Constitution and Bylaws

Preamble

The purpose of this Constitution and Bylaws is to：

• A. Uphold and preserve our principles of faith.
• B. Safeguard and respect the rights and freedoms of each church member.
• C. Provide orderly regulations for internal management, coordination with other organizations, and oversight of church membership.
• D. Offer protection and guidance for church operations.

Victoria Chinese Gospel Church Constitution

Chapter 1: Name and Location

This church is a non-profit organization with the legal name “Victoria Chinese Gospel Church.” It is located in Victoria, British Columbia.

Chapter 2: Purpose

The purpose of this church is to glorify God by:

• A. Establishing, strengthening, and expanding a Christ-worshiping church through ministries consistent with the principles and doctrines of the Christian faith.
• B. Supporting and sustaining missionary work and missionaries for the spread of the Christian gospel.

In fulfilling this purpose, the church seeks to glorify God and benefit people by proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ (Mattew 22:36-40; 28:18-20). Our aim is to make disciples of Jesus Christ. We affirm the following values and practices：

I. What We Love (Values)

• God – We glorify God and delight in Him; we follow Jesus; we walk with the Holy Spirit.
• People – We share life and serve sacrificially.
• The Bible – We love, study, and obey Scripture.
• Life Transformation – We are being made more like Jesus.
• Mission – We are faithful to the calling of evangelism.

II. What We Do (Practices)

• Corporate Worship
• Prayer
• Bible Study
• Serving
• Witnessing for Christ and Evangelism
• Fellowship of Believers

Chapter 3: Cooperation and Governance

This church is autonomous and independent, not under the control of any denomination. The Congregational Meeting of the members holds the authority to govern the church’s life and organizational structure independently. Recognizing the value of cooperation and mutual counsel, we will seek support and guidance from sister churches and advisory pastors as needed.

In mutual support under God’s protection, we commit to the following with our sister churches:

• Proactively assist when churches or leaders are in need.
• Willingly receive intervention and assistance from sister churches in times of crisis.
• Join in prayer, forgiveness, and restoration when there is moral failure or spiritual struggle.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20–21)

Chapter 4: Records and Reports

The church shall maintain the following records and reports:

• Complete and accurate books and financial records
• Meeting minutes of the Congregational Meeting, Church Council, and Executive Committee
• Membership directory including names and contact information
• Donation records of contributors
• Year-end financial audit reports

Chapter 5: Principles of Property and Financial Management

• The church shall look to God alone for the provision of all financial needs. All income shall come from freewill offerings and shall not be obtained through methods that contradict biblical principles.
• The church shall establish a Property Management Policy and a Finance and Accounting Policy. The Church Council and the Finance Team shall be responsible for formulating financial policies, including approval of special offerings, budgeting, offering counting, recordkeeping, issuing tax receipts, and expenditures.
• The church’s property management and financial/accounting matters shall be subject to the supervision of the Executive Committee.
• The fiscal year of the church shall run from March 1st to February 28th of the following year.

Chapter 6: Principles of Church Discipline

All church discipline shall be based on the explicit teachings of Scripture. The purpose of discipline is to lead believers to repentance and to restore fellowship with God and the church.

The church shall establish Disciplinary Regulations, formulated by the Church Council, including applicable situations, procedures, levels of discipline, responsibilities, and restoration mechanisms. The Church Constitution and Bylaws and the Disciplinary Regulations are the basis for all disciplinary actions.

Chapter 7: Non-Profit Status and Dissolution

This church is a non-profit organization, operating not for the profit of its members. All income or surplus must be used exclusively to fulfill the purposes of the church.

In the event of dissolution, after all debts are paid, any remaining assets shall be transferred to a qualified charitable organization in accordance with Section 149.1(1) of the Income Tax Act.

Chapter 8: Amendments

The Constitution and Bylaws may be amended. Proposed amendments must be provided to members in writing or via email at least 15 days prior to the Congregational Meeting, and formally submitted for discussion and voting during the meeting.

Victoria Chinese Gospel Church Bylaws

Chapter 1: Membership

I. Qualifications for Membership

• Have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord of life.
• Have received baptism as a testimony of their salvation.
• New members should register with the Newcomers Ministry, attend Sunday worship for more than 3 months, and be approved by the Church Council.

