Working Small Group Structure

Constitution: First Baptist Church of Greater Toledo

Table of Contents

= &nb= sp; = &nb= sp; = &nb= sp; = P= age

PREA= MBLE…………………………&= #8230;…………………………= ;……………. &= nbsp; 2

ARTI= CLE I &= nbsp; AFFILIAT= IONS…………………………&= #8230;……………… 2

ARTI= CLE II &= nbsp; MEMBERSHIP……………̷= 0;…………………………= 230; &= nbsp; 2

ARTI= CLE III &= nbsp; CHURCH COVENANT………………………R= 30;……………. 5

ARTI= CLE IV &= nbsp; CHURCH OFFICIARY………………………= 230;…………… 5

ARTI= CLE V &= nbsp; PASTOR…………………&= #8230;…………………………= ;………. 6

ARTI= CLE VI &= nbsp; ASSOCIATE AND/OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL STAFF = 7

ARTI= CLE VII = DIRECTOR OF MUSIC…………………………= …………… 8

ARTI= CLE VIII CHURCH COUNCIL………………………̷= 0;……………… 9

ARTI= CLE IX &= nbsp; TEAMS……………………&= #8230;…………………………= ;…… 11

ARTI= CLE X &= nbsp; WORSHIP TEAM…………………………&= #8230;………………. 13

ARTI= CLE XI &= nbsp; CONGREGATIONAL CARE TEAM ………………………..= 14

ARTI= CLE XII = FINANCIAL TEAM…………………………&= #8230;………………. 14

ARTI= CLE XIII FACILITIES TEAM…………………………&= #8230;……………… 17

ARTI= CLE XIV SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT TEAM………………………. 17

ARTI= CLE XV = OUTREACH TEAM DRAMA TEAM………………………... 18

ARTI= CLE XVI MUSIC, ARTS, AND DRAMATEAM……….……………….<= span style=3D'mso-tab-count:1'> 18

ARTI= CLE XVII &n= bsp; DIA= CONATE…………………………= ;……………………….. 19

ARTI= CLE XVIII = CHURCH PRESIDENT …………………………̷= 0;………... 19

ARTI= CLE XIX CHURCH CLERK …………………………̷= 0;………………. 20

ARTI= CLE XX = CHURCH TREASURER………………………= 230;………….. 21

ARTI= CLE XXI FINANCIAL SECRETARY………………………= 230;………... 21

ARTI= CLE XXII &= nbsp; OFFICE SECRETARY………………………= 230;……………. 22

ARTI= CLE XXIII MEETINGS= 230;…………………………&= #8230;……………………. 22

ARTI= CLE XXIV MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS………………………&#= 8230; 23

ARTI= CLE XXV AUXILIARY SOCIETIES………………………= 230;………….. 24

ARTI= CLE XXVI AMENDMENTS…= …………………………̷= 0;………………. 24

ARTI= CLE XXVII DENOMINATION= AL COOPERATION……………………. 24

ARTI= CLE XXVIII DISSOLUTION…= ;…………………………R= 30;……………….. 24

PREAMBLE

WHEREAS, The First Baptist Church of Greater Toledo, Ohio was originally organized on October 31, 1853, by a small band of Christian people in order that they might establish a Baptist Church in the City of Toledo, through which to worship God and carry out the principles and teach= ings of God’s word; and

WHEREAS, said Church was incorporated on April 9, 1924, under the laws of the State of Ohio, “for the purpose of promoting the cause of the Christian religion; to spread abroad the principles and teachi= ngs of Jesus Christ; to promulgate the faith and beliefs of the American Baptist Denomination; to provide a place of worship for its members; to receive, ho= ld, and disburse gifts, bequests and other funds for the said purposes; to own = and maintain suitable real estate and buildings for its purposes; and to do all things necessary and incident thereto; said corporation being organized not= for profit;” and

WHEREAS, said Church was re-incorporated on January 22, = 1979 as The First Baptist Church of Springfield Township, and on March 12, 1979 = as The First Baptist Church of Greater Toledo;

THEREFORE, We, the members of said Church, seeking Divine Guidance, in order more effectually to carry out the purposes for which the Church was originally organized and later incorporated, and to promote the cause of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, do adopt this Constitution.

