EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH
of Salt Lake City, Utah

Article I - Membership

Section 1 - Introduction

Any person who accepts Jesus Christ as Personal Savior and Lord and gives testimony of the new life is a member of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12 14; Romans 12:4 5). Any such person who considers the Evangelical Free Church of Salt Lake City to be their church is encouraged to publicly identify themselves with this local body through membership.

Section 2 - Admission

1. Persons desiring church membership should make their request known to a member of the Board of Elders. Such persons will be given a copy of the Constitution and By Laws, Statement of Faith, and an Application for Membership. The application must be completed by the applicant and given to a member of the Board of Elders.
2. Each applicant shall be required to share his testimony before two or more Elders who shall report on his testimony to the Elder Board.
3. When the Board of Elders is confident of the applicant's faith in Christ, assurance of salvation, desire to live the Christian life, and willingness to participate in the fellowship and discipline of the local church, then for three consecutive weeks the Board of Elders shall announce that such persons have requested membership.
4. Any objections to an applicant's membership must be submitted in writing to the Board of Elders within the three week announcement period. Such objections must include:
   • The reason for the objection,
   • Scriptural basis for the objection, and
   • Evidence that indicates the applicant participates in activities or holds to ideas that are objectionable.
5. Objections are not to be discussed with anyone except the Board of Elders.
6. If investigation by the Board of Elders substantiates any objection submitted according to the above and the applicant will not repent of the wrong, they shall be denied membership. Announcement of new members will be made to the congregation two weeks after the close of the three week announcement period.
7. Those who are admitted as members in the local church will be formally presented to the congregation and given the right hand of fellowship.
8. Pastors and their wives automatically become members with full voting privileges on receipt and acceptance of a call from the church.
9. Water baptism, while not required for church membership, is an ordinance of the church which all members of the church are instructed by the Bible to follow once, after their conversion. To observe this ordinance by immersion, if able, shall be considered important but not irrefutable evidence of a person's faith in Christ.
   
   Orientation Classes will be offered on a quarterly basis. These classes will include, but not be limited to, the history, policy and doctrines of the Evangelical Free Church (EFC) of America, of the EFC of Salt Lake City, and the ministries available at the EFC of Salt Lake City. All members are encouraged to attend these classes early in their association with the EFC of Salt Lake City. Anyone else who would like to attend these classes is welcome.

Section 3 - Regular Members

Members who have attained the age of eighteen are considered Regular Members. Regular Members may make motions, vote at business meetings, and hold the offices of Elder or Trustee (See Articles II and IV of these By-Laws regarding special requirements).

Section 4 - Associate Members

Associate Members are those members under the age of 18 or those temporarily residing in the area who wish to maintain membership in their home church. Associate Members are ineligible to vote or hold elected office.

Section 5 - Responsibilities

All members shall strive to:

1. Live according to the principles established in God's Word, the Bible.
2. Respect and submit to the leadership of the church; praying for them regularly.
3. Preserve the unity of the church, maintaining harmony with other members of the body of Christ.
4. Be actively involved in the ministry of the church, contributing regularly in time, talents, and resources.
5. Build up and encourage other members of the body of Christ.

Section 6 - Congregational Record and Membership Roll

A current record will be maintained, under the supervision of the Elder Board, to define the Membership Roll, determine voting rights, and maintain communication with the congregation.

Section 7 - Discipline

A. Causes for Discipline

1. The primary biblical cause for disciplinary action is persistence in sin. God's people are to be characterized by holiness, as that standard is defined in His Word. Refusal to conform to God's standards is a serious offense against God and must be dealt with by His people (1 Cor. 5:2; 2 Thess. 3:6; 1 Tim. 5:20 21; 2 Tim. 3:1 5).
2. Any activity which is harmful to the church is also a biblical reason for discipline. The following causes are specifically defined:
   • Teaching doctrines which contradict biblical truth (1 Tim. 1:3, 20; 2 Tim. 2:17 18).
   • Provoking divisions and quarrels within the church (Rom. 16:17; Titus 3:10 11).
3. When a member of the church is in need of discipline for one of the causes mentioned above, it is the responsibility of the other members of the body to seek their restoration. Disciplinary action is not meant as a means to accuse or condemn another, but rather to bring about mutual restoration according to the process defined in Matthew 18:15 20.
4. No call for disciplinary action shall be considered against an elder or pastor of the church unless supported by at least two witnesses (1 Tim. 5:19).