II. Responsibilities and Rights of Members

• Members shall diligently obey the teachings of the Bible, cultivate Christlike character, and imitate the life of Christ.
• Members shall regularly attend church gatherings and wholeheartedly support the ministries and finances of the church.
• Active members who are at least 18 years of age and have regularly attended for more than six consecutive months shall have the right to vote in church decisions. Inactive members (those who have not attended for six consecutive months) shall not have voting rights.
• All members are responsible for upholding the church’s Statement of Faith, this Constitution, and its Bylaws.

III. Termination of Membership

Membership shall be terminated under any of the following conditions:

• Death.
• Transfer to another church.
• Personal request to withdraw membership.
• Involuntary termination by resolution of the Executive Committee when a member’s conduct and lifestyle are contrary to the Statement of Faith and obstruct the church’s ministry. The process shall follow the teachings of Matthew 18:15–17 or Titus 3:10–11.
• If a member does not attend church for more than six months and refuses to communicate with the Executive Committee or Church Council, their membership shall be terminated.

V. Restoration of Membership

A person whose membership was involuntarily terminated may have their membership restored upon unanimous approval by the Executive Committee, in accordance with the principles of 2 Corinthians 2:7–8.

VI. Voting Rights

Each member aged 18 or older shall have one vote. Only members who are physically present at meetings may vote; proxy voting is not permitted.

Chapter 2: Church Leadership Structure

• A. The qualifications of those who hold leadership positions in this church should meet the biblical requirements (1 Timothy 3:1–13, 4:12–16; 2 Timothy 2:15, 2:24–25; Titus 1:6–9).
• B. The differences between leadership positions lie only in the commission and responsibilities, not in dignity and honor.

I. Pastor/Minister

• Qualifications

The qualifications of a pastor/minister should be consistent with the teachings of 1 Timothy 3:1–7, 5:17, and Titus 1:6–9. He should be a supporter and advocate of the church’s Statement of Faith, values, practices, activities, and ministries.

• Responsibilities

1. Generally includes the following: pastoring, teaching, sharing vision, equipping believers to fulfill their duties, and spiritual counseling (Ephesians 4:11–12; 1 Peter 5:2–3).
2. He should be honest and upright in his private and public lifestyle before his family and congregation.
3. He must lead and equip the congregation and co-workers to realize the church’s values and practices, and guide the church to grow and achieve its goals.
4. The pastor/minister is an ex officio member of the Executive Committee and the Church Council.

• Selection of Pastors/Ministers

1. The Executive Committee will organize a Pastoral Search Committee based on the church’s pastoral needs.
2. Candidates may be professional or non-professional, full-time or part-time, paid or volunteer.
3. After the Pastoral Search Committee agrees on a candidate, the candidate should be invited to participate in various church activities so members can get to know them and ask questions.
4. Church members should then pray about it.
5. The matter is submitted to the Church Council for deliberation, then referred to the Congregational Meeting for a vote.
6. A member meeting must be held specifically for the election. Members should receive notice at least ten days in advance.
7. The pastor/minister shall be elected by a 3/4 majority vote of voting members present.

• Term of Service

1. The term of service may be extended indefinitely until retirement, resignation, or dismissal by the church. If the church requests the pastor/minister to leave, compensation shall be given at two weeks’ salary per full year of service, up to a maximum of eight weeks. If the pastor/minister resigns, 30 days’ notice is required.
2. A written agreement between the church elders and the pastor/minister shall outline expectations, salary, vacation, and benefits, and shall be reviewed annually.
3. The pastor/minister may be sent by the church to serve in other churches or organizations, retaining their position in this church but not participating in the Executive Committee or holding related positions during that period.
4. If the pastor/minister serves another church or organization part-time, it must be reviewed and approved by the Church Council.
5. Long-term pastors/ministers may enjoy a half-year paid sabbatical after 6–7 consecutive years of service. A formal application must be submitted one year in advance and approved by the Church Council based on ministry needs.
6. If pastoral staff require ordination, the Church Council shall propose it, the Congregational Meeting shall vote, and the ordination ceremony shall be performed by the ordination group for those who pass the qualification review.

