Contents:
-
Living Springs Constitution
-
Equality & Diversity Statement
-
Anti-harrassment Policy
-
Direct Dealing
-
Confidentiality Policy
-
Link to Denominational Bylaws
-
Link to MCC Clergy Manual
Living Springs Constitution
This constitution was accepted by the congregation and affirmed by the UK Charity Commission
in October 2006
Article I – Name
The name of this church shall be Living Springs Metropolitan Community Church, Bath, also known as Living Springs MCC.
Article II – Affiliation
This church is a member congregation of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (UFMCC); ascribes to the government, doctrine, vision, mission, and values of UFMCC; and agrees to abide by the UFMCC Bylaws and decisions made by General Conference.
A. Successor Corporation - The Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches is the not-for-profit organisation designated to receive the church’s property in the event of dissolution or abandonment of the church or disaffiliation from the UFMCC, in accordance with UFMCC Bylaws.
B. Disaffiliation – A decision to disaffiliate from the UFMCC shall require a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Members present at a Congregational Meeting called for the purpose of disaffiliating and shall be decided in accordance with UFMCC Bylaws.
Article III – Objects
The Church is established to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in
In furtherance of the said objects, but not otherwise, the Church may:
A. Employ and pay any person or persons to supervise, organise and carry on the work of the Church and make all reasonable and necessary provision for the payment of pensions and superannuation to, or on, behalf of employees.
B. Arrange and provide for, or join in arranging and providing for, the holding of exhibitions, meetings, lectures, classes, seminars and training courses.
C. Collect and disseminate information on all matters affecting the said objects and exchange such information with other bodies having similar objects whether in this country or overseas.
D. Undertake, execute, manage, or assist any charitable trusts which may lawfully be undertaken, executed, managed or assisted by the Church.
E. Cause to be written and printed or otherwise reproduced and circulated, gratuitously or otherwise, such papers, books, periodicals, pamphlets, or other documents, films or recorded tapes (whether audio or visual or both) as shall further the said objects.
F. Purchase, take on lease or in exchanges, hire or otherwise acquire any property and any rights and privileges necessary for the promotion of the said objects, and construct, maintain and alter any buildings or erections necessary for the Church.
G. Make regulations for any property which may be so acquired.
H. Subject to such consents as may be required by law, borrow or raise money for the said objects and accept gifts on such terms and on such security as shall be deemed to be necessary.
I. Subject to such consents as may be required by law, sell, let, mortgage, dispose of or turn to account all or any of the property or assets of the Church.
J. Raise funds and receive contributions from any person or persons whatsoever by way of subscriptions and otherwise PROVIDED THAT the Church shall not undertake permanent trading activities in raising funds for the said objects.
K. Invest the monies of the church not immediately required for the said objects in or upon such investments, securities, or property as may be thought fit, subject nevertheless to such conditions, if any, as may for the time being be imposed or required by law. Such investments, securities or property shall be made after due consideration of the ethics involved.
L. Do all such other lawful things as are necessary for the attainment of the said objects.
Article IV – Members
A. Criteria for Membership – Any baptised Christian who has completed a membership class may become a Member by participating in the Rite of Membership. A Member in good standing is a Member who registers his/her attendance, provides identifiable financial support, makes a definite service contribution, and demonstrates interest and loyalty. Living Springs aims to form a covenant relationship with all members, encouraging a two way commitment between members and church in the areas of: Worship; Prayer; Service; Generosity; Growth.
1. Membership List – The list of Members in good standing shall be maintained by the Secretary, who shall report changes regularly to the Board of Directors.
