(Galatians 6:1) (Matthew 18:15-17)
It shall be the practice of this church to emphasize to its members that every reasonable measure will be taken to assist any troubled member. The pastor, church staff and deacons are available for counsel and guidance. The attitude of members, one toward another, shall always be guided by concern for redemption rather than punishment. Should some serious condition exist which would cause a member to become a liability to the church and its good name, by reason of immoral or unchristian conduct, or by persistent breach of the covenant vows, or non support of the Church in its policies and Biblical mission, the Church may terminate that membership, but only after faithful efforts have been made to bring such member to repentance and amendment. Action to exclude a member may be taken only after a notice to exclude is given to that member and exclusion is recommended by the pastor, deacons, and approved by the Church.

The Church shall receive for baptism any person who has received Jesus Christ as Saviour by personal faith, who professes Him publicly at any worship service, and who indicates a commitment to follow Christ as Lord.

A. Water baptism by immersion portraying the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ will be administered for believers in the Lord Jesus Christ via individual request that is Biblical, convictional and volitional.
B. The pastor, or the person whom the Church shall authorize, shall administer baptism.
C. Baptism shall be administered during any worship service of the Church.

The Lord’s Table/Communion is a symbolic act of obedience where believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, through partaking of the bread and fruit of the vine, commemorate the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ and anticipate His second coming.

A. The Lord’s Table/Communion shall be celebrated at least quarterly.
B. The church shall partake of the Lord’s Table/Communion in the Sunday morning and/or evening worship services. This shall not exclude this ordinance being observed at other times when the church body deems it appropriate and meaningful as an act of worship.
C. The pastor and deacons shall be responsible for administering the Lord’s Table/Communion.
D. The ordinance of the Lord’s Table/Communion is open to all believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.

ARTICLE III

All who serve on the administrative board, and also those who serve as Bible teachers, ministry leaders and those who chair committees, shall be members of the Church.

The administrative board shall lead the Church in long-range planning that will accomplish the objectives of the Church’s mission statement, under “Our Vision, Vistoso Community Church”, the preface to the Constitution. The work and planning of the administrative board is to achieve future spiritual and numerical imperatives that will be recommended to the church council to implement and assimilate on a month to month basis. The following will comprise the administrative board:

A. Pastor
B. Pastor’s secretary
C. Church Secretary (public relations director)
D. Minister of music
E. Chairman of deacons
F. Chairman of trustees
G. Chairman of the finance committee
H. Chairperson of missions
I. Christian education director
J. Outreach/evangelism director
K. Church staff

A. QUALIFICATIONS: The pastor shall exemplify the qualities of I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9; I Peter 5:1-3. He shall be one who is convinced of his call to the ministry. He shall agree with the constitution and the bylaws of this church and shall publicly become a member of this church upon accepting the call to the pastorate.
B. DUTIES: The pastor’s primary responsibility shall be to provide spiritual leadership. He shall be responsible for preaching and teaching God’s Word; for leading the Church in an outreach/witness ministry, leading in the planning and organization of church programs; the supervising of the pastoral staff; and providing advice and counseling as needed. He shall be an ex-officio member of all ministries and committees of the Church.
C. SELECTION: The pastor search committee shall be responsible for the selection of candidates for the position of pastor. A special business meeting of the membership shall be called to present a candidate. Only one candidate shall be presented to the membership at any given time. The membership shall vote on the candidate recommended by the pastor search committee. The prospective pastor shall be elected by secret ballot and called by at least two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of those church members present. If a two-thirds (2/3) majority is not achieved, the pastor search committee shall seek another candidate. The pastor search committee shall consist of five (5) members. One member of the pastor search committee shall be the chairman of the deacons. Other members shall be selected by the nominating committee and presented to the membership for a vote in a regular or special-called business meeting.
D. RESIGNATION: If the pastor desires to resign, three months notice shall be given in writing, unless waived by written mutual consent of the membership. Normal compensation shall be continued during the pastor’s continued employment, unless waived by written mutual consent of the membership, or by the pastor’s acceptance of other employment.
E. ACCUSATIONS: No accusations shall be brought against the pastor except on the testimony of at least two (2) members (I Timothy 5:19-21). The matter shall then be taken to the deacons for investigation and resolution. If disciplinary action is required, the deacons shall present a recommendation to the membership for resolution.
F. TERMINATION: The Church may declare the office of pastor to be vacant. Such action shall take place at a special business meeting called for that purpose. (Article V, Section 2). The meeting may be called upon the recommendation of the deacon body. The Director of Missions of the Catalina Baptist Association, or his designee, shall preside at the meeting, unless otherwise agreed to by the church body. The vote to declare the office vacant shall be by secret ballot and requires an affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members present and voting. The termination shall be immediate. The Church shall compensate the pastor by continuing his regular salary and benefits for a period of at least thirty (30) days following his termination. If the pastor is terminated for gross misconduct, he shall be terminated immediately without compensation.

