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美堅華人基督教會會章中譯稿
※第一條：名稱
本教會定名為「美堅華人基督教會」（乃華人基督傳道聯會之成員）。
※第二條：方針
本教會之方針是向本地及海外之失喪靈魂傳揚福音，並藉著查經祈禱，敬拜，團契及事奉造就信徒。
※第三條：教義－－我們的基本信仰
A. 聖經
我們相信新舊約聖經是上帝所默示的言語，聖經各卷是人在神的監督及引導下寫成的，聖經的原稿完全無誤是我們信仰及生活的最高權威。
B. 上帝的神性
我們相信獨一又真又活永存三位一體的神。
聖父，聖子及聖靈三位自亙古就有同一的特質，有同等權能與榮耀，有同一的神性與完美，是宇宙，天地萬物的創造及最高的統治者。
C. 人的境況
我們相信人是照神的形像受造，人被創造時純潔無罪，但由於亞當犯罪，整個人類墮落承受了罪性，從此，人靈命死亡，與神隔絕，人不能靠自己去挽救自己的失落與腐敗的情況。
D. 基督的位格與工作
我們相信神的兒子主耶穌基督藉著聖靈的感孕，由童貞女所生，耶穌基督雖降世為人，但仍然是神，祂甘願死在十字架上，作為無罪的代贖的犧牲，為要滿足神對人的公義審判，祂從墳墓中肉身復活，完成了救贖的工作，祂升天回到天父的右邊，在那裡為凡信靠祂的代求。
E. 聖靈的位格與工作
我們相信聖靈是有神性的位格，叫世人為罪，為義，為審判自己責備自己，只有聖靈能賜新生命給在靈裡死亡的人，祂為所有信主的人施洗，使他們都歸入那真的教會，就是基督的身體，祂永遠居住在信徒之中，作為印記，直到得贖的日子，祂賜屬靈恩賜給信徒，祂充滿（或掌管）所有順服祂的人。
F. 救恩
我們相信救恩是神恩典的禮物。救恩不是靠功德而賺取，乃是白白地賜給凡相信耶穌基督在加略山完成救贖工作的人。凡相信救主的人，他們的罪都得赦免，也因著聖靈重生的工作而成為神家裡的人。
G. 教會
我們相信耶穌基督真正的普世教會，是由所有在這世代重生的信徒所組成的，而只有這普世教會的成員才有資格成為地方教會的成員，地方教會由信徒聚集而成，目的為了敬拜，團契及事奉神，也顧及與其他信仰相同之教會彼此勉勵及合作之需要。
H. 禮儀
我們相信耶穌基督設立洗禮及聖餐兩種禮儀，使信徒遵守直到主來。
I. 基督徒生活
我們相信信徒在神和人面前應有一致的生活行為與世俗分別出來，在世上作生命之光。
J. 基督的再來
我們相信主耶穌基督快要親自再來，接祂的教會並要在千禧年之前回到地上建立祂自己之國度。
K. 永恆之事
我們相信將來死人身體復活，所有的人都要受審判，不得救的人受永遠，有知覺的刑罰，得救的人在神面前享受永生。
※第四絛：教儀
A. 洗禮
洗禮乃信徒內在屬靈更新之外在見証，故只有那些表明是真正因信耶穌基督，重生得救者，才可以接受洗禮。信徒只要真正信主，無論其所受洗禮之形式如何，教會都會接納。在教會本身來說，除非情況不許可，將施行浸禮方式，以準確地描繒信徒與主同死，同埋葬，同復活的經歷。教會不施行嬰兒洗禮。
B. 聖餐
聖餐是記念主的死，餅和杯代表主的身體和寶血，聖餐經常定期舉行，凡願意自省之信徒，不論任何宗派，皆歡迎參與。
※第五條：團契之約
我們得以進入與神及本地信徒所立這莊嚴之約，這是我們可喜的權利，在神的恩典幫助之下，我們應許：
(1) 盡量殷勤參與教會崇拜聚會，認識主日事奉和平日教導，代禱之價值和重要。
(2) 樂意地經常按著神的供應奉獻金錢，以分擔及支持教會財政及其他事工之開支。
(3) 靠著主所賜的能力及時間，願意在教會事奉工作上服事主憑著愛心，恩慈與其他同工彼此配搭，在和平聯繫中，竭力保守聖靈所賜合而為一的心。
(4) 經常個人讀經，禱告，儘可能維持家庭靈修生活，且在聖經教義，及信徒生活的原則下教導神所託付我們的兒女。