2. Membership Review – The Board of Directors shall review the membership list at least once a calendar year.
a. A Member who does not have registered attendance, identified financial support, definite service contribution, and demonstrated interest and loyalty within the preceding period of six (6) months to one (1) year may be removed from the list of Members in good standing and placed on a list of inactive Members.
b. The Board of Directors shall notify this Member in writing (including e mail) that the Member has been placed on a list of inactive Members and is not eligible to vote at any business meeting of the church.
c. If the inactive Member has not attended, provided identifiable financial support, and demonstrated further interest or loyalty for a period of two (2) months immediately following notification, the Board of Directors shall have the authority, at its discretion, to drop any such Member from the local church membership roll.
d. The inactive Member may be restored to the list of Members in good standing by a vote of the Board of Directors without a public reception into membership.
e. The inactive Member who is not restored during the period of two (2) months immediately following notification shall be considered a former Member.
f. A former Member may be restored to the list of Members in good standing after meeting the criteria for membership and participating in the Rite of Membership.
3. Right to Appeal. A decision by the Board of Directors to drop an inactive Member from the local church membership roll may be appealed by the inactive Member to the next regular Congregational Meeting or a Special Congregational Meeting called for that purpose. The decision of the Congregational Meeting is final. Pending the outcome of the appeal, the inactive Member is not eligible to vote at any business meeting of the church.
a. Appeal process. The request for an appeal shall be submitted to the Secretary of the Board of Directors within thirty (30) days following the date when the inactive Member was removed from the local church membership roll.
b. The Board of Directors may consider the appeal and reverse its earlier decision without taking the matter to the Congregational Meeting.
c. Should the Board of Directors sustain its earlier decision and the inactive Member wishes the appeal to continue, the request shall be included as an agenda item for the next regular Congregational Meeting or a Special Congregational Meeting called for the purpose of considering the appeal.
Article V – Congregational Meetings
Government of the church is vested in its Congregational Meeting, which exerts the right to control of its affairs, subject to the provisions of the UFMCC Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, or documents of legal organisation, and the General Conference.
A. Time and Place – An annual Congregational Meeting shall be held each year in the month of October. The time and place of the annual Congregational Meeting shall be determined by the Board of Directors.
B. Notification – The Board of Directors shall notify Members in writing (including e mail) at least two (2) weeks in advance.
C. Voting Rights – Each Member in good standing has the right to vote. Proxy or any other form of absentee voting shall not be allowed.
D. Votes Required for Approval – Decisions, including elections, requires approval by a vote of more than fifty percent (50%) of those Members present and voting, unless otherwise required by UFMCC Bylaws or otherwise stated in these local church Bylaws
E. Quorum – In order to transact business, no less than twenty percent (20%) of the Members in good standing must be present.
F. Agenda – The agenda for Congregational Meetings shall be determined by the Moderator and Secretary.
1. Content – The agenda shall include, but not be limited to, election of members to the Board, election of Lay Delegates in the appropriate year, presentation of financial report, approval of budget, receiving reports from the Board of Directors and the Pastor, and the review of the Vision and Mission Statements of the Church.
2. Additions to Agenda – Members may request the Board of Directors to add agenda items by submitting additional items to the Secretary no later than four weeks prior to the meeting.
G. Elections – All votes for elected positions shall be taken by secret ballot (including where there is only one candidate for a position). Votes of affirmation from the floor are not permitted.
H. Special Congregational Meetings – In addition to the Annual Congregational Meeting, special Congregational Meetings may also be held. Special Congregational Meetings are governed by the same rules as those pertaining to the Congregational Meeting.
1. Calling a Special Congregational Meeting – A special Congregational Meeting may be called either by (a) majority vote of the Board, (b) the Pastor, or (c) a petition signed by at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the Members and submitted to the Secretary.
2. The nature and purpose of the special Congregational Meeting shall be stated in the petition and in notices and be written into the agenda.
A. Name – The local church administrative body shall be the Board of Directors, which is authorised to provide administrative leadership for Living Springs MCC.
B. Responsibilities – The Board of Directors shall be responsible for providing the church with a set of Bylaws, which are subject to approval by the Congregational Meeting and the Elder serving the Region, and for submitting the approved Bylaws to the Elder serving the Region. The Board of Directors shall also have charge of all matters pertaining to the documents of legal organisation, church property, risk-management, and physical and financial affairs of the church. The Board of Directors shall also be responsible for collecting and disbursing funds, keeping adequate church records, and making timely reports to the Congregation and UFMCC.
