第一条 名称
1.01
本法人团体为一教会组织，名称为恩约华人改革宗教会（以下简称“CCRC”）。在本章程中，除非另有说明，“教会”、“本教会”或“该教会”均指恩约华人改革宗教会。
第二条 基础
2.01
恩约华人改革宗教会认信圣经为上帝无谬、无误、永不改变的话语，并以归正信仰的三大信条，通常称为“三联合信条”：海德堡要理问答、比利时信条和多特信经，作为解释圣经的公认标准。
2.02
三大信条的教导并未穷尽我们信仰的全部内容。圣经本身，作为上帝所默示、无谬、无误的话语，在真理、道德以及人类的正当行为上具有最终权威，是我们一切所信的唯一且最终来源。为教会教义、实践、政策和纪律之目的，恩约华人改革宗教会的牧长会（Consistory）是本教会对圣经意义及其应用的最终解释权威。
第三条 目的
3.01
恩约华人改革宗教会是一个宗教法人，不是为任何个人的私利而设立。它是依据《加州非营利宗教法人法》（Nonprofit Religious Corporation Law）设立，专为宗教目的而存在，符合《美国国内税收法》（Internal Revenue Code）第501(c)(3)条的定义。
3.02
在上述一般目的背景下，本法人应：
3.02（a）
从事一切通常且正常由教会进行的合法活动和运作。本教会不得从事任何不符合以下条件的活动：(1) 根据《美国国内税收法》（Internal Revenue Code）第501(c)(3)条免缴联邦所得税的法人所不允许的活动；或(2) 根据第170(c)(2)条可扣除捐款的法人所不允许的活动。
3.02（b）
被授权并有权为所提供的服务支付合理报酬，并为其作为教会的宗旨进行支付和分配。
3.02（c）
拥有并行使法律赋予非营利法人的所有权力，并拥有所有在管理事务和执行本法人职务所需的一切必要或附带的行为。
3.03
本法人活动的任何实质部分不得用于进行宣传，或以其他方式试图影响立法，本法人亦不得参与或干预任何政治竞选（包括发布或分发支持任何公职候选人的声明）。
第四条 治理
4.01
CCRC是北美联合改革宗教会（以下简称“URCNA”）的成员教会。本规章并非旨在取代林伍德总会（1996年10月）通过并由后续总会修订的《URCNA教会章程》（简称《章程》）。如果这些规章与《章程》之间存在任何不一致，只要教会章程符合并完全一致于神的无谬、无误、不变的话语，应当以《章程》为准。
第五条 职分
5.01
CCRC承认教会内三（3）个职位，即圣道牧师、长老和执事。所有任职者都必须符合圣经的要求，并遵循圣经作为上帝无谬、无误、不变的话语，以及改革宗信条，通常被称为《三联合信条》：《海德堡教理问答》、《比利时信条》和《多特信经》，以及《章程》（第4-8条、第12-13条）的解释。
5.02
圣道牧师的职责，如《章程》（第2条）所述，包括持续专心于祈祷与圣道事工，施行各圣礼，以要理问答教导青年人，并协助众长老牧养会众并执行教会纪律惩戒。
5.03
长老的职责，如《章程》（第14条）所述，持续专心于祈祷并依据圣经教导的原则治理教会，为了教义之纯净与生命之圣洁得以实行。他们应当尽职监督，确保其他长老，牧师和执事都忠心履行自己的职责。他们要保持圣道与圣礼的纯净，协助以要理问答教导青年人，促进以上帝为中心的办学教育，按需探访教会成员，进行家庭探访，在会众中执行纪律惩戒，积极促进传扬福音与宣教事工，并确保凡事都按规矩以及良好秩序进行。
5.04
执事的职责，如《章程》（第15条）所述，持续专心于祈祷并监督会众中基督徒怜悯的善工；熟悉会众的需求；勉励教会成员显出怜悯；收集并管理上帝子民以基督的名所捐的奉献，并按需分配这些捐献；用上帝的道鼓励并安慰那些收到基督怜悯赠予的人。至于教会以外需求，特别是其他信徒，也应当在资源许可的情况下予以考虑。
5.05
在职长老与圣道牧师共同组成牧长会（《章程》，第21条）。牧长会通常每月召开一次会议，履行各自职分。牧长会（Consistory）拥有最终权威，代表教会做出和执行与教义、生活和惩戒相关的决定。
5.06
在职执事将共同组成执事会。执事会通常每月召开一次会议，处理与其职务相关的事务，并向牧长会提交工作报告。
5.07
牧长会与执事会共同组成“议会”（Council）。
5.07（a）
议会在法人意义上行使本教会的董事会功能。负责本教会的财产、业务和行政事务的管理和控制。按照《加州公司法》（Corporation Code Section）第5047条，议会成员为法人意义上的董事和/或受托人。
5.07（b）
议会的职责包括牧长会根据《章程》所委托的事项，以及教会共同行政事务，例如呼召牧师、批准议会成员提名、互相劝勉、接待教会察访者等共同关心的事项。
5.07（c）
议会对本教会的财产、业务和行政事务拥有最终决定和执行的权威。
5.07（d）
若对某一事项究竟属于“教义、生活和惩戒”范畴还是“财产、业务和行政事务”范畴有疑问，由牧长会决定最适当的类别。
5.08
议会应向会众提交长老和执事的提名。只有公开承认信仰的男性成员，达到圣经对任职者的要求，且表明对《签署书》的同意，方可被议会提名。在确定提名前，议会可以向会众征求关注适合人选。
5.09
在本教会年度成员会议上（Annual Congregational Meeting），以简单多数票选举长老和执事。
5.10
