Bylaws

Article I: Name

The name of the organization shall be DOVE Community Cell Church (herein after spoken of as DOVE C.C.C. or DCCC), a partner church of DOVE Christian Fellowship International (herein after spoken of as DCFI). Its duration is perpetual. DOVE is an acronym for Declaring Our Victory Emmanuel.

Article II: Purpose

The purpose of DOVE Community Cell Church is to provide oversight for the membership and to meet spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of the people through faith in Jesus Christ and to resource and network with the Body of Christ in fulfilling the Great Commissioning according to Matt. 28:19-20.

Article III: Membership

Voting:

DOVE C.C. C. has a no voting membership. Governmental decisions affecting the life of this local church are the responsibility of its Elders.

Membership Categories

  1. Provisional Members: Those who are newly baptized by us or have transferred from another congregation. They have been given basic instruction before baptism concerning the fact that baptism is initiation into the community and a coming under eldership oversight. Provisional members commit to actively seek full membership as part of their profession.
  2. Covenant Membership in Good Standing: Those who have completed the membership qualifications as stated in the Bylaws. Their lifestyles demonstrate commitment to Jesus Christ, and a fulfillment of the membership covenant of DCCC.
  3. Membership Not in Good Standing: Provisional members who fail to achieve full membership standards after a reasonable period of time or full members who are no longer fulfilling their covenant to the congregation. Fellowship with members who fall into this category is maintained while the member is lovingly encouraged back to full involvement and commitment.
  4. Under Discipline: Covenant members who are either disfellowshipped or presently in a process of discipline for gross sin or doctrinal error.

Members in categories one and two may be unconditionally transferred to another congregation. Members in category three may also be transferred, but, with an accompanying explanation of their status to the new leadership. Members in category four will not be transferred until such a time that restoration is accomplished.

Qualifications for Covenant Membership

The membership of DCCC shall consist of those who meet the following qualifications:

  1. They shall openly profess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
  2. They shall be water baptized by immersion
  3. They shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit
  4. They shall have successfully completed the Pathway to Covenant Membership track
    A. They shall have completed the Biblical Foundations Course
    B. They shall have read the House to House Book by Larry Kreider
    C. They shall have a firm understanding of the Covenant Membership Agreement
    D. They shall be in agreement with the Bylaws; E.g.  Article IV – The Statement of Faith
    E. They must be in agreement with the 12 values of DCFI
  5. They shall be a member in “good standing” of a cell group.
  6. They shall be involved in the life of the local church.
  7. They shall be in agreement with the governmental role of the Eldership Team.
  8. They shall contribute financially for the support of DCCC and its ministries.

Article IV: Doctrinal Statement of Faith

We believe the Bible to be the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God. The Holy Spirit moved upon the writers of the Old and New Testament and inspired them as they wrote the Words of God. God’s revelation in Scripture is unchangeable. Through His written Word, the Holy Spirit continues to speak to man. (II Tim 3:13-17; Heb. 4:12; Psalm 119:89,105; I Pet.1:23-25; Gal.1:8.9; Matt. 5:18; Isa. 40:8)

We believe that there is One God, externally existent in three distinct personalities: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God the Father – Creator of all things visible and invisible. By His Word all things were created and through the power of His Word all things continue to exist. Jesus Christ – is the only begotten Son of God who was conceived by the Holy Spirit born of a virgin. He lived a sinless life and manifested the power of God on earth through signs, wonders and miracles. He was sent by God the Father as fulfillment of His perfect plan to redeem man unto Himself. He redeemed us by His atoning death through His shed blood. He ascended to heaven to the right hand of God the Father and will personally return in power and majesty. There is no other name given under heaven by which man can be saved. A relationship with God may only be established through Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit – the Lord and giver of life – inspired the writers of the Bible, convicts the world concerning sin, empowers each believer, teaches all things concerning God and brings to our remembrance the Word of God. (Deut. 6:4; Isa. 44:6-8; Isa. 43:10; Matt. 28:19,20; I Cor. 12:4-6; John 14:6,7,23,25,26; Ro.10:8-17; I Tim. 6:15,16; I John 5:7)

We believe in the total depravity of man. Mankind is perishing because of sin, which separates him from Holy God. God loves all mankind, not desiring that any should perish, but that all would repent. Mankind can only be saved through a repentant heart and committed relationship with Jesus Christ as both Savior and Lord. This regeneration is accomplished by the Holy Spirit. This regenerated life should be publicly announced through water baptism by submersion. (Gen. 1:26, 31; Psalm 8:4-8; Gen. 3:1-7; Rom. 5:1, 12-21; Eph. 2:8,9; Acts 3:19-21; I Cor. 15:21,22; Gal. 6:14,15; II Cor. 5:17; Mark 16:16; Acts 10:46)