C. Membership – Members of the Board of Directors must be Members in good standing of Living Springs MCC.
1. Conflict of Interest – More than one person from a household, family, or committed relationship; someone who is a church employee, except the Pastor; or someone who is a Clergy Candidate, shall not be eligible to serve on the Board of Directors.
D. Composition – There shall be five (5) members of the Board of Directors, including the Pastor who shall serve as Moderator. Members of the Board of Directors must be Members in good standing of Living Springs MCC.
E. Term of Office – The term of office for members of the Board of Directors, except the Pastor, shall be two-year staggered terms, with half being elected at each regular Congregational Meeting.
F. Meetings – The Board of Directors shall meet at least once every two months and no fewer than six (6) times a year. Except for executive sessions, meetings shall be open to the congregation and to the public to attend as Observers without voice or vote.
1. Minutes – Minutes and financial reports shall be available to Members of the church within two (2) weeks after each meeting. Minutes shall include a record of those present and decisions made. A copy of the minutes shall become part of the permanent church records.
G. Quorum – No less than a majority of the members of the Board of Directors must be present in order to transact business.
H. Official Officers – The official officers of the church are Moderator, Vice-Moderator, Secretary, and Treasurer.
1. Election of Officers – During the first meeting following elections to the Board, the Board of Directors shall elect from among its members persons to fill the positions of Secretary, and Treasurer. The term of office for officers, except for the Moderator, shall be two (2) years.
Duties of Officers:
i. Moderator – The Pastor shall serve as Moderator of the Board of Directors.
ii. Vice-Moderator – The Vice-Moderator shall serve as Moderator of the Board in the absence of, or upon the request of the Moderator.
iii. Secretary – The Secretary shall be responsible for ensuring the maintenance of official correspondence and church records, and for ensuring that accurate records are kept of all meetings of the Board of Directors and of the Congregation. The Secretary is the officer authorised to receive petitions submitted to the Board of Directors.
iv. Treasurer – The Treasurer shall be responsible for ensuring the preparation and maintenance of all financial records. This shall include a monthly financial report to the Board and an annual financial report to the Congregation. The monthly and annual financial reports shall reflect receipts, disbursements, and outstanding financial obligations.
I. Vacancies – In the event of a vacancy on the Board of Directors, the Board of Directors may appoint a qualified Member to fill the vacancy until the next Congregational Meeting, when an election shall be held to fill the remainder of the term.
J. Discipline – The church cannot condone disloyalty, unbecoming conduct, or dereliction of duty on the part of any member of the Board of Directors. Therefore, the Board of Directors may remove by a majority vote of the full Board of Directors any of its members guilty of the above, with the exception of the Pastor who must be disciplined in accordance with the UFMCC Bylaws. A petition submitted to the Secretary and signed by twenty-five percent (25%) of the Members in good standing of the congregation may also initiate such a procedure.
1. Right to appeal – A disciplined member of the Board of Directors may appeal the action to the congregation at its next regular Congregational Meeting or at a Special Congregational Meeting which may be called for this purpose. The decision of the Congregational Meeting is final. Until the Congregational Meeting to consider the appeal, the position held by the disciplined member of the Board of Directors shall be considered vacant.
Article VII - Pastor
A. Role – The Pastor is the UFMCC clergy person with a license to practice who has been called by God and elected by the church to be responsible for the duties of teacher, preacher, and spiritual leader until such time that the relationship is terminated. The Pastor shall also fulfil such other roles and responsibilities as are stated in the UFMCC Bylaws and the policies of the church.
1. Interim Pastoral Leader – In the event that a UFMCC clergy person is not available to serve as Pastor, the Board of Directors may request the Regional Elder to appoint an Interim Pastoral Leader, who shall be subject to a background check. The term of office of the Interim Pastoral Leader shall be one (1) year.