在职长老和执事的数目可由议会酌情增加或减少。
5.11
定期选举的长老和执事应在议会指定的时间，使用适当的礼仪形式按立和就职，并按牧长会不时确定的有限任期服事。每位长老和执事通常任职至其继任者正式任命并合格为止。
5.11（a）
当CCRC接收到圣道牧师的资历证明时，该圣道牧师自动成为议会（Council）和牧长会（Consistory）的成员。圣道牧师没有任期，只要CCRC持有其牧师资历证明，他仍是议会和牧长会成员。
5.12
年度成员会议后，议会应从牧长会成员中选出主席、副主席、书记、副书记，并从执事中选出执事会主席，以及从会众中选出一位财务主管。
5.12（a）
主席履行《章程》（第19条）所规定的职责，其中包括但不限于：制定议程，召集并主持其出席的牧长会、议会及会众的所有会议，以确保会议遵守《章程》，并维持发言的正当秩序和礼仪。通常由圣道牧师担任主席，但长老或执事也可担任。
5.12（b）
副主席应在需要时协助主席，并在主席缺席或无法行动时履行主席职责。
5.12（c）
书记应应履行《章程》（第20条）中规定的职责，其中包括但不限于：准确记录牧长会、议会以及进行正式事务的成员会议的会议纪要，并负责核实记录的真实性。
5.12（d）
副书记员应在需要时协助书记员，并在书记员缺席或无法行动时履行书记职责。
5.12（e）
执事会主席应主持执事会的所有会议，并向牧长会汇报执事们的工作情况。如缺席，执事主席应任命一名执事向牧长会报告。
5.12（f）
议会应从会众中选出一名财务主管（Treasurer）。财务主管应准确记录CCRC的财务账目和活动，并定期向议会报告相关情况。
第六条 议会
6.01
议会通常每月召开一次会议，履行《章程》中所述的职责或由牧长会委托的职责。
6.02
议会的任何会议的法定人数（Quorum）应由多数议会成员组成（majority），方可进行议事。
6.03
议会的特别会议可由主席、副主席或任何三名议会成员召集。
6.03（a）
召集会议的人员应亲自或通过电话、邮寄、短信或电子邮件通知所有议会成员。通知应在会议日期前不少于两天内送达每位议会成员。通知应说明会议的日期、地点和时间，以及召集的目的。
6.03（b）
任何议会成员均可通过会议前后签署书面声明，放弃对会议通知。议会成员出席会议即构成放弃通知，除非该成员出席会议的明确目的是因为会议未被合法召集，而对会议上处理任何事务提出反对。
6.03（c）
无异议出席任何会议即构成放弃该会议通知。以书面形式于会议日期之前或之后签署的通知放弃声明，与签署该放弃声明的个人实际收到通知具有同等法律效力。
6.04
议会在会议上需要采取的任何行动，均可在不召开会议的情况下采取；但须以书面同意的方式进行，并在该书面文件中明确表明该行动已如此采取，且该书面同意须由所有对该行动享有表决权的议会成员签署。
6.05
议会成员如有需要，可通过电话会议或类似电子实时沟通方式参与议会会议，并视为实际出席会议。
第七条 委员会
7.01
议会有权根据需要，指定和任命常设和/或特别委员会，并指定委员会的人员、人数及职责。
7.02
每个委员会应定期向议会提交报告。
7.03
委员会有权向议会提出建议。尽管委员会建议应予充分考虑，但对所有问题执行最终决定的权力仍归牧长会或议会所有，视问题性质而定（参见规章，第5.02， 5.04[a-d]条）。
7.04
议会应任命一个执行委员会（executive committee），由议会主席、副主席、议会书记、财务主管，和执事会主席组成，负责执行议会指派的事务，并在无法召开会议时，作出紧急事务的决定。此类紧急决策应向议会报告并解释，并在下次议会会议上提交批准。
第八条 成员会议
8.01
CCRC会众成员应至少每年在议会决定的时间、地点及通知下召开一次成员会议。
8.02
议会认为有必要时可召集特别成员会议，会议应在议会决定的时间、地点及通知下举行。
8.03
成员会议的投票权，限于年满十八（18）岁、会籍状态良好的领餐成员（Communicant members）。
8.04
成员会议中，10%的领餐成员出席，即构成处理事务所需的法定人数。
8.05
是否允许缺席投票由理事会酌情决定；如允许缺席投票，与该缺席投票有关的信息和／或程序，应随同会议的正式通知一并提供。
8.06
除非议会、《章程》或法律另有规定需要更高票数，否则，凡提交成员会议表决的任何事项，均以出席并参与表决者的过半数赞成票为通过。
8.07
在依法享有表决权的领餐成员出席的会议中，出席并有表决权的领餐成员的多数意见，其行为应由议会视为会众的建议（advice）。议会在充分重视并审慎考虑会众投票结果的同时，所有事项的最终决定权及其执行权，仍依事项性质分别归属于牧长会或议会（参见规章，第5.02，5.04[a–d]条）。
第九条 财务
9.01
议会的职责之一是为教会的各项事工制定年度预算。筹措经费的方式须符合教会免税资格的相关规定。议会应当鼓励教会成员以奉献和捐助的方式，忠心支持教会的各项事工与计划。
9.02
教会的财务账簿与记录应当妥善保存，以便及时向政府及理事会提供所需的报告资料，并确保能够对本法人之财务状况进行准确、独立的财务审查。
9.03
本法人的财政年度为每年1月1日至12月31日。
9.04
有支票、本票及付款指令，均应由议会指定的代理人以教会名义签署。
第十条 员工与志愿者
