Azure Jane Lunatic (Azz) 🌺 (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
azurelunatic) wrote2002-11-01 07:19 pm
azurelunatic) wrote2002-11-01 07:19 pm
The Church of the Hopeful Door
Every now and then, I re-post this experience, because it's one of the things that makes me who I am, and makes me not who I am not.
In the spring of the year 2000, sometime when there was still snow on the ground, but after the Ides of March, I gained myself a fiance. It must have been sometime around April first, because I was just being presented as his fiancée... I was 19 at the time, and just rediscovering my faith in the divine, choosing to be part of the Wiccan religious model, as that was my religion of best fit.
BJ's mother had made the ruling that while BJ lived under her roof, he would attend church. All right. The first weekend we were spending time together on a very regular basis, I went with him to the Friends Church to announce the engagement as well as have him go to church, ran into some people I didn't expect to see, and all in all had a delightful time, discovering that one actually could get in touch with the Divine inside a church.
The next weekend, however, he and I went to his family's regular church [sadly, the link that I found at one time has gone dead; their bylaws, however, have been preserved by the good offices of Google, and may be found by searching on the church name "Door of Hope"; they will also be appended as a comment] with a friend of his who'd spent the night. I was driving my cute little red Toyota Tercel station wagon Bonnie, and it was a beautiful morning.
George and BJ and I walked into the church. I immediately felt uncomfortable, which made me feel even more uncomfortable, because I had no idea why I was not feeling comfortable; I'd felt comfortable in the Friends Church; I felt comfortable in the big happy church that my sister's violin practice used to take place in; I felt comfortable at Hidden Hill... what was wrong with me?
It didn't occur to me at that moment that it might not have been me that had the problem.
I sat down in the lobby, pretty much ignoring the guy passing out flyers at the door, and began to attempt to attune myself with the place, to get in touch with the Divine, to be happy and peaceful and light. Eventually, I felt comfortable enough to walk into the main meeting room, which featured a loud rock band and a bunch of singing people and overhead projectors. I walked in just as the song was ending, and so got to hear the prayer leader's next comments. He made happy noises at the congregation for the positive prayers and that sort of thing, and requested that the energy and prayers for this next song be dedicated to the people of Islam.
Small warning bell: I listened closely.
"Islam has been Satan's playground for too long!" he intoned. "Let's reclaim Islam for GOD!"
It was at that moment that I turned around abruptly, and told George and BJ that if they were getting a ride home with me, I was leaving NOW.
I strode out through the lobby, through the double glass doors, and was in the car quickly. I waited for George, who was a slow walker, to catch up, then wanted to know where BJ was; if he wasn't in the car within one minute, he could get a ride home with his mother and his father and his brother. George told me that BJ was fixing the door: in my haste to get out of the place, I'd made the door closing smoothly/quietly mechanism fall apart.
Afterwards, BJ tried to explain to me that the prayer leader hadn't actually MEANT what it sounded like, just that there were plenty of people perverting the true spirit of Islam, and it was time that they stopped doing that. Right. That's not how it sounded. That's not how it felt. That's not a church I'm ever returning to, at least not alone, and not without a LOT of holy water.
In the spring of the year 2000, sometime when there was still snow on the ground, but after the Ides of March, I gained myself a fiance. It must have been sometime around April first, because I was just being presented as his fiancée... I was 19 at the time, and just rediscovering my faith in the divine, choosing to be part of the Wiccan religious model, as that was my religion of best fit.
BJ's mother had made the ruling that while BJ lived under her roof, he would attend church. All right. The first weekend we were spending time together on a very regular basis, I went with him to the Friends Church to announce the engagement as well as have him go to church, ran into some people I didn't expect to see, and all in all had a delightful time, discovering that one actually could get in touch with the Divine inside a church.
The next weekend, however, he and I went to his family's regular church [sadly, the link that I found at one time has gone dead; their bylaws, however, have been preserved by the good offices of Google, and may be found by searching on the church name "Door of Hope"; they will also be appended as a comment] with a friend of his who'd spent the night. I was driving my cute little red Toyota Tercel station wagon Bonnie, and it was a beautiful morning.
George and BJ and I walked into the church. I immediately felt uncomfortable, which made me feel even more uncomfortable, because I had no idea why I was not feeling comfortable; I'd felt comfortable in the Friends Church; I felt comfortable in the big happy church that my sister's violin practice used to take place in; I felt comfortable at Hidden Hill... what was wrong with me?