(5) 凡事討神的喜悅，摒棄不敬虔的心，和世俗的私慾，積極追求活出與耶穌基督福音相稱的生活。
(6) 努力以禱告和言，行，帶領人接受耶穌基督為赦罪的救主。
※第六條：教會
A. 凡承認主耶穌基督為個人救主及生命之主，有良好的生活見証表明生命之改變，及宣認本教會之教義，原則及行事方法者，皆歡迎成為本會會員。
B. 教會之同工包括牧者，長老，執事（或女執事）和託管人。
C. 教會將舉行常務或特別之會員大會，以聆聽教會每年之報告，通過財政預算，選舉同工及其他有關事宜。
※第七條：修訂
第三，四，五條之內容為不可修訂。任何關於會章之修訂，必須召開會員大會討論，並得出席人數三分之二或以上贊同才予接納。
美堅華人基督教會會規中譯稿
※第一條：會籍
A. 會員
本教會是由一群已當眾接受基督為救主，並已受洗歸入祂名下之信徒所組成，會員須有基督徒之好榜樣，熱心參與教會崇拜聚會，經常奉獻作教會事工之支持及推展，並參與事奉工作。會員有權對教會任何事工發表意見及投票。
B. 會友
暫居本地而仍保持原教會會籍者，若願意積極地參與本教會，可申請作「會友」。「會友」之權利及義務與會員相同只是無選舉權及被選權。任何「會員」如遷居別處，可轉為本會之「會友」。
C. 會籍之接受
(1) 凡表明已接受耶穌基督為救主並有良好基督徒生活見証者，或由信仰相同之教會推薦者，都歡迎成為本教會會員或會友。
(2) 會籍申請者應將申請表填交牧師或會籍審核委員會之長老。
(3) 申請者須經審核委員會通過，才可成為會員或會友。
(4) 初信者，須接受洗禮後始可成為會員或會友。
(5) 歡迎所有新會員或會友參與聖餐禮。
D. 紀律
任何會員停止參加崇拜聚會一年或以上者，視作不積極參與教會事工而失掉會籍，如會員長久搬離多倫多市區（超出汽車駕駛距離）而不能來參加聚會者，教會將鼓勵他參加其他信仰相同之當地教會。若任何會員或會友之生活行為有違聖經教訓，牧師和長老會要求該會員或會友作出解釋，在教會執行委員會議決後，按聖經原則，執行紀律處分。（太18：15-17）
※第二條：會員大會
執行委員會之主席，牧師或執行委員會可授權召開常務或特別會員大會。除緊急事務外，開會日期及商討事項須在會前二個主日在講台宣佈。大會之法定人數必須超過會員人數之一半，任何事項須得出席人數三分之二贊同方可通過。十八歲以上之會員方有投票權。
※第三條：各部職員
凡職員須清楚明白會章第三條：〝教義－－我們的信仰〞，並在接受職位時簽名以表贊同。職員應有良好榜樣，在美堅華人基督教會事奉上對主盡忠，如職員在品行上有違反聖經教訓及本教會的政策時，執行委員會可於三分之二之票數通過後加以開除，（提摩太前書5：19-20）然後通告會眾。職員若有特別理由，可以書面由文書轉交教會辭職，其空缺可由執行委員會提名，經長老和牧師同意後遞補。
A. 牧師
(1) 牧師乃神的僕人，須合乎聖經所列出長老的資格（提摩太前書3：1-7）及（提多書1：5-9），篤信聖經，忠心以言行教導神的話語，且能以純正的道理訓練那些忠心能教導別人的人（以弗所書
4：11-16，提摩太後書2：2，馬太福音28：18-20）牧師應領導會眾，各部門及教會職員，各盡其職，牧師乃教會執行委員會特別委員會的當然會員。
(2) 牧師之聘任須先由執行委員會與華人基督傳道聯會洽商後提交會員大會經出席人數三分之二或以上接納通過，方可正式宣佈就任。
(3) 教會與牧師之合約，新聘任者為期一年，經過三屆一年任期後，可延續為永久性聘任，直至教會或牧師提出終止合約之要求。牧師辭職須於三個月前通知教會。
(4) 經執行委員會同意後，牧師視工作需要可委任一位或多位助理牧師協助教會事工，助理牧師由牧師監督。
B. 長老