A. QUALIFICATIONS: Each deacon shall exemplify the qualities of the scriptures – I Timothy 3:8-13. The men nominated must be over twenty-one (21) years of age and members of Vistoso Community Church for one year. A candidate must be ordained prior to serving.
B. SELECTION-ELECTION: The current pastor and deacons shall determine the number of deacons needed. Church members may submit the names of prospective candidates to the deacon body or to the pastor. The Church shall elect deacons at a regular business meeting of the Church following screening and recommendation by the pastor and present deacons. In case of resignation, death, removal or in capacity to serve, the Church, upon the recommendation of the deacons, may elect a deacon or a candidate to fill the vacancy.
C. DUTIES: The deacons are the servants of the Church. They are to minister to the needs of the congregation. The deacons shall have regular monthly meetings for the purpose of planning, spiritual counsel and fellowship. The pastor shall be notified of all regular and called meetings of the deacons and shall be present at all meetings to the extent he is able. The deacons are to go over the church roll and call on the needy members of the church or those in need of spiritual advisement or other help. The deacons shall administer a ministry plan to meet the needs of the families of the church. The deacons shall look after the widows of the church and call to the attention of the church any special needs. The deacons shall cooperate with the pastor in all matters pertaining to the welfare and development of the membership toward Christian maturity. They shall be zealous to guard the unity of the spirit within the Church in the bond of peace. The deacons shall assist the pastor in administering the ordinances of the Church: baptism and the Lord’s table/communion. The chairman of the deacons shall be a member of the nominating committee, the pastor search committee, and the personnel committee. He may not be chairman of the trustees.
D. TERMINATION: The relationship between a deacon and the Church can be dissolved by either party with thirty (30) days written notice, or less by mutual consent of the membership, by recommendation of the deacons. When a deacon withdraws membership from the Church he is automatically terminated as a deacon. If a deacon fails to perform the duties of a deacon he can be terminated.
E. ACCUSATIONS: No accusations shall be brought against a deacon except on the testimony of at last two members (I Timothy 5:19-21). The matter shall then be taken to the deacons for investigation and resolution. If disciplinary action is required, the deacons shall present a recommendation to the membership for resolution. (Matthew 18: 15-17).

A. SELECTION-ELECTION: A minimum of three (3) trustees shall be elected by the congregation every two years. The number of trustees is to be determined by the Church, in cooperation with the pastor, as needs may demand. When a vacancy occurs, the nominating committee will seek a candidate and make a recommendation to the Church at a regular or special called business meeting. A trustee must be a person who is at least twenty-one (21) years old and who has been a member of the Church for at least one year. The chairman of trustees may not be chairman of deacons.
B. DUTIES: The trustees shall serve as legal representatives in all transactions of the Church and shall sign all documents related to the purchase, sale or mortgage of the church property after approval by the Church in regular business session. The trustees shall be responsible for the total care and protection of the land, buildings, equipment and any other assets owned by the church. The trustees shall act as custodians of the records, which would include, but not be limited to all legal documents, and shall maintain the Church Operations Manual (see Article VII).

A. SELECTION-ELECTION: The finance committee shall consist of five (5) members which include the treasurer and the financial secretary. Three other members shall be selected by the nominating committee. The finance committee shall select a chairman.

B. DUTIES: The finance committee shall oversee the routine financial functions of the Church, including the treasurer, tellers and audit committee. The finance committee shall provide regular financial reports to the Church body and recommend appropriate action to maintain a sound financial condition. The finance committee shall coordinate the preparation of the annual budget for Church approval and shall monitor expenditures in comparison to the budget and provide feedback to responsible parties, recommending a course of action in the event of a budget shortfall. The finance committee shall arrange outside financing, in cooperation with the trustees and the treasurer as needed to support building programs or other major projects initiated by the Church. The finance committee shall ensure that sound financial controls are in place to safeguard church assets and shall ensure adherence to all federal and state tax laws and regulations.

The Church shall annually elect a clerk as its clerical officer. The primary duties of the church clerk shall be:

A. To keep up-to-date records of all actions of the Church.
B. To keep a current list of names and addresses of the membership.
C. To prepare legal announcements and publications as required.
D. To write letters of recommendation and request letters of recommendation for members.
E. To furnish the Annual Church Profile to the Catalina Baptist Association, the Arizona State Convention and the Southern Baptist National Convention.

The Church shall annually elect a treasurer, who shall be bonded. The cost of the bond shall be borne by the Church. The primary duties of the treasurer shall be:

A. To receive, preserve, and pay out, upon receipt of vouchers or invoices approved by the chairman of the finance committee or the chairman of the trustees or the chairman of the deacons, all money or things of value paid or given to the Church, keeping, at all times, an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements. The above officers cannot approve requests for reimbursement or payment to themselves.
B. To regularly report to the finance committee chairman, in writing, the financial condition of the church, clearly showing the status of all funds.
C. To prepare reports necessary for compliance with legal requirements.
D. To prepare, at the end of each fiscal year, the annual report to the Arizona Corporation Commission.
E. To prepare the financial part of the Annual Church Profile to the Catalina Baptist Association, the Arizona State Convention and the Southern Baptist National Convention.
F. To assist in the preparation of the church budget.