It didn't occur to me at that moment that it might not have been me that had the problem.
I sat down in the lobby, pretty much ignoring the guy passing out flyers at the door, and began to attempt to attune myself with the place, to get in touch with the Divine, to be happy and peaceful and light. Eventually, I felt comfortable enough to walk into the main meeting room, which featured a loud rock band and a bunch of singing people and overhead projectors. I walked in just as the song was ending, and so got to hear the prayer leader's next comments. He made happy noises at the congregation for the positive prayers and that sort of thing, and requested that the energy and prayers for this next song be dedicated to the people of Islam.
Small warning bell: I listened closely.
"Islam has been Satan's playground for too long!" he intoned. "Let's reclaim Islam for GOD!"
It was at that moment that I turned around abruptly, and told George and BJ that if they were getting a ride home with me, I was leaving NOW.
I strode out through the lobby, through the double glass doors, and was in the car quickly. I waited for George, who was a slow walker, to catch up, then wanted to know where BJ was; if he wasn't in the car within one minute, he could get a ride home with his mother and his father and his brother. George told me that BJ was fixing the door: in my haste to get out of the place, I'd made the door closing smoothly/quietly mechanism fall apart.
Afterwards, BJ tried to explain to me that the prayer leader hadn't actually MEANT what it sounded like, just that there were plenty of people perverting the true spirit of Islam, and it was time that they stopped doing that. Right. That's not how it sounded. That's not how it felt. That's not a church I'm ever returning to, at least not alone, and not without a LOT of holy water.
Door of Church, Inc. By-Laws
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Door of Church, Inc.
By-Laws
ARTICLE I
NAME
Section 1. This Corporation shall be known as Door of Hope Church, Inc. herein after referred to as the Church.
ARTICLE ll
PURPOSE
Section 1. The purpose of this church shall be to propagate the Christian faith and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ as revealed through the Holy Scriptures.
Section 2. To teach and encourage believers to worship and exalt Jesus Christ as Lord and King through acts of private and corporate worship and through their manner of living.
Section 3. To provide for preaching, teaching and fostering the growth of the Christian faith in all places; to prepare, license and ordain ministers to carry on the work of evangelism, to promote missionary work in all places throughout the world, to establish local churches and foster their development, to bring Christian believers to spiritual maturity.
Section 4. To have the right to own, hold in trust, use, sell, convey, mortgage, lease or otherwise gain, dispose of or use such property, real or chattel, as may be required or beneficial for the good of the Church.
Section 5. To engage in a ministry of teaching and outreach through radio, television, publications and other media of mass communication.
Section 6. To establish, operate and maintain Bible colleges, church schools, orphanages, group homes, marriage and family counseling services, homes for the aged, and other such benevolent and charitable institutions as may be deemed necessary to fulfill the objectives of this organization.
Section 7. To collect, solicit and accept funds or other subscriptions; to acquire and hold real estate and other such property as the realization of the aforesaid objectives of this organization.
Section 8. To be a not-for-profit corporation without capital stock and which does not contemplate pecuniary gain or profits for its members.
Section 9. To pursue the purposes set forth in the Articles of Incorporation of this Corporation.
no subject
DOCTRINAL STATEMENT
Section 1. We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God equally in all parts and without error in its original manuscripts, absolutely infallible, and our source of supreme revelation from God, superior to conscience and reason, though not contrary to reason; and it is therefore our infallible rule of faith and practice. (11 Timothy 3:16,17; 1 Peter 1-23-25; Hebrews 4:12)
Section 2. We believe in one God who has revealed Himself in three persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, all co-eternal, all standing equally superior to time and free from the temporal distinctions of past and future.