(1) 教會將設立教導長老及管理長老，在教牧同工中協助牧師分擔教會事工及照顧會眾的靈性。長老必須是討神喜悅的人，有好名聲追求靈性長進，有教導聖經之恩賜，能管理教會之事務，有禱告之負擔及合乎聖經中作長老的條件。（提摩太前書3：1-7及提多書1：5-9）
(2) 長老候選人先由牧師及在任長老提名，交執事委員會和會員大會通過，並在會眾面前經禱告求聖靈引導後由牧師及在任長老按手。長老之任期為二年，連任三期後，可按立為終身長老。長老之人數按聚會人數而定，約每五十人中可有一位長老，長老與牧師亦是會員及會友審查委員會之當然委員。
(3) 如因健康理由或搬遷遠地，或其他私人理由，長老可提出辭職，卸去擔任之職務。
C. 執事
(1) 執事候選人資格乃依據聖經提摩太前書3：8-13的原則，執事（或女執事）先由提名小組提名，經牧師和長老同意後交會員大會選出，任期二年，執事當選後即加入執行委員會分別擔任教會各項事工，執行委員會可視工作需要而指派執事成立小組，推進工作。
(2) 若因健康理由，搬遷遠地，或其他私人理由，執事可提出辭職，卸去所擔任之職務。
D. 執行委員會
(1) 執行委員會由牧師，長老及執事組成選出主席，文書，財務，產業保管，傳道，基教，助道，探訪，宣教，慈惠，聯誼，聖樂，總務及其他職務。
(2) 執行委員會常務會議每月召開一次，如有需要，主席或牧師可召開特別會議，半數以上委員出席即可視作法定人數，任何議案應有出席委員三分之二票數或以上贊同始可通過。
E. 信託人
依照安大略省之法律規定，信託委員會應由五位委員組成，其中包括執行委員會之文書，財務部主席，及執行委員會指定之其他成員，負責管理教會產業及其他法律事宜。
F. 任期
執行委員會委員之任期為兩年，除非在選舉時有特別聲明，委員之任期應採取輪流替換方式，即每年應約有半數替換或退出，委員擔任某一職位兩年後，連選得連任一屆期滿後，應休息一年才能再擔任同一職務。委員可在某一職位期滿後可被選出任另一職位。牧師視同長老，但在牧養教會期間無任期限制。
G. 提名小組
(1) 執行委員會之成員包括長老，執事，每年在會員大會中選出。提名小組應在會員大會前至少一個月組成，小組成員應包括牧師及由執行委員會選出之二位長老和二會眾共五人組成。每年選舉之新執事名額，應由執行委員會在組成提名小組時同時決定。
(2) 提名小組應將候選人的名單，在會員大會前至少二星期在崇拜聚會地方附近三處當眼處公佈。
(3) 名單公佈後如仍有提名，可用書面提出，每一提名必須有三位積極事奉之會員簽名及在大會前七天交給文書。如所提出之人選被接納可加在已公佈之名單上，選舉方式為不記名投票。
※第四條：附屬組織
為廣傳福音，可設立附屬組織，如青年、婦女等等。這些組織須符合教會之會章，該組織章程須經執行委員會認可，並由執行委員會及所屬同組織之同意下選出一位導師在指定任期內作輔導工作，凡所屬組織之同工必須是本教會會員或會友並為牧師和長老所認可。
※第五條：經費
教會之各項事工是由信徒定期之十一奉獻及其他自由奉獻支持。
信徒當樂意為主作經常之十分之一的奉獻，唯特別奉獻須經執行委員會通過始可收集。
※第六條：解體
如「美堅華人基督教會」在組織上解散，教會的所有資產在付清一切應付債務後，全部轉交加拿大多倫多之「華人基督傳道聯會」。
※第七條：修訂
任何修訂須由執行委員會提出，然後召開會員大會，得出席大會人數三分之二贊同始可通過。
ARTICLE I. NAME
This church shall be known as the MILLIKEN CHINESE
COMMUNITY CHURCH, and is a member church of the ASSOCIATION OF CHINESE
EVANGELICAL MINISTRIES (CANADA).