If the Interim Pastoral Leader is a Member of Living Springs MCC, then the Interim Pastoral Leader shall have the authority to fulfil all of the roles and responsibilities of Pastor. If the Interim Pastoral Leader is not a Member of Living Springs MCC, then the Interim Pastoral Leader shall have the authority to fulfil all of the roles and responsibilities of Pastor, except that the Interim Pastoral Leader shall serve as Moderator of the Board of Directors and Congregational Meetings, with voice but no vote.
B. Responsibilities – The Pastor shall have authority for ordering all worship services of the church; determining when other worship services will be held, subject to approval of the Board of Directors; appointing compensated and uncompensated church staff, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors; and determining compensation, vacation periods, and titles of office of the church staff, subject to approval of the Board of Directors. The Pastor shall serve as a voting member of the Board of Directors, Moderator of the Board of Directors and of Congregational Meetings, personnel director, and as the primary spokesperson for the church to the community. The Pastor may delegate such duties as seem wise.
C. Pastoral Covenant – The Board of Directors and Pastor shall develop a covenant between the Pastor and the church. The covenant shall include a job description and address such matters as compensation that is consistent with equitable local standards, benefits, allowances, and leave. All provisions of the covenant shall be subordinate to the Bylaws of the UFMCC.
1. Conference Expenses – To the best of its ability, the congregation shall fund the Pastors transportation, registration, and per diem at General and Regional Conferences.
D. Pastoral Vacancy – In the event of a vacancy in the position of Pastor, a Pastoral Search Committee shall be responsible for presenting a qualified candidate for election at a Congregational Meeting. The Pastoral Search Committee shall develop and implement the pastoral search process in consultation with the Regional Elder.
1. Composition of Pastoral Search Committee – The Pastoral Search Committee shall consist of five (5) members, including the members of the Board of Directors and one (1) additional member elected at a Congregational Meeting.
2. Election of Pastor – To be elected, the candidate presented by the Pastoral Search Committee must receive more than seventy percent (70%) of the votes cast during a Congregational Meeting.
E. Termination of Relationship – The Pastor and congregation may choose at any time to terminate their relationship through mutual agreement. Unilateral failure to renew the Pastor’s contract shall not constitute removal of the Pastor from office. No petition for removal of the Pastor based on irreconcilable differences is valid unless preceded by the process of conflict resolution, as referred to in Article VIII.
Article VIII – Conflict Resolution
When there are conflicts or difficulty within the church that cannot be resolved, including conflicts between the Pastor and congregation, the Board of Directors, the Pastor, any Lay Delegate, or a petition signed by a minimum of thirty-three percent (33%) of the Members in good standing may invite intervention by the Regional Elder to resolve the conflict, in accordance with UFMCC Bylaws.
A. Removing the Pastor from Office – The church shall follow the process as outlined in the UFMCC Bylaws for removing the Pastor from office for disloyalty, unbecoming conduct, dereliction of duty, or when irreconcilable differences arise that cannot be resolved through mutual agreement.
1. Any petition to initiate the process of removing the Pastor from office must be submitted to the Secretary of the Board of Directors and be signed by at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the members in good standing.
2. The Board of Directors may initiate the process of removing the Pastor from office by a vote of three-quarters (3/4) of the full Board of Directors.
3. The Secretary shall send a copy of the completed petition or motion of the Board of Directors to the Regional Elder within three (3) days.
4. The Pastor shall remain fully compensated until the final action of the congregation.
Article IX – Lay Delegate
The church shall elect one (1) lay person for every one hundred (100) Members in good standing, or part thereof, to serve as Lay Delegate. The Lay Delegate shall be a Member in good standing of this church.
A. Election – The Lay Delegate shall be elected at the next regular Congregational Meeting following each General Conference. A majority of the votes cast shall be required to elect.