The eternal FATHER - Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 90:2; Psalm 102:27; Isaiah 6:9; 1 Timothy 1:17
The eternal SON - John 1:1,2; 8:58; Hebrews 1:8; 1 John 1:2; Micah 5:2; Revelation 1:8
The eternal SPIRIT - Hebrews 9:14
The eternal GODHEAD - Romans 1:20
Section 3. We believe in the pre-existence, incarnation and virgin birth of Jesus Christ who came into this world to reveal the Father, and was the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person; that Jesus Christ was the Creator of all things, for by Him the worlds were made. We further believe that in Jesus Christ dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily and that He was very God and very Man. (John 1:1,2 & 14; 1 Timothy 3:16; Acts 7:37,38)
Section 4. We believe in Jesus Christ's sinless life, miracles, substitutionary death, bodily resurrection and His ascension into Heaven, and acknowledge His Lordship --- that Jesus Christ is Lord over all things in heaven and in earth, and under the earth. (Philippians 2:9,10)
Section 5. We believe that man was created by a direct and immediate act of God. (Genesis 1:26,27; 2:4)
Section 6. We believe that man by transgression fell from a state of righteousness and holiness in which he was first created, into total spiritual depravity, a state of death in trespasses and sins in which he is held as a slave of sin and an enemy of God, being unable to attain divine righteousness by his own efforts, but must be redeemed and delivered by the power of the gospel. (Romans 5:12-21; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4)
no subject
Section 8. We believe that repentance and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ produces the work of justification in the believer. Through faith in the shed blood of Christ, one is justified and made a partaker in the death of Christ. This is the initial step of salvation. (Romans 5:1,9; Luke 22:20)
Section 9. We believe that water baptism is an essential and necessary part of the "doctrine of baptisms," (Hebrews 6:2), performed only upon the repentant believers in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ declaring the remission of sin (Acts 2:38). We practice baptism by immersion; and we further believe that it is the means whereby we receive the new covenant sign of "circumcision of heart." (Romans 2:28,29; Colossians 2:9-13)
Section 10. We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit as a work of grace subsequent to the initial act of salvation according to Acts 2:4; 10:46; 19:6; that it is the seal of the New Covenant relationship (Ephesians 1:13; 4:30; 11 Corinthians 1:22). We also hold that the evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is one's response to the Word of God (John 16:13), a Clirist-like life showin- forth Christ's character, and experiencing and manifesting the fruit of the Holy Spirit. (John 15:26; 16:14; Galatians 5:22,23)
Section 11. We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is being manifested in the Church through the fruits (Galatians 5:22,23 - graces, ministries, and gifts), and we hold that all of the gifts of the Spirit (Romans 12:68; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; 28-31), should and must be operative in the Church today in order for the Church to enjoy God's fullness. We also hold that these gifts and graces are imparted by the sovereignty of the Holy Spirit and only work or operate by this one and self-same Spirit. (I Corinthians 12:1 1)
Section 12. We believe that we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8,9). We further believe that the emphasis for a continuous walk in grace is necessary for heart righteousness and purity, believing in the keeping power of God, walking after the Spirit and not after the flesh. (Galatians 5:13-26)
Section 13. We believe in divine healing for the whole man. Healing is provided for in the atonement of Jesus Christ's sacrificial death (Isaiah 53:4,5; 1 Peter 2:24,25); and as practiced by the early church (Acts 4:30; 19:11; Romans 8:1 1; I Corinthians 12:9; James 5:14).
Section 14. We believe in the practice of worship with one's whole being as set forth in the Word of God. (Psalm 150; Acts 24:14; Ephesians 5:18,19).
Section 15. We believe in the New Testament order for the local church in its government, structure and worship. The ascension gift ministries of apostles, prophets, evangelist, pastor and teacher (Ephesians 4:11); elders (I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9); deacons (Acts 6:1-7; Philippians 1:1; I Timothy 3:8-13); those gifted and anointed to lead in worship (I Chronicles 23:1-5); and those with pastoral authority (Hebrews 13:17). Ordination and licensing in this Church is a separation and recognition of a specific gifting of God. We believe that God calls and that man only recognizes and acknowledges that calling. Those ordained And licensed by this Church will have the right and privilege to participate in the sacramental and ordinal functions of the Church such as: baptisms, marriages, funerals, and the like. They are also expected to function in the spiritual gifting of their office, and demonstrate the reality of their calling for the two-fold purpose of the evangelization of the world and of the edification and oversight of the Body of Christ. (Mark 16:15-20; Ephesians 4:8-13; Acts 20:28)
no subject
