FCC Bylaws
We, the members of First Christian Church of Tillamook, in order to promote the work of God in the Spirit of Christ and thus advance His kingdom, do hereby adopt this constitution. Following in the heritage of the Restoration Movement, the First Christian Church is incorporated under the laws of the State of Oregon as a not-for-profit corporation. The church is a free, autonomous, independent congregation under the Lordship of Christ.
The name of this corporation shall be the First Christian Church of Tillamook, Oregon (hereinafter referred to by name or as "the church" or "this church.")
The purpose of the First Christian Church of Tillamook is to proclaim Jesus, enabling people to believe in Him as revealed in the Bible, to belong to His family, the Church, to become more like Him, and to be equipped to serve and reach others all for the glory of God (see Colossians 1:28, Matthew 28:18-20, Ephesians 4:12-15, and I Peter 4:11).
Section A - Qualifications - All persons shall be considered members of the church who:
- 1. Have voluntarily confessed publically that they believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and their personal Savior and Lord (see Matthew 16:16 and Romans 10:9-10) and have been baptized through water immersion (see Acts 2:38 and Romans 6:3-5).
- 2. Are living a life consistent with Biblical principles.
- 3. Have expressed a desire to be a part of this church.
- 1. Request of the member.
- 2. Becoming a member of another congregation.
- 3. Death.
- 4. Discipline by the church Elders, according to the principles of Scripture (see Matthew 18:15-18).
- 5. A move outside of Tillamook County that is intended to be permanent. Exceptions will be members with military or college commitments.
- 6. A member has not participated actively in the life of the church for a minimum of three years. A letter will be mailed to their residence alerting them, upon which time said members may request in writing to remain a member.
- 1. The Elders shall oversee the church and assure that it's purpose is being fulfilled.
- a. Term of service: Elders shall serve for a term of three years.
- b. Qualifications: Elders must be voting members (as defined by Article VI, Section D), and qualify according to Scripture (see I Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9, I Peter 5:1-3).
- c. Selection: The Elders shall be responsible for the selection of Elders. The Elders shall notify the congregation of these selections in the church bulletin and by verbal announcement at least 15 days prior to the business meeting. During this period, voting members may submit to the Elders any Biblical concerns or objections as to the selectees' qualifications or character. Any such objections must be submitted in writing and signed. These concerns will be considered and acted on, as needed, by the Elders prior to the business meeting. Eligible voting members (Article VI, Section D) will vote on the confirmation of these men at the business meeting. Elders shall be confirmed by a minimum 75% combined majority of eligible voters present at the meeting and eligible voters who vote in advance by use of provided absentee ballots (as per Article VI, Section D, 5).