ARTICLE II. PURPOSE
The purpose of this church shall be the evangelization
of the lost at home and abroad, and the edification of believers
through Bible study, prayer, worship, fellowship and service. This
church shall be carried on without purpose of gain for its members
and any profits or other accretions to the church shall be used
in promoting its objects.
ARTICLE III. DOCTRINE - "OUR TENETS
OF FAITH"
A. THE HOLY SCRIPTURES
We believe the scriptures, both Old and New Testaments,
to be the verbally inspired Word of God, written by men in God's
control, inerrant and infallible in the original manuscripts, and
the final authority in faith and life.
B. THE GODHEAD
We believe in one, true and living God, eternally
existing in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, these three
being identical in essence, equal in power and glory, and having
precisely the same attributes and perfections, being the Creator
and Supreme Ruler of the universe, the heavens, the earth and all
things herein.
C. THE CONDITION OF MAN
We believe that man was created in the image and
likeness of God in innocence and without sin, but that in Adam's
sin the race fell, inherited a sinful nature, became spiritually
dead and alienated from God, and now man by himself is incapable
of remedying his lost and depraved condition.
D. THE PERSON AND WORK OF CHRIST
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal
Son of God, became man without ceasing to be God, conceived of the
Holy Spirit and born of a virgin. He died voluntarily as a sinless
substitutionary sacrifice on the cross, thereby satisfying God's
righteous judgement against sin. After substantiating the accomplishment
of that redemption by His bodily resurrection from the grave, He
ascended to the right hand of His Father where He intercedes on
behalf of those who trust Him.
E. THE PERSON AND WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that the Holy Spirit is the Divine Person
who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgement,
that He alone brings new life to those who are spiritually dead,
that He baptizes (or places) all believers into the one true Church,
which is the Body of Christ, that He indwells them permanently,
seals them unto the day of redemption, bestows spiritual gifts upon
them and fills (or controls) those who are yielded to Him.
F. SALVATION
We believe that salvation is the gift of God's grace.
It cannot be gained by meritorious works, but is freely bestowed
upon all who put their faith in the work of Jesus Christ at Calvary.
All who so trust the Saviour are forgiven of their sins and born
into the family of God by the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit.
G. THE CHURCH
We believe that all those who are born again in this
present age comprise the true Church of Jesus Christ, and that only
those who are a member of the true Church shall be eligible for
membership in the local church, gathered together for worship, fellowship
and service of God, recognizing the need for mutual counsel and
co-operation with other bodies of the like faith.
H. THE ORDINANCES
We believe that our Lord Jesus Christ instituted
two ordinances to be observed by all believers until His return,
baptism and the Lord's supper.
I. CHRISTIAN LIFE
We believe that the life of the believer is to be
separated from worldliness by consistent conduct before God and
man, and is to be in the world as life-giving light.
J. THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
We believe in the personal, imminent coming of the
Lord Jesus Christ for His Church, and His subsequent premillennial
return to earth to establish His kingdom.
K. THE ETERNAL STATE
We believe in the bodily resurrection of the dead
and judgement of all, the unsaved shall suffer everlasting and conscious
punishment and the saved shall enjoy everlasting life in the presence
of God.
ARTICLE IV. ORDINANCES
A. BAPTISM
Since baptism is the outward testimony of an inward
spiritual transformation, it shall be administered only to those
who give evidence of having been born again by faith in Jesus Christ.