Section 17. We believe that the church is the Body of Christ expressed as the church individual, the church local and the church universal and invisible. As such, we believe the church to be more than just a building or a gathering of people. It is a body living in relationship and harmony under the direction of the Head, Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 6:15; 11 Corinthians 1:1; Romans 16:5; 1 Peter 2:4,5; Ephesians 2:19-22)
Section 18. We believe as members of the same body of Christ, baptized by one Spirit into one body that we must endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace and as such we are discouraged from bringing lawsuit in a civil court against another person who professes to be a Christian or against a Christian ministry. We believe that all such disputes should be resolved within the Body of Christ without taking them before unbelievers for judgment. (I Corinthians 6:1-8; Ephesians 4:3-6)
Section 19. We believe in Christ's bodily ascension into heaven, in His exaltation and His personal return in power and great glory, and His everlasting Kingdom and dominion. (Acts 1:11; 3:19-21; Daniel 7:14; Revelation 20:4)
Section 20. We believe in the "lake of fire" (hell) as the eternal abode of the impenitent. (Revelation 21:8)
Section 21. We believe in heaven as the eternal abode of the redeemed. (11 Peter 3:13; Revelation 2 1: 1)
Section 22. We recognize and believe that the Church in these days has been and is in a revival of restoration because much truth was lost from the Church during that period known as the "dark ages". We maintain that God, in this hour, is moving to restore the Church to the complete and full New Testament pattern, power, and practice, but shall not be limited to just this. We therefore shall examine all new doctrinal concepts in the light of the fully revealed Word of God, and if they be found to be in harmony with the Scriptures they shall be accepted, taught and practiced. We believe that a complete revelation and truth of God is already written and contained in the Scripture and that its progressive unfolding will only add and not take away from what God has already restored to the Church. (Acts 3:21; 15:15; 11 Peter 1:20; Ephesians 3:1-6; Revelation 10:6-7)
no subject
HEALING AND DELIVERANCE
Section 1. We believe in the reality and personality of Satan (Job 1:6-11; Matthew 4:1-11), and that he was defeated by Christ through His death on Calvary, and His burial and resurrection from the dead (Ephesians 1:19-23; Colossians 2:15). We affirm that Christ delegated His authority to His Body the Church (Matthew 28:18-20).
We further attest to the reality of "principalities and powers" known as demons (Ephesians 6:12), whose assignment is to oppress humanity (James 4:7; Matthew 12:43-45). We believe that certain members of the Body of Christ are gifted and equipped to do prayer counseling and bring deliverance from oppressive spirits (I Corinthians 12:8-11; 11 Corinthians 10:4-5).
no subject
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. We believe in the following principles of committed relationship for church membership.
A) We believe that the commitment begins with the pastor(s). We believe that a pastor has the first responsibility to commit him/herself to the local church. This commitment as shepherd places him/her under heavy responsibility to the sheep (those in commitment). This includes:
1) Feeding the flock with the Word of God. (I Peter 5:2; Acts 20:28)
2) Leading the flock into all truth. (Hebrews 13:9; Isaiah 40:1 1)
3) Guarding the flock from wolves. (Acts 20:28-30)
4) Counseling the flock for peace. (Proverbs 12:20; 24:6)
5) Disciplining the flock for maturity. (11 Timothy 4:2-3; Romans 16:17,19)
6) Accounting for the flock. (Hebrews 13:17; Colossians 1:28)
7) To pray for the flock. (Ephesians 1:15-17; Colossians 1:9-12, Philippians 1:3-6)
B) A committed person can expect to receive all of the above and develop into a healthy, functioning, mature Christian. There is opportunity for developing ministries to be recognized, enlarged, encouraged, adjusted and covered. A Church member is expected:
1) To know and follow the pastor(s) with love and with a non-critical and non-divisive spirit. (I Thessalonians.1:6; 5:12,13)
2) To be fruitful in the reproduction of new lambs and be gentle in their care and encouragement (John 15:3,5)
3) To consider it a privilege to be planted by the Lord in this portion of His Body and to support the needs of the body with their time, talents and tithes. (Matthew 25:14-15; Malachi 3:10)
4) To be a loyal, living part, adding more to the body than what they draw out; identifying personally with the teachings, vision and values of this Church and to accept this Body as their focus for fellowship, prayer, offerings, breaking of bread. teaching, and faithful attendance. (Acts 2:42, 47; Titus 2:15; Psalm 92:13)
5) To strive for unity of the Body, loving and esteeming other members as better than themselves. (Galatians 6:1-2; Ephesians 4:1-3; Colossians 3:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; John 13:35; Philippians 2:13)
6) To commit their heart and will to the direction and protection of the Holy Spirit through the pastor(s), honoring the pastor(s) as chosen by the Chief Shepherd to lead and cover them. (Hebrews 13:7; 1 Corinthians 16:16; 1 Timothy 5:17)
C) Any person shall be a church member who:
1) Has accepted Jesus Christ as his/her personal Savior.