= &nb= sp; = January 16, 2005

ARTICLE I—AFFILIATIONS

Section 1. Denominational

The Church will cooperate, so far as possible with the w= ork of the American Baptist Churches, USA, the American Baptist Churches of Ohi= o, the Toledo Association of American Baptist Churches, and/or such other Bapt= ist organizations as, in the opinion of the members of the Church, may best ser= ve the cause for which the Church was organized and incorporated.

Section 2. Inter-denominational=

The Church will also cooperate and work harmoniously, so= far as possible, with other agencies of an inter-denominational nature engaged = in carrying on Christian work, as may be determined by the membership from tim= e to time.

ARTICLE II—MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Character of Membership=

The membership of the Church will consist of a fellowshi= p of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ voluntarily united in spirit and effort,= and dedicated to the promotion of the Kingdom of God among humank= ind.

Section 2. Classification of Membership<= /o:p>

The membership of the Church will consist of three classes: Resident (Active), Non-resident (Active), and Inactive.

Section 3. Resident Membership

The Resident Membership will consist of those members li= ving in Toledo Metropolitan Area and/or surrounding regions near enough to attend the services regularly and have a personal part in supporting the activitie= s of the Church. These members att= end the services and other meetings of the Church and contribute regularly and loyally to the Church, in accordance with their abilities.

Section 4. Non-Resident Membership=

Members of the Church removing from the Toledo Metropoli= tan Area and/or surrounding regions will be encouraged to unite with another Christian Church, preferably Baptist, as soon as possible, in order that th= ey may continue their relationship with God’s cause. Upon request, Letters of Dismissal= or Certificates of Membership will be issued, as provided herein. Non-resident Members who do not el= ect to unite with another Church in their locality but prefer to continue their membership with this Church will be placed on the Non-resident List and wil= l be expected to keep in touch with the Church at least once a year, in person o= r by correspondence. They will als= o be encouraged to contribute financially to the support of the Church, as God has prospered them.

Section 5. Inactive Membership

This classification includes those members who have abse= nted themselves continuously from the public worship services, Communion service= s, and other meetings of the Church, chosen not to contribute financially to t= he Church, and/or otherwise not met their covenant obligations, without reason= able excuse, for a period of one year. The Congregational Care Team will determine the reasonableness of the excuse for the failure on the part of such members to meet their responsibilities as herein set out; and may, after consideration, periodica= lly transfer these members to the Inactive List. Such members placed on the Inactiv= e List may be restored to the Active List by returning to active participation. Guidelines for termination of memb= ership are set forth in Section 8 of this Article.

Section 6. Admission of Members

All applicants for membership in the Church will meet wi= th the Pastor prior to being accepted into membership. The Pastor will inform them of the privileges and obligations of church membership.

Within this fellowship, two steps are held basic, histor= ic, and scriptural as marks of the believer:

<= span style=3D'mso-list:Ignore'>1.&n= bsp; Voluntary and deliberate acceptance of Jesus Christ as Son of God and personal Savior= ;

<= span style=3D'mso-list:Ignore'>2.&n= bsp; Public profession and witness to that decision through the ordinance of Baptism.

Furthermore, First Baptist Church members hold Baptism by immersion to be the form truest to Scripture and deepest in symbolism, typifying and sharing the death, burial, and resurrec= tion of Christ Himself in His atoning victory over the power of sin. They covet for all believers the e= xperience of physical and emotional surrender and peace which it can engender.

However, we welcome to membership in the First Baptist Church of Greater Toledo all who have, of their own volition, accepted Chri= st as Savior and have given public witness to that decision in some form of Baptism. It is not our desire= to withhold from happy participation in His service through His Church any who have believed in Him and have publicly given witness to that belief. For new converts, the mode of publ= ic witness used at the First Baptist Church of Greater Toledo will be baptism = by immersion.