The church shall accept as valid any regular form of water baptism
if it is in agreement with the considered convictions of the individual
believer; but the church, unless circumstances do not permit, shall
practise believer's baptism by immersion, a mode accurately portraying
the believer's death, burial, and resurrection with Christ. Infant
baptism shall not be practised.
B. THE LORD'S SUPPER
The Lord's Supper shall be administered as a commemoration
of His death, the elements being used as emblems of His body and
blood. It shall be observed regularly and it shall be open to all
self-examined believers regardless of church affiliation.
ARTICLE V. COVENANT OF FELLOWSHIP
It is our joyful privilege to enter into this solemn
covenant with God and with this local fellowship of believers. By
God's enabling grace, we promise:
A. To attend as diligently as possible to the public
worship of God in this place, recognizing the value and importance
of services on the Lord's day as well as the week-day hour of instruction
and intercession.
B. To share in the financial support of this church
and its varied ministries by cheerfully, systematically, and proportionately
contributing of our means as God supplies.
C. To serve the Lord willingly through this church
with the abilities and the time He provides, working together in
Christian love and graciousness, endeavouring to keep the unity
of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
D. To engage in personal Bible study and prayer,
maintain family devotions where possible, and educate such children
as God entrusts to us in the doctrines of the Scripture and the
principles of Christian living.
E. To endeavour to please God in every way, denying
ungodliness and worldly lusts, and pursuing a manner of life consistent
with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
F. To attempt by prayer, by example, and by word
to lead others to the personal acceptance of Jesus Christ as Saviour
from sin.
ARTICEL VI. CHURCH GOVERNMENT
A. The membership of this church is open to those
who profess faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal saviour
and Lord, given evidence of a change of heart, and declare themselves
in accord with the principles, practices and doctrines of this church.
B. The officers of this church shall consist of
the Pastor, the Elders, the Deacons or Deaconesses and the Trustees
as the By-laws of this constitution may prescribe.
C. There shall be annual or special membership meeting
to hear the annual reports, to elect the officers, to adopt the
church budget and to attend all business that may properly come
before the meeting.
ARTICLE VII. AMENDMENTS
The provision of Articles III, IV, V are unalterable.
Amendments to this constitution may be adopted by a two-thirds vote
of the membership meeting called for that purpose.
BY-LAWS OF
MILLIKEN CHINESE COMMUNITY CHURCH
ARTICLE I. MEMBERSHIP
A. REGULAR MEMBERSHIP
This church shall be composed of professed, baptized
Christian believers who have been properly received into the fellowship.
The members are expected to lead exemplary Christian lives; to attend
faithfully the services of this church, to give regularly for its
support and its causes, and to share in its organized work. On any
matter coming before the church for action, each member is entitled
to express his opinions and to one vote.
B. ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
Temporary residents desiring to take active part
in this church, yet retain membership with a church in another locality,
may apply for associate membership. Associate members are received
on the same basis as regular members and have the usual privileges
and responsibilities of church membership with the exception of
voting. Any regular member who has moved to far away places may
continue as associate member.
C. ACCEPTANCE
(1) A person may be received into membership upon
approval of the Membership Committee.
(2) The Membership Committee shall satisfy itself
as to the qualification of the person applying for membership. This
includes examining the profession of faith in Jesus Christ by the
person and upon his/her affirmation of his/her faith which is revealed
in his/her personal life or upon presentation of letters of transfer
from other churches of the same faith.
(3) Application for membership should be addressed
to Pastor or any Elder of the Membership Committee. For new Christians
who apply for baptism, the application for membership could also
be processed at the same time.
(4) For new Christians, there shall be a baptismal
ceremony by immersion.
(5) The new member shall thereupon be welcomed at
the communion service.