B. Procedure for Restoration

1. Go to the offender in private and talk to him about the offense. If he listens and corrects the offense, it is to be carried no further (Matt. 18:15).
2. If the offender refuses to correct the offense, take one or two mature believers along to talk with the person. They are witnesses to the process and may recommend corrective action to either the accused or the accuser. If the offender listens and corrects the offense, no further action should be taken (Matt. 18:16).
3. If the offender still refuses to correct the offense, go to the church leadership (Matt. 18:17), which is the Board of Elders. The Board of Elders shall constitute a committee for discipline. They shall seek to interview the offender with the purpose to get the offender to correct his offense and to restore him to fellowship with the Lord and with his brothers and sisters in Christ.

   If the offender is an elder or pastor, the rest of the Elder Board shall constitute a committee for discipline.

4. If the offender still refuses to correct the offense, the Board of Elders shall:
   • Take appropriate action to restore the offender.
   • As a final recourse, suspend the offender from membership and from participation in the activities of the church (Matt. 18:17 20). A suspended member does not have voting rights and may not hold any ministry position, elected or appointed.

Apart from continued efforts to bring about restoration, church members are to avoid fellowship with the offender after such action is taken (Matt. 18:17; 2 Thess. 3:6; Heb. 12:14 16; 1 Cor. 5:11 13).

Whenever such action is deemed necessary, it is understood that the offender has been suspended from membership because of failure to submit to the standards of God's word and to the authority of church leadership as defined in the church Constitution and By Laws.

The decision of the Elder Board shall be communicated to the congregation. The decision of the Elder Board is final in all matters of personal discipline

1. Since disciplinary action is for the correction and reconciliation of the offender, restoration is to be granted as quickly as possible. Upon evidence of the repentance of the offender, the Elder Board will seek to interview the offender. As soon as the elders are convinced that repentance has occurred, they will restore the person to membership and announce the decision to the congregation. Forgiveness and restoration to fellowship with the church body is to be granted with appropriate rejoicing (Matt. 18:21 22; Luke 15:21 32; 2 Cor. 2:5 11).

Section 8 - Termination of Membership

1. Any member in good standing who requests a transfer of membership will be given a letter of recommendation by the Board of Elders.
2. When a member in good standing has been inactive for a period of one year without manifesting interest in the church, the Board of Elders may remove the person from membership. Prior to this, every effort will be made to enlist the cooperation of the member in question. At least thirty days prior to removal the person will be notified in writing. The congregation will be advised of this action at the next regular business meeting.

Article II - Officers of the Church

Section 1 - Definition

The governing officers of the church shall be called Elders and will serve on a single board designated Board of Elders. The number of Elders serving on this Board, not less than six nor more than twelve, will be determined by the Board of Elders according to its evaluation of the spiritual and physical needs of the total church body. Input from the Pastoral Staff and the whole congregation will be sought in this evaluation.

Section 2 - Qualifications

The Elders shall be regular members of the church who are mature, godly men, not less than twenty five years of age, who subscribe to and live in accordance with biblical principles (1 Timothy 3:1 13; Titus 1:5 9), the Statement of Faith, Constitution, and By Laws of this church.

Section 3 - Selection

1. A Nominating Committee will be appointed by the Board of Elders. The congregation will then be invited to supply the committee with the names of men whom they believe would qualify as Elders. The Nominating Committee will then evaluate all candidates, selecting those best qualified to serve on the Elder Board. Candidates must be approved by the Elder Board.
2. Elders will be elected annually for a one year term. A board member may not serve in excess of six consecutive years following which an absence from the board of not less than one year shall be required.
3. The names of Elder candidates must be submitted to the congregation two weeks prior to the election. Election of board members will be held at the fourth quarter business meeting. Election will be by secret ballot on the basis of a three-quarter majority.
4. Departing members of the Elder Board will continue to serve as non-governing Elders of the church to the extent that they are willing and able to serve in that capacity.
5. When the number of board members becomes less than that considered to be essential, the Elder Board may appoint members from among the non-governing Elders to fill vacancies until the subsequent annual meeting. Elder Board appointments must be confirmed by congregational vote at the next quarterly business meeting.

Section 4 - Responsibilities

1. The Board of Elders will seek the Lord's leading in their duties, by devotion to prayer and the study of God's Word, the Bible. Doing this the Elders will serve a three fold function: 1) to build and develop their own families in the Lord (1 Timothy 3:4 5); 2) to feed and shepherd the church by proclaiming God's Word, imparting truth, refuting error, and administering discipline (John 21:15 17; Acts 20:17 32; 1 Peter 5:1 3); 3) to oversee all aspects of the church both temporal and spiritual (Titus 1:5 7; 1 Timothy 3:4 5).
2. The selection of officers and assignment of responsibilities within the Board of Elders will be determined by internal election. The board shall establish and oversee other church boards and committees as necessary.