We believe in the present filling and baptism of the Holy Spirit of all believers. The Holy Spirit’s ministry to the body of Jesus Christ gives power to live, witness, proclaim the gospel and to make disciples. The Holy Spirit empowers us to cultivate a Christ-like character as portrayed by the “Fruit of the Spirit” and enables us to build up the church through supernatural gifts and miracles. (John 15:8-10; I Cor.12:13; John 3:5,6; Acts 1:4-8; 2:38,39; Luke 11:9-13; Joel 2:28, 29; I Cor. 12-14; Heb.2:4)

We believe that the local church is an assembly of God’s people brought together by the Holy Spirit as a visible representation of the body of Christ (universal church – spiritual family of God) in a specific geographical location. The local church functions as God’s agent generally in the kingdom and more specifically in the local community. The church is responsible for being a vanguard for truth and for administrating the Word of God through the sacraments, preaching, teaching and discipline. The church is also responsible to faithfully fulfill the Great Commission. The church has an obligation to strengthen itself by edifying its members. The church is empowered by the Holy Spirit. God has appointed administrators and gifts to govern the church. Jesus Christ is the head of all church government. The ultimate purpose of the church is to bring glory and honor to Jesus Christ. (I Cor. 1:2; 16:19; Acts 7;38; Heb. 12:22,24; Eph 4:16; Matt. 6:18,19; II Tim. 1:13,14; 2:2,15; 3:16; 4:1,2; Matt. 28:19,20; Rom 12:4,5; I Cor. 12:27; Eph 2:22; I Pet. 2:5,9,10; Titus 2:14; I Thess. 1:5; I Cor. 12:4,7; I Pet. 4:10,11; Col. 1:18; Eph. 3:21)

We believe in the judgment of God. All of mankind will give an account of every word and deed in this life before the judgment seat of Christ. Those whose names appear in the Lamb’s Book of Life will dwell eternally with God in heaven. Those whose names that do not appear in the Lamb’s Book of Life will be eternally separated from God. (Rev. 1:7; I Thess. 5:17; Acts 1:11; Rev. 20:10-15; II Cor. 5:10; II Thess. 1:7-10; Rev. 21:1-4)

Article V: Government

Privileges:

DCCC shall have self-governing privileges in harmony with the authority and vision of the Apostolic Council of DCFI. Local authority and vision, direction and doctrine shall be vested in the Senior Elder and the Eldership team. They are responsible for direction, protection, and correction in the local church. The Eldership team may appoint others under them as required to assist in spiritual oversight of geographic areas or ministries. DCCC is a partner church with DCFI as evidenced by a Partnership Agreement. Within the Partnership Agreement the Eldership team acknowledges that they have read DCFI’s Constitution, Bylaws, and Handbook and that they are in agreement with and bound to the statements contained within these documents.

Governing Documents

5-2A The governing document of the DCCC are the Bylaws, until such time that Articles of Incorporation are adopted. At such time the Articles of Incorporation will take precedence over the Bylaws.

5-2B No amendments or repeal shall be made to the Articles of Incorporation when adopted except by a 2/3 majority vote of the Eldership team and affirmation by the Senior Elder. Amendments shall be within the guiding principles set forth in the DCFI Handbook, Constitution and Bylaws.

5-2C The Bylaws of DOVE Community Cell Church or any portion thereof, may be amended or repealed by a 2/3 majority of the Eldership team and affirmation by the Senior Elder. Amendments shall be within the guiding principles set forth in the DCFI Handbook, Constitution and Bylaws.

Article VI: Board of Directors

Functions and Meetings:

6-1A The Eldership team shall serve as the Board of Directors. They shall be responsible for the overall vision, direction, focus and shall fully control, govern, and operate the business affairs of the church. As a Partner Church of DCFI, we adhere to the vision, mission, basic values, and guiding principles of DCFI’s Apostolic Council.

6-1B The Senior Elder shall provide leadership to the Eldership team. The Senior Elder shall be the president of the Board of Directors.

6-1C The Eldership team shall meet annually for an official meeting in the month of January. The Eldership team shall record the minutes of the annual meeting including the election of officers; vice-chairman, secretary, treasurer. The Eldership team will meet regularly as determined by the Senior Elder.