D. DISCIPLINE
Any member failing to attend worship service of this
church for one year will be considered inactive and will lose his
regular membership. If a member has moved permanently out of the
driving distance of the Metropolitan Toronto area, he/she is encouraged
to affiliate himself/herself with a church of like faith and serve
the Lord in his locality. If the life or conduct of a member is
contrary to the Word of God, he/she may be asked by the Pastor and
the Elders for explanation, and disciplinary action may be taken,
after the decision of the Executive Church Board, in accordance
with the principles set forth in the Bible. (Matthew 18:15-17)
ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Annual and special membership meeting of the church
shall be called by the Chairman of the Executive Church Board and/or
the Pastor or the instruction of the Executive Church Board. Notice
of the meeting and of business to be dealt with shall be given from
the pulpit on each of the two preceding Sundays prior to the meeting
except in the case of emergency. A simple majority of the active
voting members shall constitute a quorum. A two-thirds (2/3) majority
of the voting members present shall be required to pass any motion
or resolution. Members who have reached the age of eighteen are
considered voting members.
ARTICLE III. OFFICERS
Every officer shall conscientiously review and sign
"Our Tenets of Faith" each term before installation into office.
An officer must set a good example to the members, must allege complete
loyalty to the Lord Jesus Christ through the MILLIKEN CHINESE COMMUNITY
CHURCH. An officer may be dismissed by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of
the Executive Church Board if his conduct has become contrary to
the Words of God and to the accepted policy of the church. The membership
will then be informed of his dismissal (I Timothy 5:19-20). An officer
may resign at will, preferably by a letter of resignation to the
church, submitted through the Secretary. In case of resignation
or dismissal of an officer, the vacant post shall be filled by recommendation
of the Executive Church Board and approved by the Elders and the
Pastor.
A. The Pastor
(1) The Pastor is a servant of God who meet the
qualifications of an Elder as stated in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus
1:5-9; he must be a firm believer and faithful teacher of the Word
of God by words and deeds; he must know how to teach the sound doctrine
to faithful men who shall, in turn, be able to instruct others (Ephesians
4:11-16; II Timothy 2:2; Matthew 28:18-20). He will lead the congregation,
the organizations, and the church staff in performing their tasks.
He is a member ex-officio of all Boards and Committee.
(2) The Pastor shall be called by the Executive
Church Board, after consultation with the Council of the Association
of Chinese Evangelical Ministries (Canada), and accepted by ballot
with an affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members present
at the membership meeting called for this purpose for prayer and
confirmation. A formal official call can then be issued to the appointed
Pastor.
(3) A contract for the term of one year shall be
signed between the church and the appointed Pastor. After having
been serving three one-year terms, the appointment of the Pastor
shall become permanent until the relationship is terminated by the
Pastor's request or the church's request. The Pastor shall give
at least three month's notice at the time of resignation before
terminating his responsibilities as Pastor.
(4) With the approval of the Executive Church Board,
the Pastor may appoint one or more assistant pastors as required
to assist him in the pastoral work of the church. They shall be
under the supervision of the Pastor.
(5) The leading Pastor among all church officers
shall be called the Senior Pastor and shall be the Chairman of the
Executive Church Board.
B. ELDERS
(1) There shall be teaching Elders and ruling Elders,
assisting the Pastor in Pastoral Committee, to assume the overall
responsibilities of the church, overseeing her spiritual interests
and all works and functions. The Elders shall be proven men of God,
reputable in the church, spiritually minded, having the gift of
the teaching of the Word of God, the administration of the church,
the burden of prayer, and meeting the qualifications set forth in
the Word of God (I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9).
(2) An Elder is nominated by the existing Elders
and the Pastor according to his qualifications. Upon approval of
the Executive Church Board and the Membership Meeting, the Pastor,
together with the existing Elders, shall, under the guidance of
the Holy Spirit, appoint him in a pre-arranged meeting attended
by the members. An Elder may serve a term of two years; after having
been serving three terms, then he shall be ordained as an Elder
for life. The numbers of Elders in a local church shall be in proportion
to the membership of the church, with approximately one Elder for
every fifty members. The Elders, with the Pastor, shall also constitute
the Committee on Membership.
(3) Due to ill health, moving out of the locality,
or for any other personal reason, an Elder may resign or be dismissed
from his office and duty.