Section 5 - Meetings

1. The Board of Elders shall meet for the consideration of business not less than once per month. Special meetings may be called by the chairman as needed.
2. A quorum of a simple majority is necessary to conduct business.

Section 6 - Accountability

1. All Elders will participate faithfully in a mutual discipleship ministry with the Pastor.
2. The Board of Elders shall evaluate itself and its members to assure that it is fulfilling its responsibilities in accordance with the Word of God and these By-Laws.
3. The Board of Elders shall be responsible for disciplining its members, when the occasion arises, in accordance with the principles established in Article I, Section 7 of these By-Laws.
4. The Board of Elders shall be accountable to the congregation, and ultimately, to the Head of the Church, Jesus Christ, for all their actions and decisions (Eph. 1:22-23; Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 5:1-4)

Section 7 - Resignation

Any Elder who ceases to fulfill the biblical qualifications for an Elder, is unable to fulfill the duties of his office, fails to attend three consecutive Board of Elder meetings without good reason, or does not regularly attend the announced services of the church, shall be asked to resign from the Board of Elders.

Article III - Pastoral Staff

Section 1 - Qualifications

Each member shall have been called by the will of God into the ministry of serving God, proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ, and edifying the people of God. Each shall be a mature, godly person of outstanding character whose reputation is beyond reproach. He must display the spiritual and personal qualities required of leaders by the Bible (1 Tim. 3:1-13; Tit. 1:5-9). In addition, he shall subscribe to and live in accordance with the Statement of Faith, Constitution, and By Laws of this church.

Section 2 - Selection

1. When the need for Pastoral Staff arises, the Elder Board shall evaluate the needs of the church and present a recommendation to the congregation which identifies the nature of the staff position to be filled. Upon receiving congregational approval of this recommendation by secret ballot, the Elder Board will proceed to name a search committee.
   • The Search Committee for Senior Pastor shall consist of regular members who are mature, discerning believers, representing as broad a spectrum as possible within the church body.
   • The Search Committee for an Associate Pastor shall consist of mature, discerning believers, representing as broad a spectrum as possible within the church body and the sphere of ministry which the Associate Pastor will be attending. The members os a committee or board related to the ministry of an Associate Pastor may be named to the Search Committee for that position.
   • The Senior Pastor will be a member of all Search Committees.
   • An outgoing pastor may not be a member of the Search Committee seeking his replacement, but may be a consultant to it.
2. All Search Committees will consult with the Elder Board and solicit recommendations from other members of the congregation to establish a prioritized list of qualifications to seek in selecting a candidate to fill the specific position under consideration.
3. The Search Committee shall solicit names of candidates from the Pastoral Staff, the national and district staff of the EFCA, the congregation, and other sources.
4. The Search Committee shall be responsible for investigating the background and qualifications of those it is considering.
5. Those candidates who meet the criteria established by these By-Laws and by the Search Committee shall be placed on a list from which one candidate will be selected and invited for more thorough interviews and evaluation.
6. After being selected by the Search Committee, the candidate shall then be presented to the Elder Board for their approval. Both Search Committee and Elder Board must approve the candidate by no less than a three-quarters majority vote, before the person may be presented to the congregation for election.
7. The approved candidate must be presented to the congregation by means of written materials for no less than two weeks previous to a personal visit by the candidate and family. Congregational evaluation shall include opportunities for personal contact, preaching, or other activities, as appropriate for the position being filled.
8. Congregational approval shall be demonstrated by a three-quarters majority vote of qualified voting members present. The votes shall be cast by secret ballot.
9. All Pastoral Staff members shall be called for an indefinite term of service and shall, together with their spouses, automatically become regular members of the church, upon acceptance of a Pastoral Staff position.

Section 3 - Responsibilities

Senior Pastor

• The Senior Pastor shall be responsible for his area of ministry as defined by the Elder Board and approved by the congregation. These duties will include: preaching regularly at scheduled church services, administering the ordinances of the church, caring for the spiritual needs of the body by training them for Christian living and for the work of the ministry (Eph. 4:11-12).
• He shall be responsible for coordinating the ministries of the Pastoral Staff.
• He shall be a member of the Board of Elders and an ex officio member of all other boards, committees and organizations. He cannot be elected to any other office in the church. He may delegate his ex-officio status to another member of the Pastoral Staff for participation in any meeting.
• He shall present a written report at each Annual Business Meeting, summarizing the progress of the church during the past year, and proposing goals for the future development of the ministry.
• He shall perform such other duties in connection with the work of the church as shall be delegated to him by the Elder Board.