10.01
议会有权聘用在 CCRC 担任事工或非事工职务的员工，并支付其合理的开支和薪酬。所有员工必须为 CCRC 的领餐成员，且不得处于教会纪律处分之下（参见 规章12.05(b)）。
10.02
所有以职业，即全职或兼职工作，或以志愿者身份与服务为 CCRC 做出贡献的人，均是服侍耶稣基督。因此，所有此类人员在信仰与行为上应遵守本教会的教义，并服从牧长会的监督。
10.03
议会有权酌情接受或拒绝志愿者。所有志愿者必须遵守 CCRC 的《性骚扰与儿童保护政策》（Policy on Sexual Harassment and Child Protection）。
第十一条 议会成员、员工和代理人的赔偿
11.01
第三方诉讼：本法人有权对因其身份而成为或可能成为正在进行、已威胁、未决或已结案的民事、刑事、行政或调查性诉讼、程序的一方，或受到此类诉讼威胁的人，提供赔偿（indemnify）。该身份包括该人是或曾是本议会成员、员工或代理人，或应本法人要求担任其他境内外公司、营利或非营利企业、商业公司、合伙企业、合资企业、信托或其他组织的议会成员、员工或代理人。赔偿范围包括该人在诉讼、程序中因善意行事，并以其合理信念认为符合或不违背本法人或其会众最佳利益的情况下，实际合理支出的费用（包括合理律师费）、判决、处罚、罚款及和解金额。在刑事诉讼或程序中，若该人无合理理由认为其行为违法，也在赔偿范围内。诉讼、程序因判决、裁定、和解、定罪或认罪不抗辩（nolo contendere）或同等方式终结，本身不应推定该人未以善意行事，或未以其合理信念认为符合或不违背本法人或会众最佳利益行事；对于刑事诉讼或程序，也不应推定该人有合理理由认为其行为违法。
11.02
以本法人名义的诉讼：本法人有权对因其身份而成为或可能成为本法人名义提起的、正在进行、已威胁或已结案的诉讼一方的人提供赔偿（indemnify），该诉讼旨在为本法人取得有利判决。该身份包括该人是或曾是其他境内外公司、营利或非营利企业、商业公司、合伙企业、合资企业、信托或其他组织的议会成员、员工或代理人。赔偿范围包括该人在诉讼中因善意行事，并以其合理信念认为符合或不违背本法人或会众最佳利益的情况下，实际支出的费用（包括合理律师费）及和解金额。然而，对于该人在诉讼中被认定对本法人负有责任的索赔、事项或问题，不得进行赔偿，除非法院在受理该诉讼的过程中经申请裁定，尽管存在责任认定，但考虑到案件的全部情况，该人公平合理地有权获得法院认为适当的费用赔偿。
11.03（a）
强制性与酌情赔偿：在教会议会成员、员工或代理人在第 11.01 或 11.02 条所述的诉讼、程序中，或在该诉讼、程序中的某项索赔、事项或问题的辩护中，无论是基于案件实体获胜或以其他方式获得成功，该人因执行本条款所规定的强制性赔偿而产生的费用（包括实际支出及合理的律师费）应予赔偿。
11.03（b）
根据第 11.01 或 11.02 条进行的赔偿，除非由法院裁定，否则本法人仅可在具体个案中经授权后进行赔偿，前提是已确定该议会成员、员工或代理人在特定情况下获得赔偿是适当的，因为其已符合第 11.01 或 11.02 条所规定的适用行为标准。该确定可通过以下任一方式作出：
- 由未参与该诉讼、程序或诉案的议会成员的法定人数多数票决定；
- 若无法组成上述法定人数，则由未参与该诉讼、程序或诉案的议会成员组成的委员会以多数票决定。该委员会至少应包括两（2）名无利害关系的议会成员；
- 由独立法律顾问出具书面意见；
- 由在特别成员会议上有表决权的领餐成员们决定。
11.03（c）
如果某人在第 11.01 或 11.02 条下有权获得部分赔偿，包括律师费、判决、罚款、处罚以及和解金额，但并非全部金额，本法人可以对该人有权获得赔偿的那部分费用、判决、罚款、处罚或和解金额予以赔偿。
11.04
费用预支：本法人可在第 11.01 或 11.02 条所述的民事或刑事诉讼、程序最终结案前，预先支付其辩护所产生的费用，但前提是收到议会成员、员工或代理人本人或代表其作出的承诺，即如果最终确定该人无权获得本法人赔偿，则须偿还所预支的费用。该承诺应为作出预支费用的个人无限连带义务，但无需提供担保。第 11.01 至 11.04 条的赔偿规定，对于已不再担任议会成员、员工或代理人的人员仍然有效，或应惠及该人的继承人、遗嘱执行人及管理人。
11.05
CCRC 会友的个人财产在法律允许的最大范围内，应免于承担教会的任何债务、义务或责任。
11.06
CCRC 的议会成员、员工、会众中的领餐成员或志愿者，不应对 CCRC 的债务或义务承担责任；也不应因会众中任何个人领餐成员、员工、领餐成员或志愿者在履行其职务过程中所为的行为或疏忽而以个人身份承担责任。但以下情况除外：个人因违反对教会的忠诚义务，或因行为或疏忽不善意、故意不当、鲁莽无视或明知违反法律，或因从交易中获取不当个人利益的行为，仍需承担个人责任。
11.07
议会可在法律允许范围内对委员会成员、员工及代理人进行赔偿。
第十二条 教会成员
12.01
CCRC 承认两种类型的成员会籍。
12.01（a）
受洗成员：领餐成员的未成年子女，虽已受洗但尚未成为领餐者，应被视为受洗成员，而非领餐成员。
12.01（b）
领餐成员：任何人通过满足本《规章》第12.03节列出的要求，即可成为CCRC的领餐成员。
12.02.
