Evangelical Free Church of Salt Lake City : Bylaws

By-Laws

(Updated 01-24-2009)

Article I - Membership

Section 1 - Introduction

Any person who by grace alone has been saved through faith alone in Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord 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 himself/herself with this local body through membership

Section 2 - Admission

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.
So as to better understand the unity and background of this body, each applicant is expected to attend a class on church membership which 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. Upon completion of the class, each applicant will be asked to share his/her testimony before two or more Elders who shall report on his/her testimony to the Elder Board.
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.
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
1. The reason for the objection,
2. Scriptural basis for the objection, and
3. Evidence that indicates the applicant participates in activities or holds to ideas that are objectionable.
Objections are not to be discussed with anyone except the Board of Elders.
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.
Those who are admitted as members in the local church will be formally presented to the congregation and given the right hand of fellowship.
Pastors and their wives automatically become members with full voting privileges on receipt and acceptance of a call from the church. Staff members and their spouses, if the hiring process included comparable examination of both spouses, likewise become members at the point of hire..
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.

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 Deacon (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 live according to the principles established in God's Word, the Bible.
To walk together in Christian love through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Unless providentially hindered, to “not forsake the assembling [of ourselves] together,” but to faithfully attend the church's meetings for worship, prayer, study, and fellowship, and to use their spiritual gifts for the common good.
To purpose to watch over one another in brotherly love, to remember one another in prayer, to help one another in sickness and distress, and to cultivate Christian compassion and courtesy.
If ever necessary, to submit to the church's discipline upon oneself or to lovingly assume one’s responsibility to participate in the discipline of other members, as taught in Scripture and outlined in the church by-laws.
To financially contribute cheerfully and regularly to this church for its general ministry and expenses, the relief of the poor, the cause of reformation and revival, and the spread of the Gospel throughout all nations.
By God's grace and power to live as Christ in the world; and denying ungodliness and worldly lusts to seek to fulfill their calling to lead a holy life and to be salt and light.
To seek the salvation of their family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, acquaintances, and of all the world.

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

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).
Any activity which is harmful to the church is also a biblical reason for discipline. The following causes are specifically defined:
1. Teaching doctrines which contradict biblical truth (1 Tim. 1:3, 20; 2 Tim. 2:17 18).
2. Provoking divisions and quarrels within the church (Rom. 16:17; Titus 3:10 11).
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 his/her 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.
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

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).
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).
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.

If the offender still refuses to correct the offense, the Board of Elders shall:
1. Take appropriate action to restore the offender.
2. 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.
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

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.
If a member is undergoing church discipline, no request for termination of membership shall be accepted until the matter has been resolved. (See Article 1, Section 7).

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 or 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

The Board of Elders will issue a written invitation to the members of the congregation, asking them to submit the names of men whom they believe would qualify to serve as Elders. This submission of potential candidates for elder will be done in writing and any potential candidate who receives a number of nominations will be evaluated by the Board of Elders.
Those preliminarily thought to be qualified to serve will be made available to the congregation for interview. A mechanism for the voicing of written concerns to the Board of Elders about any candidate will be provided.
Upon the investigation and resolution of any submitted concerns, the Board of Elders will submit the names of all candidates for the Board of Elders (including returning Elders eligible for re-affirmation) to the congregation, in writing, two weeks prior to the election. Affirmation of board members will be held at the fourth quarter business meeting. Affirmation will be by secret ballot on the basis of a three-quarter majority of those present.
Elders will be affirmed 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.
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.
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

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).
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

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.
A quorum of a simple majority is necessary to conduct business.

Section 6 - Accountability

All Elders will participate faithfully in a mutual discipleship ministry with the Pastor.
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.
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.
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

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.
1. 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.
2. 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 of a committee or board related to the ministry of an Associate Pastor may be named to the Search Committee for that position.
3. The Senior Pastor will be a member of all Search Committees.
4. An outgoing pastor may not be a member of the Search Committee seeking his replacement, but may be a consultant to it.
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.
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.
The Search Committee shall be responsible for investigating the background and qualifications of those it is considering.
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.
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 affirmation.
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.
Congregational approval shall be demonstrated by a three-quarters majority vote of qualified voting members present. The votes shall be cast by secret ballot.
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
1. 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 it for Christian living and for the work of the ministry (Eph. 4:11-12).
2. b. He shall be responsible for coordinating the ministries of the Pastoral Staff.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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
1. 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 either a church staff member or an associate pastor of the church and become and remain a member in good standing. However, the same selection and dismissal process as for an associate pastor shall apply for the principal of ICS whether that person is a staff member or an associate pastor.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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
5. 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

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.
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.
He shall be accountable to the board or committee related to his area of responsibility for the fulfillment of his duties.
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.
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

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.
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.
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 by the Board of Elders.

Section 7 - Dismissal

All action to dismiss a member of the Pastoral Staff shall be directed to the Elder Board for its consideration.
The recommendation for dismissal from the Elder Board shall be presented to the congregation for its consideration.
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.
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.
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 – Deacons and other Church Boards and Committees

Section 1 - Deacons

A. Definition

The Deacons are congregationally affirmed members of the body who are responsible for the execution and oversight of various “spheres of ministry” in the church. In principle, the role of Deacons is drawn from the division of labor seen in Acts 6:2-4 where some in the church gave themselves to the ministry of the Word and prayer (Elders) and others gave themselves to other necessary ministries (Deacons).