Associate Pastors

• An Associate Pastor shall be responsible for his area of ministry as defined by the Elder Board and approved by the congregation. Associate Pastors may be required in specialized areas such as: ministries with youth, the Intermountain Christian School, the elderly, or other specific groups within the body, as well as ministries in Christian education, music and worship, church administration, or other needed areas. The Principal of the Intermountain Christian School shall be an Associate Pastor of the church.
• An Associate Pastor shall perform such other duties in connection with the work of the church as requested by the Senior Pastor and approved by the Board of Elders, in consultation with the board or committee designated to be responsible for his assigned area of ministry.
• An Associate Pastor shall be an ex-officio member of all boards and committees related to his assigned areas of ministry as determined by the Elder Board.
• An Associate Pastor shall perform the Senior Pastor's duties when he is unable or is absent, as requested by the Board of Elders or Senior Pastor.
• Associate Pastors shall be Elders of the church. They shall serve as ex officio members of the Elder Board when the other members of the board consider it appropriate. The nature of the ministry of the Associate Pastor will be the primary criterion in this evaluation.

Section 4 - Meetings

The Pastoral Staff shall meet regularly for prayer, planning, and coordination of activities.

Section 5 - Accountability

1. Each member of the Pastoral Staff shall abide by the Word of God in his life, teaching and preaching, and guard his conduct so as to be esteemed a mature and godly person, respected in the congregation and in the community.
2. He shall be careful to carry out his assigned responsibilities to the best of his ability, according to the abilities which God has given him.
3. He shall be accountable to the board or committee related to his area of responsibility for the fulfillment of his duties.
4. He shall be accountable to the Elder Board for his personal walk with God and character, and for encouraging the growth and spiritual development of the church.
5. As an Elder, each member of the Pastoral Staff is accountable to the Elder Board, in accordance with the principles established in Article II, Section 6 of these By Laws.

Section 6 - Resignation

1. Service may be terminated upon ninety days notification in writing by the staff member to the board or committee related to his area of responsibility and to the Board of Elders. By mutual agreement of the staff member and the Elder Board, the notification period may be shortened.
2. Consideration shall be given by the Elder Board to the cause and alternatives prior to accepting a resignation. Resignations shall be considered final when accepted by the Elder Board.
3. Any member of the Pastoral Staff who ceases to fulfill the biblical qualifications for an Elder, is unable to fulfill the duties of his office, or does not regularly attend the services of the church, shall be asked to resign.

Section 7 - Dismissal

1. All action to dismiss a member of the Pastoral Staff shall be directed to the Elder Board for its consideration.
2. A recommendation for dismissal can be made by the Elder Board only when the requirements established under Qualifications and Responsibilities in Article III have not been met.
3. The recommendation for dismissal from the Elder Board shall be presented to the congregation for its consideration.
4. A recommendation for dismissal must be announced two weeks prior to the congregational meeting and confirmed by a three-quarters majority vote of the qualified members of the congregation present, cast by secret ballot, when the Pastoral Staff member is not present.
5. At any time during the proceedings, the member of the Pastoral Staff may submit his resignation to the Elder Board which would eliminate the need for additional public discussion or congregational vote.
6. In the case of serious disciplinary problems, the Board of Elders shall be empowered to relieve the staff member of his duties until the dismissal process is completed.

Section 8 - Interim Senior Pastor

When a vacancy occurs in the Senior Pastorate, an Interim Pastor may be named by the Elder Board to provide continuity of pastoral and teaching ministry. The Interim Pastor will assume the regular responsibilities of the Senior Pastor during the interim period. Temporary changes in procedures or staffing may be necessary, and shall be presented by the Interim Pastor to the appropriate boards and committees, with the approval of the Board of Elders.

Article IV - Church Boards and Committees

Section 1 - Board of Trustees

Definition

The Trustees are elected members of the body who are responsible for the physical and financial matters of the church. The number of Trustees serving on the Board of Trustees shall be not less than six with the ultimate number being determined by the Board of Elders.

Qualifications

The Trustees shall be regular members of the church, not less than twenty one years of age, who subscribe to and live in accordance with biblical principles (I Timothy 3:8 13), the Statement of Faith, Constitution, and By Laws of this church.