年满18岁的领餐成员可享有在成员会议中的投票权。如果成员根据《章程》（第55条）正处于教会纪律惩戒之下，牧长会可以撤销其投票权。
12.03.
成为CCRC领餐成员有四种途径。
12.03（a）
受洗成员的公共信仰宣告：受洗成员应按照《三联合信条》接受基督教信仰的教导，经牧长会面试并批准后，按照URCNA《章程》（第43条）规定的适当礼仪，公开宣告对耶稣基督的信仰，以成为CCRC的领餐成员。
12.03（b）
通过转会：申请人若欲通过从与 URCNA（NAPARC）有教会团契关系的改革宗教会转会而加入教会，且在原教会中会籍状态良好，该申请人应接受牧长会面谈并批准，随后由会众接纳，以成为 CCRC 的领餐成员。
12.03（c）
通过公开信仰宣告并受洗（适用于尚未奉三一神之名受洗的申请人）：该申请人应按照《三联合信条》接受基督教信仰教导，经牧长会面谈并批准后，按照 URCNA 《章程》（第 42 条）所规定的适当礼仪，公开宣告对耶稣基督的信仰作并受洗，以成为 CCRC 的领餐成员。
12.03（d）
通过公开信仰宣告（适用于来自与 URCNA无教会普世团契关系的其他基督教团体的申请人，或无正式教会会籍者）：该申请人应按照《三联合信条》接受基督教信仰教导，经牧长会面谈并批准后，按照URCNA 《章程》（第 44 条）所规定的适当礼仪，公开宣告对耶稣基督的信仰，以成为 CCRC 的领餐成员。
12.04
欲成为本教会成员的人，必须签署书面声明，确认其同意《三联合信条》，同意 CCRC 关于婚姻和性别声明（参见本章程第 13 条），并同意遵守 CCRC 关于离会的政策（参见规章，第 12.05 条）。
12.05
在CCRC终止会籍有五种途径：
12.05（a）
会籍转移（Transfer）：当某成员寻求将其会籍转移到URCNA内其他教会，或与URCNA有正式普世团契关系的教会时，转会者应书面请求当前牧长会向接收教会的牧长会发送正式信函，其中应包括相关成员信息以及教义与生命的见证，请求接收方接纳他们在其属灵看管之下。（参《章程》，第64条）
- 此程序办理必须在申请者目前未处于教会纪律惩戒之下。
12.05（b）
会籍解除（Release）：当转会者要求转入的教会与CCRC没有正式普世团契关系时，牧长会应在判定该转会行动有助于转会者的灵命成长之后，解除其成员身份。（参《章程》，第64条）
12.05（c）
教会惩戒（Church Discipline）：教会惩戒应按照《章程》相应条款执行。
- 逐罚（Excommunication）：对于持续犯罪拒不悔改者，牧长会应按照《章程》（第55条）进行逐罚。
- 排除受洗成员（Exclusion of Baptized Member）：牧长会应按照《章程》（第59条）进行。
- 排除退会者（Exclusion due to Resignation）：牧长会应按照《章程》（第56条）进行。
12.05（d）
逝世（Death）
12.05（e）
会籍抹除（Erasure）：牧长会可抹除与其至少两年没有联系者的会籍，按照《章程》（第64条、附录8）进行。
12.06
任何被议会成员认定对任何人或教会构成身体或心理威胁，或被认定正在、即将或可能对教会的宗教仪式及活动造成干扰的人，应视为擅自进入教会财产的闯入者（trespasser），可立即被驱逐。教会的任何任职者、员工、志愿者或成员若根据本条款为教会利益善意行事，不得因此承担任何责任。
第十三条 婚姻与性别声明
13.01
CCRC认为“婚姻”一词只有一个含义，即上帝认可的婚姻，是一男一女结合在一夫一妻制的立约关系中结合，正如圣经所述（创世记2：24;马太福音19：3-9）。
13.02
在上帝的旨意中，性关系应仅发生在彼此已婚的一男一女之间。我们相信，上帝命令禁止在一男一女婚姻之外进行任何亲密的性行为。
13.03
任何形式的性不道德行为，如通奸、通奸、同性恋、双性行为、兽交、乱伦、色情，或任何试图改变性别或或违背生理性别的行为，都是罪恶的，冒犯上帝。
13.04
为了维护 CCRC 作为基督肢体的职能与完整性，并向 CCRC 成员及社区提供合乎圣经的榜样，所有CCRC任职者、员工和志愿者，必须遵守并同意《婚姻与性别声明》，并在行为上与本声明规定保持一致。
13.05
CCRC的牧师不得参与或批准任何违背和/或重新定义上帝对婚姻的定义（即13.01节中一男一女）的不符合圣经的结合，即使国家认可其他此类不合圣经的结合和/或将其定义为“婚姻”。
13.06
上帝向所有承认并离弃自己罪行的人提供救赎，包括第 13.03 条中列举的罪，这些人可藉着耶稣基督寻求祂的怜悯与赦免。
13.07
每个人，包括那些持续干犯第 13.03 条所列罪行且不悔改的人，都应得到圣经所定义的怜悯、爱心、善意、尊重和尊严。上帝的话语所认定的、针对任何人的仇恨或骚扰行为与态度，应被拒绝，因为这既不符合圣经，也不符合 CCRC 的教义。
第十四条 修订
14.01
这规章可由议会在任何定期或特别会议上以75%多数票通过，并经成员会议批准进行修订。
14.02
本规章不得作出任何与《注册条款》（Articles of Incorporation）相抵触的修订，除非同时对《注册条款》进行相应修改，以确保二者保持一致。
Bylaws of Covenant Chinese Reformed Church
Article I. Name
1.01
This legal corporation is an ecclesiastical organization and shall be known as Covenant Chinese Reformed Church (hereafter “CCRC”). Throughout these bylaws, the terms “church,” “this church,” or “the church” refer to Covenant Chinese Reformed Church unless otherwise specified.