B. Qualifications

A Deacon shall be a regular member of the church, not less than twenty-one years of age, who subscribes to and lives in accordance with biblical principles (I Timothy 3:8-13), the Statement of Faith, Constitution, and By-Laws of this church. It is our understanding of this passage that qualified women may serve as Deacons.

C. Selection

When need arises, the Board of Elders will invite the congregation to submit the names of those whom they believe would meet the qualifications for Deacon and would be capable of serving over the needed “sphere of ministry.” In nominating the candidate to chair the ICS School Board (see D.2. below), preference will be given to the opinion of the School Board itself. The Elder Board will review all candidates and submit the names of those qualified to the congregation for approval.
Deacons shall be elected to fill a one-year term of office. A Deacon may not serve in excess of six consecutive terms following which an absence from the position of not less than one year shall be required.
Regular election of Deacons will be held at the fourth quarter business meeting. Affirmation will be by secret ballot on the basis of simple majority of those present.
If an urgent need for a Deacon arises, the Elder Board may appoint a qualified individual as an “Acting Deacon” pending congregational approval at the next quarterly business meeting. The term of an Acting Deacon expires at the next fourth quarter business meeting, at which point the member may be affirmed as a Deacon according to the normal selection process. Any term of service spent as an Acting Deacon does not accrue towards the term restrictions of point 2 above.

D. Responsibilities

Under the authority of the Board of Elders, and in a manner which accords with the rest of these by-laws, the Deacons shall serve the Body by overseeing necessary “spheres of ministry” within the church. Generally, one or two Deacons would each oversee a defined “sphere of ministry” and would gather a team of others from the congregation to help. The number and nature of these “spheres” (and therefore the number of needed Deacons at any point in time) will be determined by the Board of Elders, according to need, in consultation with the existing Deacons.

At a minimum, such “spheres of ministry” will include (but not be limited to):

Supervising and administering the physical and financial matters of the church (as “Trustees”; see Section 2, below).
Supervising and administering the Intermountain Christian School (as Chairperson of the School Board; see school By-Laws)
Overseeing other “spheres of ministry” as the need arises.

E. Accountability

Each Deacon shall be accountable to the Elder Board and ultimately to the congregation. Every effort should be made between Deacons and their respective “spheres of ministry” to cooperate in gospel ministry, but in the event of disagreement, the Elder Board shall be consulted for assistance in resolution.

F. Resignation

Any Deacon 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 does not regularly attend the announced services of the church, shall be asked by the Board of Elders to resign from the office of Deacon.

Section 2 - Trustees

A. Definition

The Trustees are Deacons and as such are subject to the same Qualifications and Selection and Resignation process as outlined above. Trustees constitute a standing committee that is specifically responsible for the physical and financial matters of the church. The number of Trustees serving on this committee shall be not less than five with the ultimate number being determined by the Board of Elders.

B. Responsibilities

The Trustees shall supervise the administration and maintenance of all church real property.
The Trustees 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.
The Trustees 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.
The assignment of responsibilities within the Trustee committee will be determined by internal election. The Trustees may appoint additional individuals or committees necessary to carry out their responsibilities.

C. Meetings

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

D. Accountability

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

Section 3 - Other Church Boards and Committees

A. Definition

The Board of Elders and Deacons 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.

B. 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.

C. Selection

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

D. Responsibilities

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

E. Meetings

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

F. Accountability

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

Article V - Congregational 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.
Quorum, the necessary minimum number of members present in order to conduct official business, shall be 20% of the official membership of the church.

Article VI - Conflict and Dispute Resolution

A. Context

It is our heart’s desire at the Evangelical Free Church of Salt Lake City to “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3) and to “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Rom. 12:18). In keeping with these scriptures and others, it is vital to our Church body to make every attempt to reconcile conflict by demonstrating God’s grace and committing to help parties to resolve conflict in a biblical manner so as to glorify Christ in the process.

However, we also acknowledge that situations may arise which the Church, its leaders, and members cannot resolve. In such situations, we are instructed by 1 Corinthians, Chapter 6 to turn to the Body of Christ rather than our judicial system to resolve civil legal claims. To enable this Church, its members, and leaders to honor the commands of 1 Corinthians Chapter 6, we, as a Church and a legal organization adopt the following mandatory mediation and arbitration alternative dispute resolution clause:

B. Conflict Resolution and Alternative Dispute Resolution Requirements:

All members, employees, agents, and leaders of the Evangelical Free Church of Salt Lake City expressly waive the right to file civil lawsuits against one another in any judicial forum. Instead, any dispute or claim that cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the parties shall be subject to mandatory mediation and, if necessary mandatory and binding arbitration with the Institute for Christian Conciliation (ICC), associated with Peacemaker Ministries. If any claim or complaint cannot be resolved through mediation with the I.C.C., we expressly waive any right to sue Evangelical Free Church of Salt Lake City, its leaders, employees, agents, or members and consent to be bound by any matter decided by arbitration with the I.C.C. We further agree that the parties to the dispute may assist in selecting an I.C.C. approved mediator or arbitrator or a panel of two or more mediators or arbitrators. All costs for mediating or arbitrating with the I.C.C. will be shared equally by the parties unless otherwise agreed upon by the parties.