers in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, who have been baptized in accordance with New Testament precedent, who have voluntarily submitted themselves for membership in accordance with the articles of faith and covenant of the church. Additions to and dismissals from membership shall be acted upon by the church.
ARTICLE VII – MISSIONARY AFFILIATIONS
Crosspointe Indian Church will continue to strive to fulfill the great commission by sending supporting and praying for those who travel throughout the world to further the growth of the gospel in word and works and to encourage the church worldwide.
ARTICLE VIII – CHURCH GOVERNMENT
This church shall be governed by appointed elders. The elders should have a sense of the congregation’s direction as they make decisions in the governance of the church.
ARTICLE IX – AMENDMENTS
This constitution may be amended yearly as the elders see the need and feel by majority that amendments will more fully help them to fulfill the mission of the church.
BY-LAWS ARTICLE I –
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. New Members The church shall receive new members in the following manners:
1. On profession of faith in Christ and acknowledgment of His lordship in baptism.
2.On statement of their experience of salvation and their burial with Christ in baptism by the authority of a church of like faith and order.
3.By restoration. Note: The pastor and the elder board will have final say in the acceptance or rejection of any individual desiring membership at Crosspointe Indian
Section 2. Church. Before presentation of a person for membership it shall be assured by the Pastor and other Elders that the new member is informed of and in agreement with the constitution and bylaws Section 3. Discipline of Members
1. BREACH OF FELLOWSHIP BETWEEN MEMBERS:
The fact that grievances arise between members within the church fellowship has been anticipated in the New Testament. Members who have a grievance with one another are enjoined to realize the seriousness thereofand to seek reconciliation quickly in the manner prescribed in the Bible.
(Matthew 5:23-25; 5:44; 18:15-16; Ephesians 4:31-32). Failing in these measures, one or all parties involved may bring the matter before the Pastor and other Elders for a final ruling . As difficult as it may be we would hope that the judgment in this case would be honored by all members involved.
2. MISCONDUCT:
1. Should a member be found or reported to be engaged in conduct of life contrary to the church covenant or otherwise reflecting adversely upon the witness of the church, the Elders , together with the pastor, shall first take action. The member shall be visited and counseled about the problem.
Through prayer and scriptural admonition in the power of the Spirit, the elders shall seek to solve the problem. The Spirit expressed in Galatians 6:12 shall be the guiding objective.
2. Failing in these measures the Pastor or elders should return with one or two others and the matter should be brought up again. This should only be approached in the spirit of restoration
3. Should this fail the issue should be brought before the church.
4. Withdrawal of church fellowship shall be the last resort taken by the church and its leadership with the following conditions:
a. Information against a member by a non-member may be considered by the church, but information shall be in the form of a written statement. No non-member may attend the meeting in such a case.
b. If a member refuses to appear before the church or fails to give satisfaction to the church, he or she may be excluded from church membership and asked not to take communion. Each member of the church should individually decide their understanding of Matt. 18:17
ARTICLE II – ORGANIZATION
Section 1. Staff
1. Pastor: It shall be the duty of the pastor to preach God’s word to the church, to administer the ordinances, to act as moderator of church council meetings, always to be ready to assist with his counsel in both the temporal and spiritual welfare of the church; to have general over sight of the spiritual welfare of the membership of the church. He shall comfort the sorrowing, assist the distressed, and give good counsel to those who have been received, and to perform the various other duties pertaining to his office as set forth in the Word of God. He shall serve as ex-officio member of all committees, boards, and auxiliary organizations of the church. He shall be charged with the direction of the other staff members. The pastor’s office and place of leadership should be respected and honored at all times. Method of Election: If the church is without a pastor, a pulpit committee of 5 or more shall be elected by the Elders. This committee shall have the responsibility of seeking out a man and recommending him to the church. The pulpit committee shall bring to the consideration of the Elders only one man at a time. The elders shall not consider any person presented by any member or group other than the pulpit committee. After the committee presents a candidate to the elders to consider as pastor, The elders need a majority vote to call him. The vote shall be by written ballot. When so elected, the pastor shall hold office until his resignation or dismissal. Methods of Resignation or Dismissal: In the event of the resignation of the pastor for any reason, the church shall be given thirty (30) day’s notice, during which time the pastor will continue to serve unless the elders permit his resignation to be effective at an earlier date. A pastor can be dismissed if he is consistently failing to live up to the biblical perimeters for his position and calling. In the event of dismissal of the pastor by the church, the following procedures shall be observed:
a. The matter shall first be prayerfully considered at an Elders meeting with the Elders and the Pastor meeting together.
b. Written notice shall be sent to the entire active membership of intended action.
c. At an Elders meeting, all charges and reasons for dismissal must be heard by them in the presence of the pastor and 9 the pastor given full opportunity to answer all such charges.
d. When an Elder vote is taken, a simple majority vote by written ballot shall be required to dismiss the pastor.
e. In the event of dismissal, the pastor shall be given thirty (30) days of full salary and other benefits which are provided by the church to its pastor. He may be relieved of all church responsibilities or continue them partially or fully during the thirty-day period as the elders shall decide, unless the dismissed pastor begins other employment within such period, in which case the salary and other considerations shall be terminated.
2. Other Staff Members: The pastor with approval of the elders shall outline and define all areas of work for other staff members as they are added.
Method of Election: The procedures for calling and dismissing other staff members shall be essentially the same as outlined above for the Pastor, except that no person shall be added without the approval of the Pastor.