Article II. Basis
2.01
CCRC confesses the Bible as the infallible, inerrant, and unchanging Word of God as interpreted by the Reformed Confessions, commonly known as the Three Forms of Unity: The Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession, and the Canons of Dort.
2.02
The teachings of the Three Forms of Unity do not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God, speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind, and is the sole and final source of all that we believe. For purposes of church doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, the consistory of CCRC is this church’s final interpretive authority on the Bible’s meaning and application.
Article III. Purpose
3.01
CCRC is a religious corporation and is not organized for the private gain of any person. It is organized under the Nonprofit Religious Corporation Law exclusively for religious purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
3.02
Within the context of the general purposes stated above, this Corporation shall:
3.02(a)
Engage in all lawful activities and operations usually and normally engaged in by a church. It shall not carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on (1) by a corporation exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or (2) by a corporation contribution to which are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code.
3.02(b)
Be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of its purpose as a church.
3.02 (c)
Possess and exercise all of the powers conferred by law upon nonprofit corporations and to have all other acts necessary or incidental in the administration of the affairs and for carrying out the purposes of this corporation.
3.03
No substantial part of the activities of this corporation shall consist of carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the corporation shall not participate or intervene in any political campaign (including the publishing or distribution of statements) on behalf of any candidate for public office.
Article IV. Governance
4.01
CCRC is a member church in the United Reformed Churches in North America (hereafter “URCNA”). These bylaws are not intended to supersede the Church Order of the URCNA, as adopted by the Synod Lynwood (October 1996), and amended by any subsequent Synods. If there is any inconsistency between these bylaws and the Church Order, the Church Order shall prevail so long as the Church Order conforms to and is in total agreement with the infallible, inerrant, and unchanging Word of God.
Article V. Officers
5.01
CCRC recognizes three (3) offices within the church, namely the Minister of the Word, Elder, and Deacon. All office holders must meet the biblical requirements, in accordance with the Bible as the infallible, inerrant, and unchanging Word of God as interpreted by the Reformed Confessions, commonly known as The Three Forms of Unity: the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession, and the Canons of Dort, as well as the Church Order (CO, Articles 4-8, 12-13).
5.02
The duties belonging to the office of Minister of the Word are, as stated in the Church Order (CO, Article 2), continuing in prayer and the ministry of the Word, administering the sacraments, catechizing the youth, and assisting the Elders in the shepherding and discipline of the congregation.
5.03
The duties belonging to the office of Elder are, as stated in the Church Order (CO, Article 14), continuing in prayer and ruling the church of Christ according to the principles taught in Scripture, in order that purity of doctrine and holiness of life may be practiced. They shall see to it that their fellow Elders, the Minister(s) of the Word, and the Deacons faithfully discharge their respective offices. They are to maintain the purity of the Word and Sacraments, assist in the catechizing the youth, promote God-centered schooling, visit the members of the congregation according to their needs, engage in family visiting, exercise discipline in the congregation, actively promote the work of evangelism and missions, and ensure that everything is done decently and in good order.
5.04
The duties belonging to the office of Deacon are, as stated in the Church Order (CO, Article 15), continuing in prayer and supervising the works of Christian mercy among the congregation; acquainting themselves with congregational needs; exhorting members of the congregation to show mercy; gathering and managing the offerings of God’s people in Christ’s name, and distributing these offerings according to need; and encouraging and comforting with the Word of God those who receive the gifts of Christ’s mercy. Needs of those outside the congregation, especially of other believers, should also be considered, as resources permit.
5.05
The Elders in active service, together with the Minister(s) of the Word, shall together form the Consistory (cf. CO, Article 21). The Consistory shall ordinarily meet once each month in the exercise of the duties pertaining to their respective offices. The consistory shall have final authority for making and carrying out decisions related to doctrine, life, and discipline for and on behalf of the Church.
5.06
The Deacons in active service shall together form the Diaconate. The Diaconate shall ordinarily meet once each month to transact the business pertaining to their office, and shall render an account of their work to the Consistory.
5.07
The Consistory and the Diaconate shall combine to form the Council.
5.07(a)
The Council shall function as the Board of Directors with respect to the government of CCRC and the management of its corporate affairs. Council members of CCRC are the directors and/or trustees for the corporation within the meaning of California Corporation Code Section 5047. The property, business, and administrative affairs of the Church shall be under the direction and control of the Council.
5.07(b)
The Council’s responsibilities include those tasks delegated to it by the consistory in accordance with the Church Order, as well as tasks which belong to the common administration of the Church, such as the calling of ministers, the approval of nominations for Council members, mutual censure, meeting with church visitors, and other matters of common concern.
5.07(c)
The Council shall have final authority to make and carry out decisions related to the property, business, and administrative affairs of the Church.
5.07(d)
If there is a question about whether an issue falls within the category of “doctrine, life, and discipline” or “property, business, and administrative affairs,” the Consistory will determine which category is most appropriate.
5.08
The Council shall present to the Congregation nominations for the offices of Elder and Deacon. Only male communicant members who meet the biblical requirements for office and indicate their agreement with the Three Forms of Unity shall be nominated by the Council. Prior to making nominations, the council may allow the Congregation to direct attention to suitable men.