2) Agrees to the foregoing relationship principles, including submission to the Pastor(s) and the leadership of the Church in matters pertaining to conduct and doctrine.
3) Has followed the Lord in water baptism.
4) Is actively involved or agrees to become involved in a cell group (HOPE Center).
5) Agrees with the principle of scriptural tithing stewardship as taught by this local Church. (Malachi 3:8-10)
Section 2. The term "member" as used by these by-laws shall be a reference to membership in the congregation of the Church and not of the Corporation. All matters pertaining to the business of the Corporation shall be decided by the Trustees.
no subject
If any member has an offense or misunderstanding with any person in leadership, including the Pastor, he/she should go promptly to them in the same manner as with any other member. However, if the member would feel uncomfortable in approaching a leadership person, he/she may request another member of church leadership to accompany him/her for support. If an offense cannot be resolved on an individual basis, the two members should meet together with their respective cell leaders in order to resolve their differences. Should this effort be unsuccessful in bringing resolution, the members and their cell leaders shall meet together with their Zone Shepherd (elder) and Zone Pastor to resolve the difference.
Cell leaders should keep their Zone Shepherds and Zone Pastor informed of offenses which have been brought to them for resolution. Members of leadership who have offenses with other leaders, should go directly to them for resolution. If the situation is not resolved at his level, the leaders should meet with the Senior Pastor and/or elders appointed by the Senior Pastor to resolve the offense.
Should this process for resolving offenses reveal a situation which may warrant church discipline, the discipline process set forth in Article VII shall be followed. (Matthew 18:15-20; Galatians 6:1-5; Titus 2:1-15, 3:10-11; 1 Timothy 5:17-21; Hebrews 13:17)
no subject
CHURCH DISCIPLINE
Section 1. Purpose of Discipline. Discipline in the Church is not for the purpose of punishment and will not be administered as such. Discipline, correction, and reproof has as its primary purpose the good of the person who has been taken in a fault. It seeks to restore such a person and help them overcome the problem, sin, or fault that has hindered their place in the Body of Christ. Discipline also has the purpose of maintaining purity and unity in the Body of Christ. Finally, discipline has the purpose of discouraging others from committing like actions. The purpose of discipline is never to humiliate or embarrass; however, one who forces the church to exercise such action may experience those feelings. (Hebrews 12:7-13)
Section 2. Procedure of Discipline. The Pastor and elders shall meet with the offending party to pray and counsel with them for repentance and restoration. The elders shall meet with the offending party at least one more time for further counsel. Should this be rejected, the elders may remove that member from the privileges and covering of the Church for a period of time or permanently. Such action may be revealed to the entire Church body if such action is deemed necessary to the health of the Church. (1 Corinthians 5:1-2; Titus 3:10-11)
Section 3. Grounds for Discipline. Un-Christlike conduct (Matthew 18:15-18; 1 Corinthians 5:11; Galatians 1:8-9; Titus 3:1-4)
no subject
ELDERS AND DEACONS
Section 1. According to the New Testament Scriptures, the Elders are to be the spiritual and ruling authorities in the local church. The Elders are empowered to ordain and license individuals for ministry (See: Article X). Should an accusation of serious misconduct be brought against an Elder or Deacon/Deaconess, the procedure for reconciliation, and if necessary, discipline shall be according to Article VII. (Acts 6:1-6; 1 Timothy 3:17;Titus 1:9)
Section 2. The Deacon/Deaconess shall minister to the Church with the servant heart of Jesus (I Timothy 3:13). The role of the Deacon/Deaconess shall be to function under his/her God given gifting, and shall fulfill other duties assigned by the Trustees or Elders. (Acts 6:1-6; 1 Timothy 3:8-13)
no subject
LEVELS OF MINISTERS
Section 1. *Elders are those who have been ordained to the Gospel ministry. Elders function in the five-fold ministry of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher, without the giving of a specific title.
Section 2. *Licensed Ministers are those who have experienced the call of God to prepare for ordination and have served for a period of time of not less than one year as a Deacon. Licensure as a Minister shall qualify that person in resourcing the church at large as a teacher, preacher or pastor while fulfilling the training requirements (as determined by the Elders) for full ordination if so desired. The Ministers License shall bereviewed each year for renewal by the Trustees. A Licensed Minister may serve in full-time ministry as a Zone Pastor.