Applicants for membership shall qualify in one or more of the following ways:

<= span style=3D'mso-list:Ignore'>1.&n= bsp; Upon confession of faith in Jesus Christ and baptism;

<= span style=3D'mso-list:Ignore'>2.&n= bsp; By letter of dismissal or certificate of Membership from another Baptist or ot= her Christian Church;

<= span style=3D'mso-list:Ignore'>3.&n= bsp; By statement of Christian experience.

Section 7. Hand of Fellowship

The Hand of Fellowship will be extended to new members at the regular Communion Service of the Church, unless the Pastor and Congregational Care, for good cause, determine upon another time.

Section 8. Termination of membership

Membership may be terminated in one of the following way= s:

<= span style=3D'mso-list:Ignore'>1.&n= bsp; By death.

<= span style=3D'mso-list:Ignore'>2.&n= bsp; By certificate of membership or letter of dismissal to another Baptist or other Christian Church. The Certifi= cate or Letter shall be sent directly to the Church with which the member desire= s to unite. In the case of members= who had not previously been baptized by immersion, such Certificates or Letters will contain a statement of that fact.

<= span style=3D'mso-list:Ignore'>3.&n= bsp; By written request of the member that his/her membership cease.

<= span style=3D'mso-list:Ignore'>4.&n= bsp; By withdrawal from the membership list. This action will be taken in the case of all members whose names have been on the Inactive List for a period of one year, as provided for in Sect= ion 5 of this Article, and who have during a total period of two years or more absented themselves continuously from the public worship services, and other meetings of the church, and/or otherwise violated their covenant obligation= s, without reasonable excuse, to be determined by the Congregational Care Team= .

Section 9. Duties of Members

Membership in the Church involves the duty of living consistent Christian lives, supporting the Church by regular attendance at = its services, and endeavoring in every way possible to comply with the provisio= ns of the Church Covenant. Furthermore, inasmuch as giving systematically to the Lord’s w= ork is a Christian grace, it will be the duty and privilege of every member to contribute regularly to the Current Expense Fund and to the Missionary Fund= of the Church. The amount of such regular contribution is to be determined by each member’s financial ability as God has prospered him/her.

ARTICLE III—CHURCH COVENANT

As we have received the Lord Jesus Christ through the gr= ace of God, and on profession of our faith have been baptized in His name and united to Christ’s Church, we now willingly and joyfully covenant with each other and with the aid of the Holy Spirit, promise that:

· = We will walk together with Christian love, exercising care and compassion for = each other, participating in each other’s joys, and with tenderness, shari= ng one another’s burdens and sorrows.

· = We will participate regularly in worship, communion, and other appointed meeti= ngs.

· = We will seek and pray for the Spirit of God to bring us together, assisting us= in the growth of this church.

· = We will support our denomination, ordinances, disciplines, and doctrines.

· = We will give Christ’s Church a sacred pre-eminence over all organization= s of human origin.

· = We will, as God has blessed us, regularly and cheerfully contribute and support the ministry of this church and its wider mission.

· = We will maintain private and family devotions and teach all children entrusted= to our care about God’s love for them.

· = We will strive to be effective witnesses of the gospel, live according to the teachings of Jesus, and seek to bring others to Christ.

· = We will commit ourselves to the fulfillment of the Mission, Vision, Values, and Baptist Id= entity Statements of the Church.

· = Finally, we promise when we move from this area, we will as soon as possible unite w= ith some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and t= he principles of God’s word.

ARTICLE IV—= CHURCH OFFICIARY

Section 1. Officers<= /span>

The officers of this Church are the Pastor; Associate Pa= stor and/or other Professional Church Staff; Director of Music; members of Church Council; members of the Financial, Worship, Spiritual Development, Faciliti= es, Congregational Care, Outreach, and Music, Arts, and Drama TEAMS; the Diacon= ate; the Church Clerk, the Church Treasurer, and the Financial Secretary.

Section 2. Provision for additi= onal officers

At any Annual Business Meeting, the Church members may by vote provide for additional officers as may be deemed desirable and the Chu= rch will define the duties of such additional officers. The Church members may also at any Annual Business Meeting eliminate any officers and/or offices herein provid= ed for.