5.09
A simple majority vote at the Annual Congregational Meeting of this church shall elect elders and Deacons.
5.10
The number of Elders and Deacons in active service may be increased or decreased at the Council’s discretion.
5.11
Regularly elected Elders and Deacons shall be ordained and installed, using the appropriate liturgical forms, at such time as the Council shall dictate, and shall serve for a limited term which the Consistory shall determine from time to time. Each elder and deacon shall ordinarily hold office until his successor has been duly appointed and qualified.
5.11(a)
When CCRC receives the credentials of a Minister of the Word, that Minister of the Word automatically becomes a member of the Council and the Consistory. Ministers of the Word do not have terms but remain members of the council and consistory as long as CCRC holds their ministerial credentials.
5.12
After the annual meeting of the congregation, the Council shall select from among the members of the Consistory individuals to serve as Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Clerk, Vice-Clerk, and shall select from among the deacons individuals to serve as Chair of Deacons and from the congregation to serve as Treasurer.
5.12(a)
The Chairman shall perform such duties as are incumbent upon such Officer, as stated in the Church Order (CO, Article 19). The duties shall include, without limitation: setting the agenda, calling and presiding over all meetings of the Consistory, the Council, and the Congregation at which he is in attendance, to ensure that the stipulations of Church Order are followed and that due order and decorum in speaking are observed. A Minister of the Word ordinarily holds the Office of the Chairman, but an Elder or a Deacon can also perform such an Office.
5.12(b)
The Vice-Chairman shall assist the Chairman, as needed, and shall perform the duties of the Chairman in the Chairman’s absence or inability to act.
5.12(c)
The Clerk shall perform such duties as are incumbent upon such Officer, as stated in the Church Order (CO, Article 20). The duties shall include, without limitation: maintaining accurate minutes of the proceedings for meetings of the Consistory, the Council, and for Congregational Meetings at which formal business is transacted, and be responsible for authenticating records.
5.12(d)
The Vice-Clerk shall assist the Clerk, as needed, and shall perform the duties of Clerk in the Clerk’s absence or inability to act.
5.12(e)
The Chair of Deacons shall preside over all meetings of the diaconate and shall render an account of the work of the Deacons to the Consistory. In case of absence, the Chair of Deacons shall appoint a deacon to report to the Consistory.
5.12(f)
The Council shall select from among the congregation an individual to serve as Treasurer. The Treasurer shall maintain an accurate accounting of the financial accounts and activities of CCRC and shall regularly report to the Council regarding the same.
Article VI. Council Meetings
6.01
The Council shall ordinarily meet once each month to exercise such duties described in the Church Order or such duties delegated to it by the Consistory.
6.02
A majority of the Council members shall constitute a Quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Council.
6.03
Special meetings of the Council may be called by the Chairman, Vice Chairman, or any three Council members.
6.03(a)
The person or persons who call(s) the meeting shall give notice of the meeting to all Council members in person, or by telephone, postal mail, text message, or e-mail. This notice shall be delivered to each Council member not less than 2 days prior to the date of the meeting. The notice shall specify the date, place and hour of the meeting and the purpose or purposes for which it is convened.
6.03(b)
Any Council member may waive notice of any meeting by a written statement signed before or after the holding of the meeting. The attendance of a Council member at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when a Council member attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.
6.03(c)
Attendance without objection at any meeting shall constitute waiver of notice of that meeting. Waiver of notice executed in writing before or after the date of the meeting shall be equivalent to receipt of notice by the individual executing the waiver.
6.04
Any action required to be taken at a meeting of the Council may be taken without a meeting if a written consent, stating the action was so taken, shall be signed by all Council members who are entitled to vote with respect to the action.
6.05
Council members may, if necessary, participate in a meeting of the Council by conference call or similar electronic live communication method and shall be deemed actually present at the meeting.
Article VII. Committees
7.01
The Council shall have the authority to appoint committee members as needed and, as circumstances require, may designate and appoint standing and/or special committees and may designate the number of persons to serve on and the duties of any committee.
7.02
Each committee shall submit regular reports to the Council.
7.03
Committees shall have the authority to make recommendations to the Council. Although full consideration shall be given to the recommendations of the committee, the authority to make and carry out final decisions on all issues remains with the Consistory or the Council, depending on the nature of the issue (see 5.02, 5.04[a-d]).
7.04
The Council may appoint an Executive Committee to be composed of the Chairman of the Council, Vice Chairman of Council, Clerk of the Council, the Treasurer, and the Chair of Deacons, to execute matters assigned to them by Council and to make decisions on urgent matters when time and circumstances prevent the convocation of the Council. Such emergency decisions are to be reported and explained to Council as appropriate and submitted to Council for ratification at the next Council meeting.
Article VIII. Congregational Meetings
8.01
A general meeting of members of the congregation of CCRC shall be held at least annually at such time and place, and on such notice, as the Council may determine.
8.02
Special congregational meetings may be called when deemed necessary by the Council and shall be held at such a time and place, and on such notice, as the Council may determine.
8.03
Voting on congregational matters shall be limited to communicant members in good standing who are at least eighteen (18) years of age.
8.04
A minimum of 10% communicant members present shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Congregation.
8.05
Absentee voting shall be permitted at the discretion of the Council and, if such absentee voting is permitted, information and/or procedures pertaining thereto will be provided with any formal notice of any meeting at which such voting will take place.
8.06
The affirmative vote of the majority of those present and voting on the question shall decide any question brought before that meeting except where a larger vote may be required by the Council, the Church Order, or law.