Section 2. General To assure that adequate attention be given all areas of Church Ministry and administration, the following general officers shall be chosen:
1. Deacons: In accordance with scriptural precedent (Acts 6:1-7) deacons shall be chosen by the elder board. They shall concern themselves with the matters of fellowship, benevolence and service. The recommended number of deacons shall be a minimum of three, increasing as the church grows with one deacon for each ten (10) families of church membership Method of appointment Every deacon who is a candidate will go through a briefing by the Pastor or one of the other elders. The elders must take ample time to pray and seek God before a decision is made. Every deacon presented must fulfill the requirement found in (Acts 6:1-7; I Timothy 3:1-14) and who are willing to accept the responsibility of service as deacons.
2. Church Council: The Church Council is an advisory and correlating agency through which all church organizations and committees may coordinate their activities into one harmonious program of work. The Council shall consist of the Pastor (as chairman), other members of church staff as added, Sunday School Director, Missions Coordinator, Youth Coordinator, Chairman of Deacons, Chairman of Finance Committee, and chairmen of all church-wide committees.
Its purpose is four-fold:
• To recommend objectives and goals for the over-all church program.
• To outline a church calendar of activities for the accomplishment of these objectives and goals.
• To develop whole-hearted cooperation among all church organizations.
• To evaluate results of program undertaken. Meetings shall be held at the discretion of the pastor and elder board.
3.Church Treasurer: The treasurer shall be responsible for the keeping of an accurate record of all receipts and of all funds contributed through the church and its organizations and shall disburse the same as ordered by by the current church budget. The treasurer shall be a member ex officio of the Finance Committee and shall be “Treasurer of the church”
4.Ushers: The church ushers shall be responsible for greeting and seating members and guests for worship services, recording names and other appropriate information of guests, receiving offerings, regulating temperature, and otherwise attending to matters affecting the safety and comfort of the congregation at worship.
Section 3.
Committees 1. Finance Committee: A Committee shall be responsible for supervision of the financial affairs of the church. This shall include provision 11 for proper counting, recording and banking of all receipts, preparation of a budget (in cooperation with heads of all departments, trustees, deacons, etc.) for submission to the church, and together with the church council, shall make plans for stewardship promotion.
Section 4.
Functional Departments of work shall be established, maintained and controlled by the church to carry out the functions of the church.
Directors of these departments shall be members in good standing
and shall be appointed and approved by the elders. In addition, a background check will be necessary for anyone working with children and youth. These organizations shall be Prayer Power Team, Children’s Church, WOW Women’s ministry director, MAN CAVE Men’s ministry director, Mission/Evangelism
Team, Music/Singing Team, Performing Arts Team, Media Team, Fellowship
Team, Event Management Team, Ushering Team.
Prayer team leader - The prayer team leader will be responsible for the prayer health of the church. The elders of the church will give this individual responsibility to lead our church in prayer efforts, accentuating in word and action the importance of prayer. Prayer coupled with trust and faith in God may be the most important initiative to move a church forward in its life. This individual should never let the church forget this truth.
Children's Church director - The Children's church director’s responsibility is to assure that our children are progressing in their Christian education and spiritual lives. He or she will order bibliocentric study material and organize teachers to direct our Children's ministry opportunities. Our Children's Church director should never let the church forget that most heats are molded and shaped while young.
Women's ministry director - Should always be a woman who has a spirit to assist women spiritually in their unique and wonderful role of being a women. This woman will be responsible to lead and encourage our women in their individual Christian Walk.
Men’s ministry director - Should always be a man who has the spirit to assist men spiritually in their unique and wonderful role of being a man. This man will be responsible to lead and encourage our men in their individual Christian walks.
Missions/Evangelism director - Will direct our church in world missions and personal evangelism. Using the great commission as a directive they will move the church forward in efforts of missions and evangelism. This may include initiatives and trips to see the great commission realized.
Music/Singing minister - the music minister will direct our church in the music and instrumental aspects of our ministry and services. To create an environment of worship during our services and to use music as a means to reach out to our community.
Preforming arts/ media team - To enhance our services with performances that are inspired by biblical themes. To ensure that the sound board and computer are operated during each service as needed to assure a professional presentation.
Fellowship team - Basically, will be taking care of the food for any event the church and work in co-ordination with the Event Management Team.
Event management team - Goal is to foster Fellowship for church families and individuals, enjoy time together and often seek out ways to gather as a group.
Usher team - The church ushers shall be responsible for greeting and seating members and guests for worship services, recording names and other appropriate information of guests, receiving offerings, regulating temperature, and otherwise attending to matters affecting the safety and comfort of the congregation at worship.
Organizational structure and programs as established by the elders shall be used throughout the functional organizations.
ARTICLE III – CHURCH GOVERNMENT
Section 1. Authority All authority for church business and administration shall be vested in the senior Pastor and elder board.
Section 2. Method of Election and Resignation or Dismissal Unless specified elsewhere in this Constitution, all officers and committees shall be chosen by the Pastor and elder board. If the Pastor should resign the remaining elders will choose a pastoral search commit to bring a candidate to the elders for consideration. All resignations of annually elected officers and workers should be in writing and be given to the church clerk for action by the pastor
and elder board.
Section 3. Rules of Order - Items of procedure not covered by these By-Laws
shall be governed by Robert’s Rules of Order.