Appointment

6-2A The Senior Elder shall be called by God, qualified by Scripture (I Tim, 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9) and willing to fulfill this leadership responsibility. The Senior Elder shall be recognized and recommended by both the Eldership team and DCFI’s Apostolic Council. The Senior Elder shall be appointed by a member of the Apostolic Council or an appointed designate. The Senior Elder shall not be appointed unless there is unanimous agreement with the Eldership team, recommendation by DCFI’s Apostolic Council and general affirmation of the Partner Church’s cell group leaders.

6-2B The Eldership team members shall be called by God, qualified by Scripture (I Tim. 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9) and willing to fulfill this leadership responsibility.

6-2C The Eldership team members are discerned through fasting and prayer, then nominated by the Senior Elder and the existing Eldership team. General affirmation of the cell group leaders of the church and the recommendation of DCFI’s Apostolic Council is required for an individual to serve on the Eldership team.

6-2D An Apostolic Council member (or an appointed designate) and the Senior Elder shall install new members as set forth in 6-2B and 6-2C at the annual meeting or as deemed necessary by the Eldership team.

6-2E The Eldership team shall consist of at least two members which includes the Senior Elder.

6-2F The Senior Elder and each member of the Eldership team shall be an active member of a cell group and involved in and committed to the life of the church.

Specific Duties

6-3A Appoint and commission Deacons and cell leaders.

6-3B Appoint persons to serve on an Administrative Committee if the Eldership deems an Administrative Committee is needed.

6-3C Appoint and oversee specific committees or directors, e.g. Missions Council Representatives, Worship, Children, Youth, Singles, and other necessary ministries, as required to facilitate the spiritual needs of the partner church.

6-3D Recognize, appoint, oversee, protect spiritually, and provide accountability to the Five-fold Ministers who serve within the local Partner Church.

6-3E Train and nurture leaders.

6-3F Provide oversight and spiritual protection to members.

6-3G Provide assistance during times of crisis for members.

6-3H Approve annual and all modified Partner Church budgets.

6-3I Recommend a representative to serve on the DCFI Stewardship Committee to be appointed by the DCFI Apostolic Council.

Terms – Vacancies

6-4A Eldership team members, including the Senior Elder, shall be willing to serve long term. Each member shall receive a written evaluation annually. The Senior Elder will be evaluated by his Apostolic overseer.

6-4B The annual evaluation will require that each Eldership team member discern the Call of God on their life to serve on the team for another year.

6-4C Annual evaluations shall be conducted by the Senior Elder in cooperation with the Apostolic Council, an evaluation team, or a combination of both. A written report shall be given to the Senior Elder and the person being evaluated.

6-4D Evaluations are for the purpose of growth. In the event of a report that one’s service is unsatisfactory or that one is no longer suited for the position, the Eldership team and Senior Elder shall review the specified deficiencies with the Elder. The Eldership team and the Senior Elder shall determine the appropriate measures to be taken in order to address the deficiency. It may be a matter of making a recommendation for improvement. Or, the Elders may conclude that it would be best for the position to be resigned.

6-4E In addition to the evaluations, at any time the Senior Elder and other Eldership team members may vote to suspend or remove a team member if deemed to be in the best interest of the church. DCFI’s Apostolic Council shall be included in the process of suspension or removal. Discipline shall be implemented in accordance with the written Policy of Discipline and Restoration outlined in the DCFI Handbook.

6-4F The Senior Elder shall be evaluated by members of the Apostolic Council or appointed designates. A full report shall be given to the Senior Elder. A summary report will be given to the Eldership team.

6-4G In the event it becomes necessary to terminate the responsibility of the Senior Elder due to moral failure, apostasy, or behavior that disqualifies himself according to 1 Tim. 3:1-7; 5:17-25; and Titus 1:5-9, the Apostolic Council shall give leadership to the process in cooperation with the Eldership team. The Senior Elders’ responsibilities will be suspended pending the outcome of review using the written policy for discipline as outlined in the DCFI Handbook, section IX. The DCFI Apostolic Council in cooperation with the Eldership team will appoint an “Acting Senior Elder” immediately, who will serve until such a time as the Senior Elder is restored to service or a replacement is installed.

6-4H In the event the number of persons on the Eldership team drops below the numerical requirement (2) for ninety days, then the most senior cell group leader of DCCC shall serve as an acting Elder until such time as they are confirmed and installed or another person is appointed and installed.

Officers

6-5A At the annual meeting, the Eldership team shall appoint a Vice-chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer as officers of the Eldership team. The Senior Elder, as the president of the Eldership team, shall oversee the appointment process. Members of the Eldership team may hold up to two offices. The president shall not serve in the capacity of secretary or treasurer.