C. DEACONS
(1) The moral and spiritual qualifications of an
elected Deacon or Deaconess are found in I Timothy 3:8-13. Deacons
and/or Deaconesses are nominated by a nominating committee and approved
by the Pastor and the Elders. They are elected bi-annually by the
Membership Meeting to the Executive Church Board to take up various
responsibilities and ministries in the church. If needed, committees
may be formed under the direction of a Deacon or Deacons to facilitate
the work designated by the Executive Church Board.
(2) Due to ill health, moving out of the locality,
or for any other personal reason, a Deacon may resign or be dismissed
from his office and duty.
D. EXECUTIVE CHURCH BOARD
(1) The Executive Church Board shall be composed
of the Pastor, the elected Elders, Deacons and/or Deaconesses. Among
these shall officers be chosen to take charge of the chairman, secretary,
finance, property, church growth, Christian education, training
fellowships, visitation, missions, charity, public relations, music,
general business, etc.
(2) Meetings of the Executive Church Board shall
be held at regular monthly and special occasions at the call of
the Chairman of the Board and/or the Pastor. A simple majority of
the Board Members shall constitute a quorum. A two-thirds (2/3)
majority of the Board Members present shall be required to pass
any motion or resolution.
E. TRUSTEES
The Board of Trustees, as required by the legislation
of the Province of Ontario, shall be formed by five members including
the Secretary of the Executive Church Board, the Chairman of the
Financial Committee and whomever the Executive Church Board shall
appoint to be responsible for the church properties and other legal
affairs.
F. TERM OF OFFICE
The officers of the Executive Church Board shall
be elected by terms of two years unless otherwise specified at the
time of election. Their terms shall be arranged on a rotating basis
so that, as nearly as possible, the term of one-half of the officers
shall expire each year. (No officer who has served two terms shall
be permitted to succeed himself for the same position until one
year has elapsed. He shall be eligible for election to other offices
during that year.) The Pastor shall be considered an Elder, but
his term shall not expire so long as he holds the pastorate of the
church.
G. NOMINATING COMMITTEE
(1) The officers of the Executive Church Board consisting
of Elders, Deacons and/or Deaconesses of this church shall be elected
at the Annual Membership Meeting. A Nominating Committee consisting
of the Pastor, two Elders selected by the Executive Church Board
and two others from the congregation also elected by the Executvie
Church Board shall be formed at least one month prior to the Annual
Membership Meeting. The number of officers and Deacons required
shall be decided by the Executive Church Board at the same time
when the Nominating Committee members are being appointed.
(2) A list of the nominations made by this Committee
shall be posted in three conspicuous places in and about the place
of worship for at least two weeks prior to the Annual Meeting.
(3) After the list is posted, further nominations
may be made in writing, each nomination being signed by three members
in good standing and left with the Secretary not later than seven
days prior to the Annual Meeting, and if the persons so nominated
are found to be eligible, their names shall be added by the Nominating
Committee to the nominations already posted. Election shall be by
ballot.
ARTICLE IV. SUBSIDIARY ORGANIZATIONS
Subsidiary organizations may be formed as needed
for the young people, women or others in the church, for the furtherance
of the aim and ministry of the Gospel. These must be in accordance
with the principles and practices of the church and have their constitutions
approved by the Executive Church Board. An advisor, mutually accepted
by the organization and the Executive Church Board, shall serve
within the appointed period of time. All officers of subsidiary
organizations must be members of this church or must be approved
by the Pastor and the Elders.
ARTICLE V. FINANCE
The activites of the church shall be supported by
the tithes and the free-will offerings of the believers. Regular
tithing and cheerful giving as unto the Lord are encouraged. Special
offerings may be collected with the approval of the Executive Church
Board.
ARTICLE VI. DISSOLUTION
In the event of the physical dissolution of the said
MILLIKEN CHINESE COMMUNITY CHURCH, in the city of Scarborough, Ontario,
Canada, all the remaining assets, real or otherwise, after the payment
of any just debts and obligations, shall be transferred in whole
to the Association of Chinese Evangelical Ministries (Canada) at
Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
ARTICLE VII. AMENDMENTS
Amendments to the By-laws of this church may be made
by recommendation of the Executive Church Board and by two-thirds
(2/3) vote of the members in a meeting called for this purpose.
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