Section 3. *Deacons shall be guided by the principle of Acts 6:1-6. All Deacon candidates shall be approved by the Elders.
Section 4. *All Cell Leader candidates shall be approved by the Elders.
*All Elders, Licensed Ministers, Deacons, and Cell Leaders in office at the time of the adoption of these By-laws, who have met the above mentioned requirements shall continue to serve in those capacities.
no subject
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Section 1. Members
The Board of Trustees shall be comprised of a minimum of seven Elders of the Church. Sixty percent of the total number of the Trustees shall be deemed a quorum for the conducting of official business. Accurate minutes of meetings and actions taken shall be kept and made available in writing to all elders within 7 days following the meeting. The Board of Trustees shall have a President who shall be the Senior Pastor and shall elect officers of the Corporation consisting of: a Vice President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. The advise and counsel of Licensed Ministers and Deacons will be sought on matters where experience and expertise is needed.
Section 2. Duties of the Officers
1) The President shall serve to convene all Trustee meetings as deemed necessary. In the absence of the President, the Vice President may call a meeting with the permission of the President, if possible..
2) The Secretary shall keep or cause to be kept an accurate record of all meetings of the Trustees and of any congregational meetings for business and all other duties that pertain to this office as prescribed by the Trustees. The Secretary shall be elected by the Trustees and shall serve for a term of two years and may succeed him/herself in office. A recording secretary for the purpose of minute keeping may be secured.
3) The Treasurer shall, in concert with the Church Administrator and Financial Secretary, have the care and custody of all funds and securities of the Church and shall secure a timely deposit and safe-keeping of those funds in the name of the Church in such bank or financial institution as the Trustees may select. The Treasurer or Financial Secretary shall insure accurate record keeping and cause a monthly report of income, expenditures and balances to be presented to the Trustees. The Treasurer shall be elected by the Trustees and shall serve for a term of two years and may succeed him/herself in office.
Section 3. Duties of the Trustees:
Subject to the limitations of the Articles of Incorporation, other sections of the By-laws, and of Alaska State laws, all corporate powers of the corporation and business of the corporation shall be exercised by or under the authority of the Trustees. Without limiting the general powers of the Trustees, they shall have the following responsibilities:
1) To select and remove all officers, agents, and employees of the corporation.
2) To conduct, manage and control the affairs and business of the corporation, and to vote rules and regulations consistent with law, the Articles of Incorporation, and the By-laws.
3) To borrow money and incur indebtedness for the purposes of the corporation and, for those purposes, cause to be executed and delivered in the corporate name, promissory notes, bonds, debentures, deeds of trust, mortgages, pledges, hypothecation's, or others evidences of debt and securities.
4) Shall cause all properties owned by the Church to have a sufficient amount of insurance to cover replacement cost of facilities and appurtenances. Rented properties shall have insurance sufficient to cover replacement costs of contents. Liability insurance shall also be secured in an amount deemed sufficient by the Trustees.
Section 4. Right of Indemnity:
This corporation shall indemnify its Trustees, agents, employees, officers, directors and representatives to the full extent allowed by the Nonprofit Corporation Law of the State of Alaska Corporation Code.
no subject
THE SENIOR PASTOR (Herein after referred to as "the Pastor")
Section 1. The Pastor shall have the final authority in spiritual matters concerning the Church in consultation with the Elders. The Pastor shall be a member of the Trustees and serve as the President of the corporation and shall serve as chairman of all corporate meetings. No person shall be invited to speak, preach or otherwise minister in the Church without prior approval of the Pastor or his designee.
Section 2. The Pastor shall serve until his resignation, death, or removal for cause (See: Article XI, Section 3). The Pastor shall have the right to name his successor in consultation with, and the approval of, the Elders ... In the event of the Pastor's death while in office, his successor shall be named by the Elders.