• Leave of Absence, Retirement, and Dismissal

1. A pastor/minister who needs a leave of absence for personal reasons must have it reviewed and approved by the Executive Committee. During the leave, they retain their position (without pay) but do not attend Executive Committee meetings or hold related positions. A leave exceeding one year is deemed a resignation. Resignation for further studies must also be approved by the Executive Committee.
2. Dismissal of a long-term pastor/minister shall be proposed by the Executive Committee and put to a vote at the Congregational Meeting.

II. Elders

• Qualifications

Elders should continue to grow in the qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:1–7, 5:17, and Titus 1:6–9, and demonstrate Christian testimony in their personal, family, and public life. They must be committed Christians who actively cooperate with the pastor/minister, support and advocate the church’s Statement of Faith, values, practices, activities, and ministries, and demonstrate Christian maturity.

• Selection of Elders

1. Elder candidates are recommended by the Executive Committee or jointly recommended in writing by 20 or more members.
2. Candidates must have served as ordained deacons in this church for more than 3 consecutive years, served at least one term on the Executive Committee, and be at least 30 years old.
3. Candidates go through the following process:
   • a) The Executive Committee shall announce the number and list of elders to be ordained at least 30 days before the Congregational Meeting.
   • b) Recommendation letters must include reasons; those without reasons are invalid.
   • c) The Executive Committee submits qualified candidates to the Congregational Meeting for a vote.
   • d) Approved candidates shall receive training under the guidance of the Executive Committee.
   • e) After training, the ordination group performs the elder ordination ceremony.
4. Elders ordained in other churches who wish to become elders here must go through steps 1–3 above, but no ordination ceremony is required.

• Removal

The removal of an elder shall be reviewed and approved by the Executive Committee and resolved by the Congregational Meeting.

III. Deacons

• Qualifications

Deacons should continue to grow in the qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:8–13, and demonstrate Christian testimony in their personal, family, and public life. They must be committed Christians who actively cooperate with pastors/ministers and elders, support and advocate the church’s Statement of Faith, values, practices, activities, and ministries, and demonstrate Christian maturity. Spouses may not serve as deacons simultaneously. Business stakeholders may not serve as deacons simultaneously.

• Selection of Deacons

1. Deacon candidates must be committed to attending Sunday worship and have been members for more than 1 year. Candidates are recommended by the Executive Committee or jointly recommended in writing by 15 or more members. After relevant training by the Executive Committee, they are appointed as deacons upon approval by the Congregational Meeting.
2. The term of service is 2 years. Extensions under special circumstances require a vote at the Congregational Meeting, but may not exceed 1 additional year.

Chapter 3: Organizational Structure of the Church

I. Congregational Meeting

• Nature and Types

The Congregational Meeting of the members is the highest authority of the church and includes:

1. Annual Meeting: Held at the beginning of the fiscal year to receive financial reports and approve the budget. Notice must be given to members at least two weeks in advance.
2. Special Meetings: Must be called within 45 days of any of the following:
   • a) Fewer than 3 members on the Executive Committee.
   • b) One-third (1/3) or more of members request a special meeting.
   • c) The Executive Committee deems a meeting necessary.

• Notice of Meetings

Meetings may be announced through any of the following:

1. Verbal notice during Sunday worship.
2. Email or WeChat notification to members.

• Composition and Powers

1. The Congregational Meeting is composed of all members.
2. The Congregational Meeting exercises the following powers:
   • a) Amend the Church Constitution.
   • b) Decide on appointment and dismissal of pastors/ministers and determine compensation for long-term staff.
   • c) Elect and remove elders and deacons.
   • d) Elect and replace Executive Committee members.
   • e) Approve major decisions such as church property acquisition.
   • f) Approve annual ministry plans and financial budgets submitted by the Church Council.
   • g) Receive reports on annual ministry, financial statements, and audit findings.
   • h) Consider member proposals and decide on related motions.