Section 3. Selection, Qualifications, and Duties of officers

Officers, with the exception of the Church Treasurer, mu= st be Resident Members in good standing with the Church. The selection, qualifications, dut= ies, and other incidents of office of the various officers of the Church are set forth in Articles V through XXI of this constitution; and the provisions for selection, qualifications, duties, and other incidents of office may be amended, supplemented, and/or repealed at any Annual Business Meeting of the Church.

ARTICLE V—P= ASTOR

Section 1: Call of Pastor

The Pastor of the Church will be called by action of the= Church upon recommendation of the Church Council, and will be a regularly ordained minister of the American Baptist denomination. The Church Council will act ex-off= icio as a Pulpit Committee, and may designate to a small group the initiative in contacting possible prospects for the pastorate.

Section 2: Qualifications

The Pastor is the spiritual leader of the church, and as such will be chosen for his/her Christian character, knowledge of the Bible, and living example of compliance with its teachings, influence for the good= in the community, friendly and helpful attitude, sincerity, general education, executive ability, pleasing personality, preaching ability, and other qualifications deemed desirable by the Church Council.

Section 3: Duties

The duties of the Pastor are those common to a minister = of the Gospel, and, without intending to exclude other duties, include the following: general supervisio= n of the spiritual work of the Church; daily supervision of the Church staff; arranging for and conducting Sunday worship and other services of the Churc= h, preaching from the pulpit at these services; promotion of evangelism in the Church and Sunday School, winning the unconverted to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and into membership in the Church; calling upon the membership= of the Church, particularly the ill and shut-ins and those who are in sorrow and/or otherwise tried by unfortunate circumstances; endeavoring to persuade strangers coming into our community to unite with the Church by letter or u= pon relation of their Christian experience and putting forth efforts as may seem wise to re-enlist the spiritually disinterested members in the activities of the Church; and endeavor to deepen the spiritual interest of the entire communi= ty. Specific duties will be defined in= the Pastor’s job description as approved by Church Council.

By virtue of his/her office, the Pastor shall serve as an ex-officio member on all TEAMS.

In addition to the foregoing duties, he/she will coopera= te with Church Council and the various TEAMS of the Church, and will perform o= ther duties not in conflict with the foregoing.

The Pastor will submit an annual comprehensive report to= the Church for consideration at the Annual Business Meeting.<= /p>

Section 4: Other incidents of the Office=

The salary, terms of annual vacation, leaves of absence, matters of pension and insurance pertaining to the Pastor will be recommend= ed by the Financial Team and approved by the Church Council upon call to the pastorate and annually thereafter in compliance with Church Law.=

Section 5: Pastoral Relations

A small group of three will be appointed to act as advoc= ates and evaluators to make recommendations to the Church Council. They will meet with the Pastor qua= rterly to discuss issues of mutual concern pertaining to contract terms, job descriptions, interpersonal relations, programs, evaluation criteria, and personal issues. Two members = of the Pastoral Relations small group will be appointed by the Church Council, and= one member chosen by the Pastor. =

Section 6: Dismissal

The Pastor may be dismissed at any Annual Business Meeti= ng of the Church or at a Special Business Meeting called for the purpose, upon recommendation of the Church Council. Notice of the intention of so dismissing the Pastor shall be given to the membership of the Church, exclusive of inactive members, at least thirty days before the Annual Business Meeting or Special Business Meeting called = for the purpose. This notice shal= l be by letter from Church Council.

ARTICLE VI—ASSOCIATE PASTOR AND/OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL CHURCH STAFF=

Section 1: Selection

The Associate Pastor and/or other Professional Church St= aff shall be called by action of the Church upon recommendation of the Church Council and the advice of the Pastor.

Section 2: Qualifications

The Associate Pastor and/or other Professional Church St= aff will be chosen for Christian character, knowledge of the Bible and living example of compliance with its teachings, influence for good in the communi= ty, general education, and other qualifications deemed desirable by the Church Council.

Section 3: Duties

The duties of the Associate Pastor are those common to a minister of the Gospel. Speci= fic duties will be defined in the Associate Pastor Job Description as approved = by the Church Council.

Other Professional Church Staff will perform duties as defined by specific job descriptions prepared by the TEAM to which the position reports, and approved by Church Council.