Selection

1. The Nominating Committee will invite the congregation to supply the committee with the names of those whom they believe would qualify as Trustees. The Nominating Committee will review all candidates and submit the names of those qualified to the Elder Board for approval.
2. Trustees shall be elected to fill a one year term of office. A board member may not serve in excess of six consecutive years following which an absence from the board of not less than one year shall be required.
3. Regular election of board members will be held at the fourth quarter business meeting. At other times a special election of Trustees may be called by the Elder Board if deemed necessary. Election will be by secret ballot on the basis of simple majority.

Responsibilities

1. The Trustee Board will be responsible for the physical and financial matters of the church.
2. The Board shall supervise the administration and maintenance of all church property.
3. The board shall be responsible for the administration of church finances, providing a monthly summary to the Senior Pastor and quarterly reports to the Board of Elders with a summary to the congregation. A complete financial statement and budget will be submitted at the annual meeting.
4. The board shall supervise the administration of all church business affairs, defining, hiring, and supervising the personnel necessary to carry out such functions, in accordance with the budget.
5. The assignment of responsibilities within the Board of Trustees will be determined by internal election. The Trustees shall appoint the additional individuals or committees necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the Board of Trustees.

Meetings

1. The Board of Trustees shall meet for the consideration of business not less than once per month. Special meetings may be called as needed by the chairman.
2. A quorum of a simple majority is necessary to conduct business.

Accountability

1. The Board of Trustees shall be accountable to the Elder Board and ultimately to the congregation.
2. A member of the Board of Elders will be named to be an ex-officio member of this board, along with the Senior Pastor.

Resignation

Any Trustee who ceases to fulfill the qualifications as stated in Article IV, Section 1.B of these By-Laws; or is unable to fulfill the duties of this office, or fails to attend three consecutive Board of Trustee meetings without good reason, or does not regularly attend the announced services of the church, shall be asked by the Board of Elders to resign from the Board of Trustees.

Section 2 - Other Church Boards and Committees

Definition

The Board of Elders and Board of Trustees shall establish those committees and boards necessary to carry out the ministries and business affairs of the church. These boards and committees may be ongoing or temporary as need dictates.

Qualifications

The board and committee members shall be mature individuals who subscribe to and live in accordance with biblical principles, the Statement of Faith, Constitution and By-Laws of this church.

Selection

Once the board or committee has been established, a leader will be designated or affirmed by the Board of Elders or Board of Trustees, whichever is applicable.

Responsibilities

1. The board or committee shall seek the Lord's leading in carrying out its duties.
2. A board or committee may establish its own By-Laws or guidelines, which shall be subject to approval by the Elder Board.

Meetings

The board or committee shall meet as often as necessary to perform their assigned responsibility.

Accountability

All boards or committees shall be accountable to the establishing board, through its designated representative.

Section 3 - Nominating Committee

Definition

The Nominating Committee is commissioned to select candidates for the Elder Board, the Trustee Board, and other elected positions as needed, at the discretion of the Elder Board. This committee shall not have less than five members with the ultimate number being determined by the Elder Board.

Qualifications

Nominating Committee members shall be regular members of the church, not less than twenty-one years of age, who subscribe to and live in accordance with biblical principles, the Statement of Faith, Constitution, and By-Laws of this church.

Selection

1. The members of the Nominating Committee will be proposed to the congregation by the Elder Board at the fourth quarter business meeting. Election will be by secret ballot on the basis of simple majority.
2. The committee shall represent as broad a spectrum as possible of the congregation.
3. Members shall be elected for a one year term. A committee member may not serve in excess of three consecutive years following which an absence from the committee of not less than one year shall be required.
4. When the number of committee members becomes less than that considered to be essential, the Elder Board may appoint additional members at the request of the committee chairman. Elder Board appointments must be confirmed by congregational vote at the next quarterly business meeting.

Responsibilities

1. Solicit and review names of potential candidates from the congregation.
2. Present a list of potential candidates to the Elder Board for their approval.
3. Interview the approved candidates to determine eligibility and availability for the office under consideration.
4. Present to the Board of Elders the list of candidates selected for congregational vote.

Accountability

1. The Nominating Committee shall be accountable to the Elder Board.
2. A member of the Board of Elders shall be named an ex-officio member of this committee.

Resignation

A committee member may resign by notifying the committee chairman.

Article V - Meetings

• There shall be a general congregational business meeting every quarter with election of officers occurring at the fourth quarter. These meetings shall include reports from such committees and individuals as deemed necessary and desirable by the Board of Elders.
• Special meetings may be called by the Chairman of the Board of Elders.
• All meetings must have a minimum notification period of one week, except the fourth quarter which shall have two weeks.
• A simple majority of votes cast on any issue shall be necessary to pass any item of business unless stated otherwise in the Constitution or the By Laws.