6-5B The designation of officers, except the president, shall be by unanimous decision of the Eldership team. Such appointed officers shall serve in their capacities indefinitely until such time as the Eldership team should determine a change, or in the case that an officer is spiritually disqualified.

6-5C It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep an accurate record of: meetings of the Board of Directors, congregational business meetings, and all such other duties as pertain to this office as may be assigned by the
Board of Directors.

6-5D The Treasurer shall have the care and custody of all funds and securities of DCCC and is responsible to deposit the same in the name of the Church in such banking and investment institutions as directed by the Board.

Article VII: Discipline

Definition:

7-1A Discipline can be either corrective or punitive or both. The administering of Biblical discipline is intended to insure spiritual health, growth, integrity, and accountability. The goal of Biblical discipline is restoration of the fallen individual, protection and purification of the church, and the honoring and glorifying of God.

7-1B General words associated with Corrective Discipline are correction, warning, rebuke, teach, train, deliverance, personal accountability, discipleship, and counseling.

7-1C General words associated with Punitive Discipline are public rebuke, corporate accountability, and loss of fellowship.

Reasons for Discipline

Church members may need Biblical discipline for any number of reasons.

Some areas (not all inclusive) that may require discipline of a church member are:

  1. Unresolved conflict and offenses between members
  2. Moral impurity
  3. Idolatry
  4. Railing (abusive speech)
  5. Drunkenness
  6. Drug abuse
  7. Child or spouse abuse
  8. Racism
  9. Active divisiveness or dissension

Responsibility for Discipline

7-2A When a member enters into sin in a way that threatens his own spiritual life and/or other members; it is the responsibility of the Eldership team to attempt to bring the individual to restoration and to always protect the purity of the church.

7-2B All church discipline should be administered according to Scriptural principles. Some general Scriptural passages that address church discipline are Matt. 18:15-18; I Cor. 5:11-13; 6; I Tim. 6:3-5; Titus 3:10; II Thess. 3:6, 11-15; Gal. 6:1, and Heb. 12:11.

7-2C If a member refuses to accept the discipline of the Eldership team and it is discerned that the individual has fallen beyond repentance then more severe measure may be necessary. In these severe cases, then, it becomes a matter of protecting the church. At this stage of discipline the unrepentant and uncooperative member will be removed from membership. This person may be reinstated to fellowship only upon the individual’s confession and sincere repentance. (I Cor. 5:3-5, 12-13; II Thess. 3:14-15; Titus 3:10; I Tim. 5:20; Ro. 16:17-18; II Cor. 2:1-11)

7-2D It is recommended that the guidelines found in the Helping You Build Cell Churches training manual and the DCFI Leadership Handbook (section VIII) be referred to in matters requiring Biblical discipline.

Discipline of Elders

The discipline of any Elder shall be administered according the guidelines of the DCFI Handbook Section IX.

Article VIII: Dissolution

Dissolution by the Eldership Team

8-1A In the event that DCCC shall be dissolved and liquidated, after paying or making provision for the payment of all liabilities, the Eldership team shall distribute or dispose of any remaining property and assets of DCCC to such an organization or organizations that are established and operated for religious purposes which are most closely allied to those of DCCC; it being provided that each transferee organization shall at the time of transfer:

  1. be a tax-exempt religious organization within the meaning and intent of Section 501 (C) and Section 170 (b) (1) (A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 or the corresponding sections of any successor Internal Revenue law of the United States of America;
  2. have been in existence for a continuous period of at least sixty (60) months; and
  3. be an organization to which the contributions are deductible under Section 170, Section 2055 and Section 2522 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 or the corresponding sections of any successor internal revenue law of the United States of America.

8-1B DCFI or a DCFI Partner Church shall be given first consideration in the dissolution of assets.

Dissolution by the Courts

Any of DCCC’s property and assets not disposed of in accordance with ARTICLE VIII, 8-1A, shall be disposed of by the court having jurisdiction of the dissolution and liquidation of a nonprofit corporation organized and existing under and in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and having jurisdiction in the county of DCCC’s registered office exclusively to such religious an organization or organizations that fulfill the same criteria as outlined in ARTICLE VIII, 8-1A.

Article IX: Liability

9-1A No member of the Eldership team shall be personally liable, as such, for monetary damages for any action taken unless:

  1. The member has breached or failed to perform the duties of the office in good faith, in a manner reasonably believed to be in the best interest of DCCC and with such care, including reasonable inquiry, skill and diligence, as a person of ordinary prudence would use under similar circumstances; and
  2. The breach or failure to perform constitutes self-dealing, willful misconduct or recklessness.

9-1B This provision cannot by law release a member from liability under criminal laws or for proper payment of taxes

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