In addition, all staff members are to cooperate with the Church Council and the various TEAMS of the Church and shall perform other duties as the Pastor and Church Council may determine. The Associate Pastor and/or other Professional Church Staff shall submit annual comprehensive reports to the Church for consideration at the Annual Business Meeting.<= /p>

Section 4: Other Incidents of Office

The salary, terms of annual vacation, leaves of absence,= and other details relating to the employment of the Associate Pastor and/or oth= er Professional Church Staff will be recommended by the Financial Team and approved by the Church Council in compliance with Church Law.

Section 5: Dismissal

The Associate Pastor and/or other Professional Church St= aff may be dismissed at any Annual Business Meeting of the Church or at a Speci= al Business Meeting called for the purpose, upon recommendation of the Church Council. Notice of the intent= ion of so dismissing the Associate Pastor and/or other Professional Church Staff s= hall be given to the membership of the Church, exclusive of Inactive Members, at least thirty days before the Annual Business Meeting or Special Business Meeting called for the purpose. This notice shall be by letter from the Church Council.

ARTICLE VII—DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

Section 1: Selection=

The Director of Music will be selected by Church Council with the advice of the Music, Arts, and Drama Team and the Pastor.

Section 2: Duties

The Director of Music may also act as organist of the Church, and if so, will play at all regular worship services. He/she will act as director of the Chancel Choir and will have charge of the musical activities of the Church. He/she will cooperate= with the Pastor, Associate Pastor, the Music, Arts, and Drama, and the Worship T= EAMS in formulating a suitable hymnal and musical program for all regular worship services. The Director of Mus= ic will have charge of all printed music, vocal and instrumental, used by the choir. Specific duties will be defined in the Director of Music’s job description as approved by Chu= rch Council.

In addition, the Director of Music will perform services appropriate to the office including recruitment of prospective choir member= s.

A replacement Director/Organist other than for vacations shall be paid by the employee.

Section 3: Other incidents of Office

Evaluations, salary, terms of annual vacation, leaves of absence, and other details relating to the employment of the Director of Mu= sic will be recommended by the Financial Team and approved by the Church Counci= l.

Section 4: Dismissal

The Director of Music may be dismissed by the Church Council.

ARTICLE VIII-CHUR= CH COUNCIL

Section 1: Composition

The Church Council will serve for a period of one year a= nd will consist of the following members:&nbs= p; the Church President, the Church Clerk, and the leaders from each of= the Church TEAMS: Worship, Congregational Care, Financial, Facilities, Spiritual Development, Outreach= , and Music, Arts and Drama.

The Pastor, Associate Pastor, and/or other Professional Church Staff are ex-officio members of Church Council. Church Council members are eligible for election to Chur= ch Council for no more than three consecutive years. In the event of a vacancy caused by death or resignation of any elected officer, Church Council may fill the vacancy until the next Annual Business Meeting with the cooperation of the effected Team.

The membership of the Church Council may be enlarged or reduced at any Annual Business Meeting of the Church, provided that the per= sons herein specified constitute the minimum membership.

Section 2: Duties

Church Council will exist to provide overall accountability to the purp= ose and mission of the Church; to focus on the vision and future of the Church<= /span>, and to insure inter-TEAM communication. The Church Cou= ncil is the official leading body of the Church and as such, its decisions and advisements will be respected by the members as representing the will of the Church unless overruled by the Church membership at any Annual Business Mee= ting or any Special Business Meeting called for the purpose.

The Church Council will quarterly review the relations of the Church with the Pastor, Associate Pastor and/or other Professional Chur= ch Staff; and will establish a pulpit or search committee in the event of a vacancy in the office of the Pastor or other Church staff. The search committee will make recommendations to be approved by the Church Council. The Church Council will consider a= nd respond to petitions addressed to it by the members of the Church; and may = call joint Team or Small Group meetings when necessary. The Church Council will interpret = the provisions of this Constitution when called upon to do so, and its interpretation will be final unless overruled by the Church. The Church Council will submit an = annual comprehensive report to the Church at the Annual Business Meeting.