8.07
The act of the majority of the communicant members present at a meeting who are authorized to vote shall be received by the Council as the advice of the congregation. Although full consideration shall be given to the vote of the congregation, the authority for making and carrying out final decisions on all issues remains with the Consistory or the Council, depending upon the nature of the issue (cf. 5.02, 5.04[a-d]).
Article IX. Finances
9.01
It shall be the duty of the Council to formulate an annual budget for the operations of the Church. Funding shall be raised by means consistent with the tax-exempt status of the Church. The Council shall encourage the membership of the Church to faithfully support the programs of the Church through gifts and contributions.
9.02
The financial books and records of the Church shall be properly kept to have information readily available for reports to the government and Council and to enable an accurate, independent financial review of the finances of the corporation.
9.03
The Fiscal year of the corporation is January 1 through December 31.
9.04
All checks, drafts, and orders for payment of monies shall be signed in the name of the Church by the agents designated by the Council for that purpose from time to time.
Article X. Staff and Volunteers
10.01
The Council shall have the power to employ staff for both ministerial and non-ministerial roles at CCRC and to pay their reasonable expenses and compensation. All staff members are required to be communicant members of CCRC and not under church discipline (cf. 12.05(b)).
10.02
All individuals who contribute to CCRC through vocational, full-time, or part-time employment, or through volunteer positions and services, do so in service to Jesus Christ. Therefore, all such individuals, in belief and practice, shall conform to the teachings of this church and submit to the oversight of the Consistory.
10.03
Council has the discretion to accept or reject volunteers. All volunteers shall abide by the CCRC’s Policy on Sexual Harassment and Child Protection.
Article XI. Indemnification for Council members, Employees, and Agents
11.01
Third Party Actions: This corporation has the power to indemnify a person who was or is a party, or is threatened to made a party to a threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative and whether formal or informal (other than an action by or in the right of this corporation) by reason of the fact that the person is or was a Council member, employee or agent of this corporation, or is or was serving at the request of this corporation as a Council member, employee, or agent or another foreign or domestic corporation, business corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, whether for profit or not for profit, against expenses (including actual and reasonable attorneys’ fees), judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by that person in connection with the action, suit, or proceeding if that person acted in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed by that person to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of this corporation or its members, and with respect to a criminal action or proceeding, that person had no reasonable cause to believe that the conduct was unlawful. The termination of an action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed by that person to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of this corporation or its member and, with respect to a criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that the person’s conduct was unlawful.
11.02
Actions in the Right of this Corporation. This corporation has the power to indemnify a person who was or is a party, or is threatened to made a party to a threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of this corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that the person is or was a Council member, employee or agent of another foreign or domestic corporation, business corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, whether for profit or not for profit, against expenses (including actual and reasonable attorneys’ fees) and amounts paid in settlement incurred by that person in connection with the action or suit if that person acted in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed by that person to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of this corporation or its members. However, no indemnification shall be made for a claim, issue or matter in which such person shall have been found to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the court in which such action or suit was brought has determined upon application that despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all circumstances of the case, that person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification for the expenses which the court considers proper.
11.03(a)
Mandatory and Permissive Payments. To the extent that a Council member, employee or agent of this corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of an action, suit or proceeding referred to in Section 11.01 or 11.02, or in defense of a claim, issue or matter in the action suit, or proceeding, that person shall be indemnified against expenses (including actual and reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by that person in connection with the action, suit or proceeding brought to enforce the mandatory indemnification provided in the subsection.
11.03(b)
An indemnification under Section 11.01 or 11.02, unless ordered by a court, shall be made by this corporation only as authorized in a specific case upon determination that indemnification of the Council member, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because that person has met the applicable standard of conduct as set forth in Section 11.01 or 11.02. That determination shall be made in any of the following ways.
- By a majority vote of a quorum of the Council members who were not parties to the action, suit, or proceeding.
- If that quorum is not obtainable, then by a majority vote of a committee of Council members who were not parties to the action, suit, or proceeding. The Committee shall consist of not less than two (2) disinterested Council members.
- By independent legal counsel in a written opinion.
- By the communicant members of the congregation entitled to vote at a special meeting of the congregation.
11.03(c)
If a person is entitled to indemnification under Section 11.01 or 11.02 for a portion of expenses including attorneys’ fees, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement, but not for the total amount thereof, the corporation may indemnify the person for the portion of the expenses, judgments, penalties, fines, or amounts paid in settlement for which the person is entitled to be indemnified.
11.04
Expense Advances. Expenses incurred in defending a civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding described in Section 11.01 or 11.02 may be paid by this corporation in advance of the final disposition of the action, suit, or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the Council member, employee or agent to repay the expenses if it is ultimately determined that the person is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation. The undertaking shall be by unlimited general obligation of the person on whose behalf advances are made, but need not be secured. The indemnification provisions of Sections 11.01 through 11.04 shall continue as to a person who ceases to be a Council member, employee, or agent, or shall insure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, and administrators of that person.
11.05
The private property of the individual members of CCRC shall be exempt from all church debts, obligations, and liability, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
11.06
Council members, employees, communicant members of the congregation, or volunteers for CCRC shall not be held liable for CCRC’s debts or obligations; nor shall they be held liable in their individual capacity for a claim based upon an act or omission of an individual communicant members of the congregation, employee, communicant member of the congregation, or volunteer performed in the discharge of said individual’s duties, except that an individual may be held liable for his or her own breach of the duty of loyalty to the church, or for acts or omissions not in good faith, or which involve intentional misconduct, reckless disregard for or knowing violation of the law, or for a transaction from which the person derives an improper personal benefit.