Section 3. The Pastor (or any Elder), may be removed from office with cause when he/she ceases to scripturally qualify or is proven to be guilty of serious misconduct. Should any accusation of misconduct be brought against the Pastor (or any Elder), the accuser must put the accusation in writing and submit it to the Trustees in person. The accused shall have the right to face the accuser in the presence of the Trustees for the purpose of verification and resolution. If an Elder be found guilty, the Trustees shall determine the due process of discipline. In the case of the Pastor, a review panel of 3 apostolic Elders shall be brought in from networking churches at the expense of the Church, and, in consultation with the local Elders, make a unanimous decision for discipline or dismissal. The Pastor shall immediately remove himself from all leadership responsibilities and public ministry until the completion of the review of the charges and a satisfactory decision is made. The Trustees shall appoint a member of the local eldership to act as senior pastor until the completion of this process. If the Pastor refuses to submit to discipline for the purpose of restoration, he shall automatically be terminated with 3 months severance pay. Should a dismissal occur with or without discipline with the intent of restoration, the Pastor shall be dealt with in a gentle and prayerful manner and provision made for his family for a reasonable transition period of not less than 6 months pay. The manner in which financial payment will be made shall be at the discretion of the Trustees.
no subject
MEETINGS
Section 1. The Holy Spirit's order shall govern the conduct of all meetings. A spirit of Christian love and fellowship shall prevail.
Section 2. All meetings shall be attended by prayer.
Section 3. The Church shall assemble each Sunday for public worship and during the week as designated by the Pastor. Nothing contained herein shall forbid suspension of one or more services when such suspension is in the spiritual and physical welfare of the Church.
Section 4. The observance of the Lord's Supper shall be administered both in the public services and in cell meetings at the discretion of the Elders and cell leaders. All members are urged to participate in regular observance of the Lord's Supper.
ARTICLE XIII
ASSOCIATION
Section 1. Door of Hope Church must remain a nondenominational church. It shall not become a part of a denomination, and shall not be ruled over by any ecclesiastical body other than herein provided, but may fellowship with other churches, denominations or groups.
Section 2. While maintaining its inherent rights to sovereignty in the conduct of its own affairs, the Church may voluntarily enter into spiritual fellowship with other churches and networks of like precious faith.
ARTICLE XIV
ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT
Section 1. These By-laws shall be in full force and effect upon adoption by vote of the Elders.
Section 2. These By-laws may be amended or repealed and new By-laws adopted by a majority vote of the Elders at any Elder meeting, except that any action to change the By-laws specifying the number of Trustees shall be adopted, amended or repealed only upon the vote of 3/4s of the Elders.
ARTICLE XV
DISSOLUTION
Section 1. A dissolution of the Church will be determined by a 3/4s vote of the Elders at a duly called meeting for this purpose. The distribution of the corporation's assets shall be handled by the Trustees or their assigns according to the Articles of Incorporation and Alaska State law.
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Sometimes my run-ins with overly righteous religiosity leave me very disturbed about the fate of the world. Sometimes the things that are said, I can't believe that people actually believe that stuff. Sometimes I'm frightened.
Re: Door of Church, Inc. By-Laws
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Re: Door of Church, Inc. By-Laws
I'm finally taking the time to read through the full thing, and I'm getting more and more creeped by it at every line.
One of my former co-workers, a member of the rather nice Friends Church, when I told him about my little incident with the Hopeful Door, was very unsurprised and called the place "a cult".
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Re: Door of Church, Inc. By-Laws
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My ex-husband is one of the most self-consistent Christians I know, but he's not called to preach. If he *were*, then I wouldn't be comfortable anywhere near him, because that would mean it was his duty to preach to the unconverted, which would be me. Since he's *not* a minister, his only requirement is to "hold yourself ready to give an answer for the hope that is in you" and since I already know the answer, he doesn't have to give it to me. :D We get along pretty well outside of that, even though he does honestly think I'm going to Hell when I die.
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Oh, and certain members of this church claim that they're a liberal church. And don't shut up when told first and politely that the audience is not interested, thank you, in a school setting. (I was less gentle at some points in my life than I am now.)
In practice, the high level of evangelism in the church is meaning that damn near everyone in the church goes out and tries to infect the rest of the world with their particular church.
Most of my encounters with Christianity have been at the obnoxious end of it, rather than with all that is beautiful and holy about it. So my attitude is rather more accustomed to shocking evangelical youth pastors into shutting up by slapping them after they haven't shut up when repeatedly asked nicely (it did work; he didn't need to turn the other cheek after he saw the mistake in his methods) than it is to getting along with the churches that produce/harbor loudmouth assholes of that nature.
Re: Door of Church, Inc. By-Laws
Re: Door of Church, Inc. By-Laws
Yeah, it's a bit of an archaic usage. I remember thinking it was odd when I first encountered it (in Brideshead Revisited, when the main character mentions other students cycling to Corporate Communion, meaning a communion service for their College community).
Re: Door of Church, Inc. By-Laws