Section 3: Meetings

The Church Council will meet a minimum of eight (8) time= s a year to receive communication and recommendations, and to conduct business. In addition, Church Council will meet in special session as called by the President or three or more Church Council members, or upon written request of twenty-five (25) or more members of the Church, exclusive of members on the Inactive List, delivered to the President or Church Clerk. A notice of at least seven (7) day= s is to be given to Council members in such form as the President may determine. Any meeting of Church Council may = be postponed by the vote or consent of the majority of the members present at = the meeting.

Five (5) voting members will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any regular or special meeting. The members may adopt rules of procedure, not inconsistent with the Constitution as they deem desirable. All Church Council meetings will b= e open unless otherwise designated. = It will be requested that all agenda items be submitted one week prior to the meeting.

SECTION 4: SIGNING AUTHORITY FOR CHURCH FUNDS

The Church Treasurer and Financial Secretary will have t= he power to sign checks/withdraw funds from all major church accounts (Current Expense, Designated Funds, Missions, Building Fund, Savings, CDs) including= the sale of securities upon proper authorization. Additional names on these accounts= must have Church Council approval and be recorded in its minutes.

The elected treasurer of subsidiary accounts (Circles, Women’s Organization, TEAMS) may sign checks/withdraw funds from the account of which he/she is associated.&nbs= p; Said groups must maintain detailed records as required on the major accounts and will be subject to a church audit. The adult leader of youth groups m= ust be responsible for youth accounts.

Recognizing the confidentiality of the Fellowship Fund (benevolent fund), the Pastor and treasurer of the Fellowship Fund will be = in control of this account and its disbursement.

SECTION 5: AUDIT

The Church books shall be audited at the request of the Church Council.

SECTION 6: NOMINATIONS

The Nominations Small Group will consist of all Team Lea= ders and the Church Clerk in cooperation with the Pastor, Associate Pastor, and other Professional Church Staff. The Church President will be respons= ible to call the group together not less than ninety (90) days prior to the Annu= al Business Meeting. The Nominating Small Group will be led by the Church Clerk, and will prepare a slate of candidates to be nominated. <= /o:p>

This small group will keep a careful survey of the vario= us offices to be filled at the next Annual Business Meeting; will select the largest possible list from which to choose, and will determine the nominees based upon their passions, gifts, abilities, and desire to serve if elected= or appointed. The Nominations Sm= all Group will also provide opportunity for all members to identify how they wo= uld like to serve in the next year. Nominees will be interviewed by Small Group members to determine their desire and willingness to serve if elected. The Small Group will prepare a bal= lot for use at the Annual Business Meeting of the Church. There will be space on the ballot = for writing in additional names of members other than those nominated by the Sm= all Group.

ARTICLE IX—= TEAMS

Section 1: Selection=

TEAMS stands for: Teams Envision And Maximize Support.= The following TEAMS are groups of five (5) elected individuals: Wors= hip, Congregational Care, Financial, Facilities, Spiritual Development, Outreach, and Music, Arts and Drama.

Section 2: Duties

The specific duties of the TEAMS will be set forth in Articles X-XVI. TEAMS will be vision oriented; imagine possibilities and offer encouragement and support = to Small Groups. In addition, the TEAMS will be responsible for the advancement of the core objectives as outlined in their duties. They ensure focus on the future; they are responsible for member ministry development by encouraging and supporting Small Group Leaders and members; = they ensure the linkage of Small Groups within their area by establishing and maintaining open communication. Each Team will render an annual comprehensive report to the Church f= or consideration at the Annual Business Meeting. Each Team will also propose a budg= et to the Financial Team based upon their needs and the needs to the Small Groups within their charge.

Any member, who in the opinion of the Team, is neglectfu= l in the performance of his or her duties, may be removed by a joint decision of= the Church Council and the Team. =

Section 3: Meetings

Each of the TEAMS will be expected to meet regularly dur= ing the program year at times as may be determined by the Team. Additional special meetings of the= TEAMS may be called by the Church Council.

