Constitution Revisions Overview

1. Sayre Woods Bible Church January 2012 Constitution Revisions Overview

2. Committee Members • Adam Wormann – original chairperson • Ian Struthers – current chairperson • Mario Garcia • Drake Kijowski • Noah Lang • Debbie Waldron • Ken Watson • MarniZafar • Jason Browning – advisor SWBC Revised Constitution

3. Why a revised constitution? • The current constitution relates to the church as founded over 50 years ago (1956), when the church was small, and is in need of a general overhaul • A new organizational structure was recommended in 2010 by the consultants we hired from the Center for Ministry Advancement (www.advancement.org), to aid our future growth SWBC Revised Constitution

4. What are the goals of the revised constitution? • Create a more stable core leadership structure to better drive long-term goals • Establish clear lines of authority, responsibility and communication • Be more efficient operationally • Provide flexibility – reference separate policies where appropriate • Correct current imbalance between elected and non-elected positions • Eliminate gender distinction where not biblically mandated • Eliminate outdated / no longer needed sections • Add legal aspects missing from the current constitution SWBC Revised Constitution

5. What are the most important changes? • Replacing the current four boards structure (Elders, Deacons, Deaconesses, Missions) with a single Elder Board • Elder Board members have a six-year term • After this, still an Elder but with inactive status • Can renew for another six-year term after one-year sabbatical • The Elder Board appoints Deacons/Deaconesses to lead vital aspects of running the church for specific or open ended terms • Lead Deacon(ess) will gather and manage additional people to sufficiently staff the function • A Screening Committee will oversee the Elder/Deacon(ess) screening process (part of Elder Board Policy) • Two mandated regular business meetings (Spring and Fall) SWBC Revised Constitution

6. Organizational structure diagram Affirmed by congregationSix-year termMust be member Screening Committee Elder Board (Pastors + 3-10 other men) Deacon(ess)Physical Plant Deacon(ess)Finances Deacon(ess)Hospitality Deacon(ess)Worship +more Appointed by EldersRecommended minimum termsMust be member Screening Committee Team member 1 Team member 1 Team member 2 Team member 2 Team member n Team member n Congregational volunteersRecommended minimum terms but flexibleMay or may not be member depending on function SWBC Revised Constitution

7. What is not changing? • Church covenant • Articles of faith • Concept of church membership • Congregational approval of key decisions: • Affirmation of calling of Pastoral Staff • Affirmation of Elder Board members • Affirmation of church members • Approval of annual budget • Approval of unplanned large expenditures • Constitutional amendments SWBC Revised Constitution

8. What are the areas to be Deacon(ess) led?(not necessarily a complete list) • Physical Plant • Indoor and grounds maintenance, small projects • Finances • Accountant*, processing giving, payroll, auditing • * Note that one of the Elders is officially identified as Treasurer for Trustee purposes and has the ultimate oversight/responsibility • Hospitality • Service/meeting refreshments, meals, dinners • Outreach & Missions • Bread of Life, Love Your Neighbor, supported missionaries and groups, small/dinner groups • Christian Education • AWANA, children and adult Sunday School/classes • Worship Support • Greeters, Ushers, Nursery, Audio/Visual SWBC Revised Constitution

9. Transition timeline 2012 Jan 22 ApproveConstitutionchanges May 18 Affirm initial Elders(minimum of three) Sept Deacon(ess) appointments madeExisting Deacon/Deaconess/Missionsboards dissolved Elder screening Deacon teams formed New organization ~4 months ~4 months Existing boards functional with terms extended thru August SWBC Revised Constitution

10. What are the basics of the Elder Board screening process? • Must be a member for at least three years • Must acknowledge a calling to the position from the Lord • Undergo more extensive background check (more than the basic background check now done for children’s workers) • Family interview • A reference letter from at least one work superior or colleague • Member affirmation at business meeting SWBC Revised Constitution

11. What are the qualifications for Deacon(ess)? • 1 Timothy 3:8-12 • Deaconsare to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. 11 In the same way, the womenare to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. 12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. • Held by men or women • Must be a member • Attended with regular ministry involvement for a recommended minimum of two years • Basic background check SWBC Revised Constitution

12. Screening Committee functions • Provide a “check and balance” with elder/deacon selection/validation process • Implement the screening processes • Maintain inventory of self-identified gifting of congregational attendees • Advertise open deacon positions • Consists of five people: Pastor, Elder, Deacon(ess), plus two members • Two committee members must be women • Will initially consist of the latest Nominating Committee SWBC Revised Constitution

13. Summary • The Leadership Team recommends affirmation of the constitution revisions to: • Provide a more stable leadership structure • Give flexibility and efficiency to church operations • Put people in positions they are gifted for • Clean up no longer needed sections • Include missing prudent legal language SWBC Revised Constitution