B. Term of Office - The term of office of Lay Delegate shall be two (2) years.
C. Duties – The duties of the Lay Delegate shall be to represent the congregation at General and Regional Conferences, to communicate with the congregation regarding UFMCC concerns and policies.
D. Funding - To the best of its ability, the congregation shall fund the Lay Delegate’s transportation, registration, and per diem at General and Regional Conferences.
E. Alternate Lay Delegate – When the Lay Delegate is unable or unwilling to attend a General or Regional Conference, the Board of Directors shall appoint a member in good standing to serve as Alternate Lay Delegate for that Conference. The funding shall be the same as for Lay Delegate.
1. Duties – The duties of the Alternate Lay Delegate shall be to stay informed of UFMCC concerns and policies and to be prepared to assume the duties of any Lay Delegate who is unable or unwilling to perform the duties of Lay Delegate, including but not limited to representing the congregation at General and Regional Conferences.
F. Discipline – The church cannot condone disloyalty, unbecoming conduct, or dereliction of duty on the part of any Lay Delegate or Alternate Lay Delegate. Therefore, the Board of
Directors may remove by a majority vote of the full Board of Directors any Lay Delegate or Alternate Lay Delegate guilty of the above. A petition presented to the Board of Directors and signed by twenty-five percent (25%) of the Members in good standing of the congregation may also initiate such a procedure.
1. Appeal of Discipline – A disciplined Lay Delegate or Alternate Lay Delegate may appeal the action to the congregation at its next regular Congregational Meeting or at a special Congregational Meeting which may be called for this purpose. The decision of the Congregational Meeting is final. Until the Congregational Meeting to consider the appeal, the position held by the disciplined Lay Delegate shall be filled by an Alternate Lay Delegate.
Article X – Church Finances
A. Authorised Signatures – Any church bank or other financial accounts shall require two signatures for withdrawals. All members of the Board of Directors may have signature authority.
B. Limit on Expenditures – The Pastor shall have the authority to commit church funds within the approved budget in any amount not to exceed five percent (5%) of the annual budget, whichever is greater; any expenditure greater than that amount requires the approval of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall have the authority to commit church funds within the approved budget in any amount not to exceed ten percent (10%) of the annual budget, whichever is greater; any expenditure greater than that amount requires approval at a congregational meeting.
C. Fiscal Year – For the purpose of reporting to UFMCC, the fiscal year of the church shall be the calendar year.
D. Church Budget – The Board of Directors shall be responsible for the presentation of an annual operating budget reflecting anticipated receipts and disbursements to the Congregational Meeting for approval. The approved budget may be amended, as needed, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors, which shall immediately notify the Members of the Church that such amendment has been made.
1. Budget Year – The annual budget of the church shall cover the period from August to July.
E. Assessments – The Board of Directors shall report quarterly the number of members in
good standing for each month within the quarter.
F. Tithes – The Board of Directors shall report all church receipts each month to the UFMCC, and with that report shall remit a percentage of the funds reported. The percentage of funds to be remitted shall be determined by General Conference.
Article XI – Adoption and Amendments
A. Adoption – These Bylaws shall become effective immediately upon adoption by the Congregational Meeting and approval by the Regional Elder and the Charity Commission.
B. Amendments – These Bylaws may be amended or repealed at any duly convened Congregational Meeting. Proposed amendments or repeals shall be submitted in writing (including e mail) to the Board of Directors no later than thirty (30) days prior to the Congregational Meeting the proposal is to be considered. Adoption of the amendment or the repeal shall require approval by a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote and is subject to approval by the Regional Elder. Amendments necessitated by amendments made to the UFMCC Bylaws shall not require approval by the congregation.
Article XII – Interpretation
Wherever in this Constitution a reference is made to UFMCC bylaws, such reference shall only be effective so far as such bylaws are consistent with English Law.
Equality and Diversity Statement
We believe that God’s love extends to all people and we are a church which strives to reflect that inclusive love.