Team members equally share in responsibility. TEAMS will be free to delegate responsibilities to all members as deemed appropriate by a majority of the members. A quorum of a simple majority must be present for voting. All Team meetings will be open unl= ess otherwise designated. It is requested that all agenda items be submitted one week prior to the meeting.=

Section 4: the TEAM Leader<= /p>

Each Team is to elect a leader to represent them on the Church Council. Leaders are c= hosen based on their desire to serve, willingness to participate in training, and passion to lead the Team and Church as a servant leader. Leaders are responsible to coordin= ate the activities of their Team, provide envisioning leadership, support Team members and ministries, and administrate and coordinate Team meetings.

TEAMS are strongly encouraged to choose a secondary lead= er to share, and become acquainted with the leadership responsibilities in preparation for becoming a Team Leader.

Section 5: Small Groups

Small Groups will be action-oriented, and focused on planning and performing ongoing tasks and/or specific events. Small Groups will be responsible to provide passion for their core task by communicating to the congregation, t= o encourage and support members to find and act on their spiritual gifts, and to mainta= in open communication to other small groups and TEAMS.

Small Group Members will volunteer or be recruited for the fulfillment of the Small Group’s mission. Anyone ma= y be a Small Group member, and the duration of and commitment to a Small Group varies. The leader of the Sma= ll Group may be appointed or elected by the Team or Small Group members.

Small Groups may be formed and/or disbanded at the discretion of the TEAMS or developed by Small Group members in accordance w= ith the mission, vision, and values of the Church and then adopted by one of the TEAMS. Team members may choos= e to serve on Small Groups according to their personal passions and desire.

Section 6: Rotation<= /span>

Members are elected to two-year terms on a rotation basi= s, with half elected every other year. Team members may be re-elected twice to= the same Team and serve a total of six year.&n= bsp; Team Leaders serving on the Church Council are eligible to serve no = more that three consecutive years.

Vacancies on the TEAMS will be filled by the Church Coun= cil with the recommendations of the remaining Team members.

ARTICLE X—W= ORSHIP TEAM

Section 1: Duties

The Worship Team will advance and develop meaningful opportunities and expressions of all styles of worship. In cooperation with= the Pastor, the Worship Team will focus on and have input concerning matters related to Sunday morning and special worship service= s. The Worship Team will have discussion and receive input from = all TEAMS to appropriately incorporate all of the Church’s core objectives into times of worship. This Team will advance Small Groups to develop meaningful opportunities and expression of worship for members, visitors, a= nd others.

The Worship Team will arrange for a suitable person or p= ersons to preach and have charge of the Church worship service when the Pastor is = on vacation or otherwise temporarily absent.&= nbsp;

The Worship Team has charge of the pulpit cloths, flags,= and other chancel decorations.

Section 2: Small Groups

The Worship Team will work with Small Groups responsible= for the following areas: worship service structure, children’s story, special services, ushers, worship assistants, greeters, sanctuary décor, and traditional and contempor= ary worship expressions. The TEAM= may form and disband Small Groups as it deems appropriate.

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ARTICLE XI—CONGREGATIONAL CARE TEAM

Section 1: Duties

The Congregational Care Team focuses on the needs of= the congregation and its members in finding ways to fully connect them to the Church family. The Congregational Care Team consists of servant leaders who are responsible for visitation and watchcare. The= y will assess and develop ways to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual need= s of those who are a part of the Church. &= nbsp;

The Congregational Care Team will act upon the requests = for membership transfers, terminations of membership, and consider the transfer= of names of members to the Inactive List.&nbs= p; They will also keep a faithful watchcare over the members of the Chu= rch, particularly those who are irregular in attendance and those, who in the judgment of the TEAM, are in special need.= The Congregational Care Team is also responsible to nominate the Diaconate according to Article XVII.

The Congregational Care Team will annually appoint an individual to be treasurer of the Fellowship and Flower Funds of the Church. The Fellowship Fund consists of all special offerings given at the time of the observance of the Communion Service. This fund = will be disbursed in counsel with the Pastor for the purposes for which it has b= een collected. The treasurer of t= he Fellowship and Flower Funds is entrusted with the disbursement of the funds.