11.07
The Council may indemnify the Council members, Employees, and agents of CCRC to the extent permitted by law.
Article XII. Church Membership
12.01
CCRC recognizes two types of membership.
12.01(a)
Baptized Member: The minor child of a communicant member, who has been baptized but has not yet become a communicant member, shall be considered a baptized member, not a communicant member.
12.01(b)
Communicant Member: Any person may become a communicant member of CCRC by meeting the requirements listed in section 12.03 of these bylaws.
12.02.
Communicant members who have reached 18 years of age are extended the privilege of voting at congregational meetings. The Consistory may revoke this privilege if the member is under church discipline in accordance with the Church Order (Article 55).
12.03.
There are four methods of becoming a Communicant Member of CCRC.
12.03(a)
By Profession of Faith of a Baptized Member: A Baptized Member shall be instructed in the Christian faith in accordance with the Three Forms of Unity, interviewed and approved by the Consistory, and make a public profession of faith in Jesus Christ using the appropriate liturgical form as outlined in the Church Order of the URCNA (Article 43), to become a Communicant Member of CCRC.
12.03(b)
By Transfer: An applicant who requests membership through transfer from a church in a Reformed denomination that has ecclesiastical fellowship with the URCNA (NAPARC) and who is currently of good standing in that church. Such a person shall be interviewed and approved by the Consistory and received by the congregation to become a Communicant Member of CCRC.
12.03(c)
By Profession of Faith and Baptism of an Applicant who has not been baptized in the Name of the Triune God. The Applicant shall be instructed in the Christian faith in accordance with the Three Forms of Unity, interviewed and approved by the Consistory, and make a public profession of faith in Jesus Christ and receive using the appropriate liturgical form (the form for the profession of faith) as outlined in the Church Order of the URCNA (Article 42), to become a Communicant Member of CCRC.
12.03(d)
By Profession of Faith of an Applicant from another Christian church which has no ecclesiastical fellowship with the URCNA (NAPARC), or has no formal church membership. The Applicant shall be instructed in the Christian faith in accordance with the Three Forms of Unity, interviewed and approved by the Consistory, and make a public profession of faith in Jesus Christ using the appropriate liturgical form as outlined in the Church Order of the URCNA (Article 44), to become a Communicant Member of CCRC.
12.04
Those who desire membership in this church must sign a written statement that they are in agreement with the Three Forms of Unity, CCRC’s stated policy on Marriage and Sexuality (cf. Article 13 of these bylaws) and that they agree to abide by CCRC’s policy regarding the Termination of Membership (see Section 12.05).
12.05
There are five methods for terminating membership at CCRC:
12.05(a)
Transfer: Those who seek the transfer of their membership to another congregation within the federation or one in ecclesiastical fellowship shall request in writing that their current Consistory send to the receiving Consistory an official letter including pertinent membership information and testimony concerning doctrine and life, requesting the receiving Consistory to accept them under its spiritual care. (Church Order, Article 64).
- This shall be done when a member who is not currently under church discipline.
12.05(b)
Release: The Consistory may release members in order to affiliate with congregations not in ecclesiastical fellowship when the Consistory judges that doing so may aid the spiritual growth of the members. (Church Order, Article 64).
12.05(c)
Church Discipline: Church discipline shall be conducted in accordance with Church Order.
- Excommunication: The Consistory shall act in accordance with Church Order (Article 55).
- Exclusion of Baptized member: The Consistory shall act in accordance with Church Order (Article 59).
- Exclusion due to Resignation: The consistory shall act in accordance with Church Order (Article 56).
12.05(d)
Death
12.05(e)
Erasure: The Consistory may erase the membership of those with whom they have not been able to communicate for at least two years, in accordance with Church Order (Article 64, Appendix 8).
12.06
Any person deemed by a member of the Council to pose a physical or psychological threat to any person or to the Church, or to be causing, about to cause, or capable of causing disruption to the religious services and activities of the Church, shall be considered a trespasser on Church property and may be ejected summarily. No Church officers, employees, volunteers, or members shall incur any liability for acting in good faith in the interests of the Church pursuant to this section.
Article XIII. Statement on Marriage and Sexuality
13.01
CCRC holds that the term “marriage” has only one meaning, and that is marriage sanctioned by God, which joins one man and one woman in a monogamous, covenantal union, as delineated in Scripture (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:3-9).
13.02
God intends sexual intimacy to only occur between a man and a woman who are married to each other. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman.
13.03
Any form of sexual immorality, such as adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pornography, or any attempt to change one’s sex or disagreement with one’s biological sex, is sinful and offensive to God.
13.04
In order to preserve the function and integrity of CCRC as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical role model to members of CCRC and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by CCRC in any capacity, or who serve as volunteers, shall abide by and agree to this Statement on Marriage and Sexuality and conduct themselves consistent with this article.
13.05
Ministers of CCRC may not participate in, nor sanction any unbiblical union of persons that contravenes and/or redefines God’s definition of marriage (i.e., one man and one woman as defined above in 13.01), even if the State sanctions other such unbiblical unions and/or defines them as “marriage.”
13.06
God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin –including the sins delineated in 13.03 – seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
13.07
Every person, including those who persistently and/or without repentance engage in the sins delineated in 13.03 must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity as defined by God’s Word. What God’s Word deems as hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated as not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of CCRC.
Article XIV. Amendments
14.01
These bylaws may be amended by a 75% majority vote of the Council at any regular or special meeting of the Council and the ratification by the congregation.
14.02
These bylaws may not be amended where such an amendment would create a conflict with the Articles of Incorporation unless the Articles of Incorporation are also amended as provided for in the Articles so that the Articles and Bylaws are not inconsistent.