Therefore, all people shall have equality of access and opportunity in Living Springs MCC, as worshippers, attenders, members, volunteers and employees, and as recipients of our services. This equality of access and opportunity will be free from discrimination based amongst others upon the grounds of:
· gender
· sexual orientation
· age
· race
· disability
· HIV status
· health status
· gender identification
· nationality
· cultural identification
· partner and dependant status
· employment status
· economic status
< xml="true" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" prefix="st1" namespace="">Anti-harassment Policy
Harassment constitutes unwelcome comments, words or behaviour to another individual or group of individuals. Living Springs MCC seeks to share in healing with all people so affected.
Living Springs MCC recognises that it is not the intention alone of the perpetrator, but the deed itself, and the impact on the recipient that constitutes harassment.
Living Springs MCC recognises that harassment may emanate from the following areas (amongst others):
-
race
-
gender
-
class
-
beliefs
-
disability
-
health status
-
sexuality
-
sexual practice
-
politics
Living Springs MCC will expect the pastor, leaders and Church Council to intervene and take all reasonable steps to resolve situations where concerns regarding harassment arise.
DIRECT DEALING
A policy for solving problems in Living Springs MCC
Adapted from the MCC Manchester Direct Dealing policy revisions of 2006
1. What is Direct Dealing?
1.1 Direct Dealing is a way of behaving in church which follows Biblical truths, respects our rights and freedoms, and reminds us of our responsibility to model healthy, appropriate behaviour.
1.2 The mission and ministries of all Metropolitan Community Churches are important and worth safeguarding. Our denomination saves lives. There are numerous recorded cases in which people who felt their lives were no longer worth living have gained self-esteem, self-worth and a new freedom by receiving the unconditional love of Jesus at the hands of people from a Metropolitan Community Church.
1.3 In Living Springs MCC, we recognise that many of those who come through our doors have journeyed through experiences of pain, rejection, abuse and self-loathing – not through any fault of their own, but as a result of what society, or other groups, or other individuals have done to them. Above all, they are vulnerable. Some of these experiences affect how we then go on to deal with others, whilst others affect how we expect to be dealt with. This policy explains how our church interprets its responsibilities to those people – because ‘they’ are ‘us’.
2. The Biblical Model
2.2 The passage comes from a section of Matthew’s gospel where Jesus is instructing the disciples about a number of things. This teaching is about discipline in the Church. We are not used to thinking about discipline in the Church as the Church is supposed to be a place of freedom. However, in order for us to be free, we need to have some common expectations around how we will behave together.
2.3 In Jesus’ model we are first told to go and raise a matter on our own with the person who has infringed against freedom in some way. It that clears the matter up, all is well and good. In a church setting, a quiet chat between the pastor and the person who has not realised how their actions have been seen usually resolves the matter. However, if that approach does not work, Jesus tells us to take one or two others along in order to sort out the problem. At this point it would be normal for the pastor to take a respected member of the Council along too. If this does not work Jesus tells us to ‘take it to the church’. In MCC’s structure this would mean taking the matter to the Church Council who are elected by the congregation to be the administrative leaders of the congregation. The council would then take appropriate action which might include a written reprimand, removal from a team, or even removal of membership. If membership is removed then it is usual that the removed member would have a right of appeal to the entire membership. This last option is only ever used for the most serious offences.
3. How it Works (A) – Some Sample Issues
3.2 We believe that all who attend our church have the right to be treated with equality and respect, to spend their time with us in a healthy and affirming atmosphere, and to be free from any form of disturbance or harassment. You have those rights in Living Springs MCC – so does your neighbour. And any actions which deny you, or your neighbour, those rights will be quickly, honestly and directly challenged.
3.3 Careless talk – any unfair criticism or malicious comments about another person can quickly involve others and cause conflict throughout the congregation. Sexism, racism or any other unjust comments around equality issues directly contravene MCC’s position on inclusivity and are unacceptable.
3.4 Alcohol and/or substance abuse – those whose behaviour in church is noticeably affected by the use of drink or drugs are putting their neighbours in an often unpleasant and unfair situation which impinges upon their right to a safe environment.