Section 2: Small Groups

The Congregational Care TEAM will work with Small Groups responsible for the following areas: prayer chain, watchcare meals, new member welcome, systematic calls = of the membership including disinterested and new members, shut-in and hospital visitation, distribution of Church flowers, member care, and congregational fellowship. The TEAM may form= and disband Small Groups as it deems appropriate.

=

ARTICLE XII—FINANCIAL TEAM

Section 1: Duties

The Financial Team focuses on the financial condition of= the Church, its needs and resources. The Financial Team is responsible for budgeting, fund raising, management of fun= ds, and encouraging the practice of regular giving among Church members.   The Team will = give thought to the financial condition of the Church, investigate its needs and resources, and make recommendations to the Church Council as the Team deems desirable or necessary. =

The Financial Team consists of five (5) elected members. The Financial Secret= ary and Church Treasurer are ex-officio members of the Financial Team. The Financial Team has the custody= and control of all deeds, securities, insurance policies and other legal instruments, and will be the governing legal authority so far as all legal = and property matters are concerned.

The Financial Team will coordinate an annual budget based upon the needs and requests of the TEAMS and Small Groups. This budget will be submitted to Ch= urch Council prior to the annual effort to secure pledges and presented for adoption, such as general operating expenses and other fixed or assumed financial obligations, to the Church at the Annual Business Meeting. The Financial Team will lead in an annual effort to secure pledges and contributions to defray the total expen= ses of the church as provided for in the budget, and will maintain careful vigi= lance and management of these funds. The TEAM will stimulate the practice of regular giving and adapt a systematic program for securing pledges to both the current expense and missionary funds from newly admitted members of the church. The Financial Team will also supervise the disbursement of the vario= us funds of the Church committed to its care, will pay out no money unless the= re are sufficient funds, and will not borrow without the approval of the Church Council.

No funds are to be solicited for any purpose at any Chur= ch service, or among the church members, outside of the duly appointed Church budget, unless such solicitation has been previously approved by the Financ= ial TEAM. However, this provision= does not prohibit Small Groups or organizations of the Church from raising funds= by means other than solicitations, for their own operation or benevolent proje= cts.

The Leader of the Financial Team is empowered, when so authorized by the Team, to execute in the name of the Church all instruments and/or other legal papers requiring such execution. The Church Clerk will affix his/he= r signature to such instruments and/or other papers.&n= bsp;

Section 2: Small groups

The Financial TEAM will work with Small Groups responsib= le for the following areas: reco= rd keeping, fund raising, pledges, accounting, Endowment Fund, and budgeting.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> The TEAM may form and disband Small Groups as it deems appropriate.

·      =    Financial Campaign Small Group

This group shall consist of no = less than three (3) members and will organize and supervise an annual Church-wide financial campaign. The Small Group, after careful consideration of all factors involved, will recommend = to the Financial Team the type and scope of campaign to be conducted for a giv= en cause. The Small Group is responsible for the preparation and proper distribution of literature pertaining to a given financial campaign.&= nbsp; In addition, the small group will be responsible for enlisting the service of other Financial Team members and other members in good standing = as solicitors when the Church membership is to be canvassed for pledges or contributions. The Small Grou= p will be responsible for the preparation, distribution, and handling of all pledge cards used in connection with any financial campaign and will insure that p= roper records relative to the campaign are kept.=

·      =    Endowment Fund Small Group

This Small Group will consist a= t all times of three (3) Resident Members of the Church in good standing. They will be appointed by the Fina= ncial Team to serve for three-year terms, rotating one member each year. The Leader of the Financial Team w= ill serve as an ex-officio member of this Small Group.

This group will hold quarterly meetings and will meet at other times as determined by the group. At all meetings a majority of memb= ers of the group shall constitute a quorum. The Small Group members will review their investment portfolio, take minutes of the meeting, and prepare a financial report for the Financial Team.

Without the order, consent, app= roval or confirmation of any court, person, or persons, and without regard to any statute, court decisions, regulations or other restrictions of law prescrib= ing investments by fiduciaries, said group members will have full power and authority to sell, invest, and reinvest any part or all of the Endowment Fu= nd in all investments authorized in section 2109.37 of the Revised Code of the State of O