• Convening and Voting Procedures

1. Meetings are convened and chaired by the Executive Committee. If the chair cannot preside, a designated Executive Committee member will serve as chair.
2. Meeting notice (including date, location, and agenda) must be issued at least 14 days in advance. The meeting may only deliberate on announced agenda items. At least 50% of voting members must be present for a valid meeting. If quorum is not met, the meeting is postponed by 14 days, and the rescheduled meeting shall be valid regardless of attendance.
3. Each member aged 18 or above has one vote. Unless otherwise stated, a motion passes if two-thirds (2/3) of attending voters approve (abstentions not counted).

II. Executive Committee

• Composition and Election

1. The Executive Committee is composed of the pastor/minister, long-term pastoral staff, elders, and deacons. Spouses and persons with conflicts of interest may not serve concurrently. The Committee consists of 3–5 members, with pastoral staff making up no more than one-third.
2. The chairperson is elected by the Committee for a one-year term. Pastors may not serve as chair.
3. Candidates are nominated by the Church Council or by 30 or more members in writing, and must be finalized 15 days before the Congregational Meeting vote. The candidate list should be submitted two weeks before the meeting.

• Duties

1. Oversee the spiritual life and conduct of the congregation.
2. Assist in worship and sacraments.
3. Handle major or crisis events.
4. Decide on the appointment/removal of elders and deacons and refer to the Congregational Meeting.
5. Supervise all church financial offerings and expenditures.
6. Lead and supervise the Church Council and all ministry teams.
7. Receive and respond to complaints; exercise disciplinary authority as needed based on Scripture and church policies.

• Convening and Voting

1. Regular meetings held every 3 months. Emergency meetings must be called within 48 hours when:
   • a) The chair deems it necessary.
   • b) At least 1/3 of members request one.
2. Meetings are valid if at least 2/3 of members (including the chair) attend. Resolutions require approval from 2/3 of attendees.
3. The chair convenes and presides over meetings. If the chair is unavailable, a delegate leads. If absent long-term, an interim chair may serve for up to one year.
4. Meeting minutes must be prepared and distributed to all members within 7 days after each meeting, and finalized within a further 7 days. Minutes shall record all resolutions; objections shall be recorded upon request. The Executive Committee shall follow up on resolutions promptly. Minutes are kept as church archives. Meeting proceedings shall be reported to the Church Council (excluding personal privacy matters).

• Term of Service of Executive Committee Members

1. The term of service is 3 years. Members may not serve again within 1 year of their term expiring. Those who take leave or resign during their term may not serve again within 1 year of doing so.
2. Extensions under special circumstances require a vote at the Congregational Meeting, but may not exceed 1 additional year.
3. If a member is unable to perform duties for more than half a year due to health or other reasons, they shall automatically withdraw until elected at the next Congregational Meeting. If the Executive Committee or 30 or more members jointly propose in writing to replace a member, the replacement shall be approved by the Congregational Meeting. The replacement’s term shall be the remainder of the original member’s term.

III. Church Council

• Composition and Formation

The Church Council executes and manages the ministries of the church. It is composed of Executive Committee members and deacons. Spouses and persons with conflicts of interest may not serve concurrently. The Council shall have 7–12 members.

• Duties

1. Lead the church in fulfilling its vision.
2. Implement resolutions of the Congregational Meeting and Executive Committee.
3. Propose pastoral staffing needs and form Pastoral Search Committees.
4. Decide on appointment/dismissal of pastoral staff and refer to the Congregational Meeting.
5. Manage offerings and financial resources.
6. Develop annual ministry plans and budgets.
7. Draft meeting agendas for the Congregational Meeting and Church Council.
8. Maintain a complaint email account, monitored by one deacon and one Executive Committee member, and report to the Executive Committee.

• Convening and Voting

1. Regular meetings held monthly.
2. Emergency meetings called within 7 days under these conditions:
   • a) The Executive Committee chair deems it necessary.
   • b) At least 1/3 of deacons request a meeting.
3. Valid if at least 2/3 of deacons are present.
4. Resolutions require approval by 2/3 of attendees.
5. Convened and chaired by the Executive Committee chair or a designated delegate.
6. Meeting minutes shall be prepared and distributed to all members within 7 days, and finalized within a further 7 days. Meeting proceedings shall be shared with ministry leaders (excluding personal privacy matters).