3.5 Cruising – vulnerable people attending church should not be subjected to the romantic attentions of others when they are trying to open their minds to God and share their thoughts with their fellow Christians. Also, it is damaging to both parties if some source of conflict within a casual relationship causes one of the parties to fall away from the church as a result.
3.6 Harassment – this can include unwanted attentions of any kind. It is damaging to the church as people do not come here to be harassed, and will stop attending.
3.7 Causing division and discontent – those who wish to cause division in a church use a variety of tactics. These may include inappropriate use of confidentiality so that ‘facts’ or ‘others who feel this way’ cannot be verified; attacks upon the leadership of the church, which is selfish in nature and designed to undermine the authority and ministry of a leader or pastor and which causes the church to be distracted from its God-given mission. Such behaviour puts healthy people off from coming to church and if left unchallenged can seriously damage the mental and physical health of those being attacked. True diversity and dissent is honourable, open and transparent. Those who are honourable in their disagreements will live with a majority decision or, if the issue is so important to them, will honourably find a different congregation whose values they share.
4. How it Works (B) – Some Sample Responses
person(s) causing a problem, any of the following challenges might be made to a specific situation:
4.1.1 An informal chat with the Pastor and/or other person authorised by the Chruch Council – to indicate that a problem exists and consider a way forward;
4.1.2 A formal interview with the Pastor and one or more members of the Church Council – as a preliminary stage in the formal consideration of the issue by the Council;
4.1.3 A written Contract of Behaviour – in which an individual promises to alter his/her behaviour on various specific points;
4.1.4 Exclusion from church – temporary or permanent, which can be imposed at any time on non-members without right of appeal;
4.1.5 Formal cancellation of Membership – by the Church Council in accordance with the provisions of the church’s constitution. Exclusion from the church might follow.
5. Expectations
The wider community
Guests and attenders of the local church
Membership of the local church
Leadership of teams and ministries
Church Council
Pastor
5.2 We have no expectations of the wider community!
5.3 Guests and attenders are expected to behave appropriately within church and to respect our life and ministry. As they become more involved and learn more about us, we expect them to show sympathy to our beliefs, structures and ethos.
5.4 Members must be baptised Christians who have completed the Enquirers Classes explaining the beliefs and doctrines of the Church, under the direction of the Pastor and in accordance with the UFMCC bylaws; affirm and subscribe to the Christian faith as defined by the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, and as contained in the Core Values and Mission Statement of Living Springs MCC; and who pledge to strive to protect the unity of the Church; share responsibility for the work of the Church; attend services of worship regularly; and financially support the work of the Church.
5.5. Leaders, Council Members and the Lay Delegate are those who are elected, or appointed, to office who fulfil their membership vows; accept corporate responsibility; exemplify positive faith; deal directly with those with whom they disagree; grow spiritually as disciples of Jesus; pray for the Pastor, Council Members and other leaders; live morally mature lives; agree to be mutually accountable to other Council Members; and maintain appropriate confidentiality as defined by the Council.
5.6 The Pastor is expected to adhere to the same standards as Leaders of Teams, Members of the Council and the Lay Delegate, and to uphold the Code of Conduct required of UFMCC clergy.
6. Complaints
6.1 From time to time an issue may arise where someone wishes to complain about the behaviour of another. These complaints should be made, and dealt with, in a spirit of love which models health and openness.
6.2 Church members pledge to keep solemn vows. The Church Council reviews attendance records of the church at least once a calendar year and may remove any member for whom there is no record of regular attendance, of financial support for the Church, of having contributed to or served the Church in some identifiable way or who has failed to demonstrate interest and loyalty within the preceding period of six months to one year. At that time the Church Council shall notify this member in writing that s/he has been placed on an ‘inactive’ list and is not eligible to vote at any business meeting of the church.