NOTES:

1. Money or gifts that have been received by the church for specific or designated causes may not be borrowed or spent for purposes other than the cause for which they were designated, unless permission is received from the donor.
2. The treasurer’s report and records shall be audited annually by an auditing committee or public accountant.
3. Upon rendering the annual account at the end of each fiscal year, and upon its acceptance and approval by the Church, the records will be delivered by the treasurer to the church clerk who shall preserve them as a part of the permanent records of the church. Vistoso Community Church Bylaws

The chairman of the deacons shall serve as president of the Church Corporation. The chairman of the trustees shall serve as statutory agent and vice-president of property management. The chairman of the finance committee shall serve as vice-president of financial management. The treasurer shall serve as treasurer. The church clerk shall serve as secretary. These persons shall have no individual rights within the corporation.

The purpose of the church council is to outline and calendarize/coordinate all church ministries and activities of the church. It shall appropriately inform the church families of those ministries and activities. It shall evaluate the results of all ministries and activities and be prepared to recommend changes when and where needed. It shall assist the finance committee in the preparation of the annual budget. The church council shall be composed of the pastor as moderator, church staff and all chairpersons and directors of all ministries and committees. Matters agreed upon by council, which call for action not already approved, shall be referred to the Church for approval or disapproval. The council shall meet at least monthly. All church members are welcome to attend and observe.

The Church shall meet regularly each Sunday morning and each Wednesday evening, or at any other time as deemed appropriate, for the worship of Almighty God. Prayer, praise, preaching, instruction, giving and evangelism shall be among the ingredients of these services. The pastor or his designee shall direct the services.

A. The church year shall be from January 1 through December 31.
B. Regular business meetings are to be held on Wednesday evenings, at least quarterly.
C. A special business meeting may be called at any time by the pastor or the deacon body chairman, provided the meeting has been announced in two consecutive Sunday morning services.
D. A quorum consists of those members who attend the business meeting.
E. Each member will have equal right to enter into discussion, and to vote on any matter brought before the Church.
F. Matters will be decided by a majority of the membership present and voting, except where otherwise provided by the constitution and bylaws.
G. The pastor shall serve as moderator. In his absence, the chairman of the deacon body shall serve as moderator.
H. For all matters requiring parliamentary rules, Roberts Rules of Order, Revised, shall be the authority for procedure for all business meetings.

The committees of this church shall be flexible and shall consist of those presented to the congregation and approved, including the nominating committee and the personnel committee, which are defined in Sections 2 and 3 below. The pastor may create ad hoc committees as necessary.

The nominating committee shall select officers, program leaders and committee candidates. It shall prepare a slate of leaders for election at the business meeting closest to the end of the year, scheduling its work so that the church council may review prior to the church business meeting. During the year, it shall also nominate leaders to fill vacancies as they occur. The chairman of the deacons shall be a member of the nominating committee. Each year’s committee will recommend to the church a nominating committee to serve the following year. A person being considered for a position shall be contacted and agree to serve before his/her name is submitted to the Church for election. All nominating committee members shall be church members.

The personnel committee, consisting of the chairman of the trustees, the chairman of the finance committee and the chairman of the deacons in cooperation with the pastor; shall assist the church in matters related to employed personnel administration. This will include such areas as determining staff needs, employment, salaries, benefits and personnel services. Vistoso Community Church Bylaws

The Church shall maintain ministries of education, including but not limited to Bible teaching, church member training, church leadership training, new member orientation, mission education, evangelism and music education. All organizations related to the church ministries shall be under the leadership of the Church. All organizations shall endeavor to undergird the Church missions and goals. The Church shall provide the human, the physical, and the financial resources for the appropriate advancement of these ministries.

CHURCH OPERATIONS MANUAL
The trustees, in conjunction with the appropriate church officers and affected areas, shall maintain a Church Operations Manual to include church policies and procedures. The manual must be consistent with these bylaws. Policies and procedures may be added, revised, or deleted by recommendation from an individual, a committee, or a church officer in whose area of assignment the change(s) may relate. All policies shall be approved by the congregation. Procedures may be changed with the approval of those involved. The manual shall be reviewed and updated as necessary. As a minimum, the manual shall be reviewed by the trustees once every three (3) years. The manual shall be maintained by the trustees and made available for use by any church member.

AMENDMENTS
These By laws may be amended or superseded at any time by a vote of the Church membership, provided each amendment shall have been presented in writing at a previous business meeting and copies of the proposed amendment shall have been furnished to each church member. Amendments to the Bylaws shall have the concurrence of the majority of the members present and voting.