If the member continues to demonstrate a lack of interest or loyalty during the two months immediately following notification, the Church Council shall have the authority, at its discretion, to drop any such member from the local church membership roll. The ‘inactive’ member has the right of appeal as outlined in the constitution of Living Springs MCC.
6.3 Should any member or friend of Living Springs MCC be guilty of disloyalty or unbecoming conduct, the Church Council may take such appropriate action against them as it deems necessary. The action of the Church Council may be appealed to a Congregational Meeting of the Church, provided that, such appeal is received by the Secretary within fourteen days of the decision of the Council.
6.4 Any concern about a Team Leader appointed by the Council should first be raised with that person. If that conversation does not produce a resolution the complainant should speak to the Pastor and seek their view. The Pastor should, if appropriate, arrange a meeting between the complainant, the person being complained about and her/himself. If this does not produce a resolution, a formal complaint of disloyalty, unbecoming conduct or dereliction of duty can be made by means of a petition submitted to the Council and signed by 55% of the active members of the congregation. Any such petition shall not be signed by any member of the Council as s/he will be required to reach a balanced decision at a later stage in the process. The Council shall validate the signatures on any such petition and shall have the authority to procure any further information that is required for a fair investigation of the complaint. The Council will then resolve the complaint by a majority vote. The Council may also have the power to initiate a complaint without the need for a petition. The Council shall have the power to reprimand or remove from office any Team Leader.
6.5 Any concern about a Council Member or Lay Delegate should first be raised with that person. If that conversation does not produce a resolution the complainant should speak to the Pastor and seek their view. The Pastor should, if appropriate, arrange a meeting between the complainant, the person being complained about and her/himself. If this does not produce a resolution a formal complaint of disloyalty, unbecoming conduct or dereliction of duty can be made by means of a petition submitted to the Council and signed by 55% of the active members of the congregation. Any such petition shall not be signed by any member of the Council as s/he will be required to reach a balanced decision at a later stage in the process. The Council shall validate the signatures on any such petition and shall have the authority to procure any further information that is required for a fair investigation of the complaint. The Council will then resolve the complaint by a majority vote. The Council may also have the power to reprimand or remove from office any member of the Council (except the Pastor) and any Lay Delegate. Any person removed from elected office in this way shall have the right of appeal to a Congregational Meeting of the Church, provided that any such appeal is received by the Secretary, or in his/her absence by the Lay Delegate, within 14 days of the removal from office.
6.6 Any concern about the Pastor should be raised, in the first instance, with the Pastor. If that approach does not produce a resolution, or if the complainant feels that they are not able to go alone to see the Pastor, then they should ask the pastor to nominate a mutually agreeable member of the Council to sit in on the meeting. If this meeting does not produce an effective resolution the complainant may wish to file a formal misconduct charge against the Pastor if they feel that the Pastor has breached the UFMCC Code of Conduct for clergy. This is a grave step and the complainant may be liable to pay for the cost of any investigation if it is felt to be frivolous.
7. Conclusion
7.1 This church believes that God wants our people to thrive, and that those elected by the congregation to manage the day-to-day affairs of the church have a responsibility to create a suitable environment for that purpose. Facing issues as they arise, holding in balance the needs and expectations of all our people, and dealing directly, honestly and assertively with difficult situations is both good pastoral practice, good stewardship, and firmly scriptural.
7.2 Please pray for those you elect to achieve this in your name.
Confidentiality Policy< xml="true" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" prefix="o" namespace="">
1. All Christian churches provide opportunities for adherents to unburden themselves with a priest, minister or elder and offer a guarantee that such conversations are confidential. The most famous examples of these are the Seal of the Confessional in the Catholic Church or the words spoken at the Mercy Seat in the Salvation Army.
2. MCC recognises that many people who are part of our life and ministry have this expectation of us. We try to give support to people who come along to us and to provide a base level of pastoral care; however, we are not counsellors, will not counsel, and will make referrals to external agencies as appropriate.
3. Matters discussed by members or attenders with any members of a Pastoral Team are confidential