Lakeside Christian Church - Shell Knob, MO
BYLAWS
Revised Draft submitted on July 12, 2021
Article 1 - Purpose
Section 1. Name:
Lakeside Christian Church of Shell Knob
Section 2. Purpose:
Lakeside Christian Church was established for the purpose of "bringing people to Jesus Christ and
Membership in His family, developing them to Christ-like Maturity, and equipping them for their
Ministry in the church and life Mission in the world, in order to Magnify God's name."
Our purpose statement reflects both the Great Commandment (Mathew 22:37-38) and the Great
Commission (Mathew 28:18-20).
Section 3. Mission and Core Values (beliefs):
Our Mission is to make more and better followers of Jesus Christ. To help us accomplish our
mission, we trust in the following core values…
1. The Bible as God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
2. The Lordship of Jesus Christ (John 3:16)
3. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20)
4. The ministry of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4-6).
5. Christian Worship (Psalm 150:6).
6. Christian unity (John 17:23; Ephesians 4:3).
7. Christian fellowship (Acts 2:42-44).
Section 4. Governing Body:
This Congregation shall be a local independent self-governing religious body free from any
ecclesiastical authority or jurisdiction. This Congregation shall be under the scriptural authority of God
as provided through the Bible.
Article II – Membership
Section 1. Qualifications:
The membership of the congregation shall consist of persons who have confessed their faith in
Christ, have been baptized by immersion according to the scriptures, and have expressed their desire
to unite with this congregation. Membership expectations are described in the membership covenant
approved by the Elders and Servant Leadership Team.
Section 2. Membership Covenant:
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME AS A MEMBER of Lakeside Christian Church?
Members are expected to follow the guidance of the Bible and will not be assigned duties or beliefs outside
of Bible standards. Members are expected to be a disciple of Christ and demonstrate Christian values.
LAKESIDE CHRISTIAN CHURCH MEMBERSHIP COVENANT:
Having received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and having been baptized, I now feel led
by the Holy Spirit to unite with the LAKESIDE CHRISTIAN CHURCH family. In doing so, commit
myself to God and to the other members to participate in the body life of LCC in the following areas:
I. I WILL PROTECT THE UNITY OF CHRIST'S CHURCH.
...By acting in love toward other members.
...By refusing to gossip.
...By following the Biblical example of LCC leaders
"Live in complete harmony with each other – each with the attitude of Christ toward each other.”
Romans 15:5 (Living Bible)
“Have a sincere love for your fellow believers; love one another earnestly with all your hearts.”
1 Peter 1:22 (Good News Bible)
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building
others up according to their needs...”
Ephesians 4:29
“Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an
account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be no
advantage to you.”
Hebrews 13:17
II. I WILL SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF CHRIST'S CHURCH.
...By praying for its growth.
...By inviting the unchurched to attend.
...By warmly welcoming those who visit.
...By giving financially as the Bible teaches
“To the church... We always thank God for you and pray for you constantly.”
1 Thessalonians 1:2
“Go out into the country... and urge anyone you find to come in, so that My House will be full.”
Luke 14:23 (LB)
“So, warmly welcome each other into the church, just as Christ has warmly welcomed you; then God
will be glorified.”
Romans 15:7
“Each one of you, on the first day of each week, should set aside a specific sum of money in
proportion to what you have earned and use it for the offering.”
1 Corinthians 16:2
III. I WILL SERVE THE MINISTRY OF CHRIST'S CHURCH.
...By discovering my gifts and talents.
...By being equipped to use my gifts and talents to serve.
...By developing a servant's heart.
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others...”
1 Peter 4:10
“God gave...some to be pastors and teachers to prepare God’s people for works of ministry, so that
the body of Christ may be built up...”
Ephesians 4:11-12
“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your
attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ... who took on the very nature of a servant...”
Philippians 2:3-4, 7
IV. I WILL SUPPORT THE TESTIMONY OF CHRIST'S CHURCH.
...By attending faithfully.
...By living honestly.
“Let us not give up the habit of meeting together... but let us encourage one another.”
Hebrews 10:25
“But whatever happens, make sure that your everyday life is worthy of the gospel of Christ.”
Philippians 1:27
Article III - Leadership & Ministry
Section 1. Servants
The “servants” of the Servant Leadership Team of Lakeside Christian Church shall be Pastors,
Elders, Deacons, and others who have aspired to serve as needed and have been approved by the
Servant Leadership Team. The Chairperson, Treasurer, and secretary shall be appointed by a
"consensus" of the Servant Leadership Team. They will serve as the steering committee to direct the
business affairs of the church.
Section 2. Responsibilities of Elders, Deacons, Servant Leadership Team
Elders: Shepherd and overseer of the church as set forth in the New Testament. 1Timothy
3:1-7 gives Biblical qualifications for selecting elders. Elders will serve for an indefinite period
of time. They may opt for a sabbatical from ministry duties under the guidance of the Servant
Leadership Team & current Elders and Pastors.
1. An Elder is eligible to be a member of the Servant Leadership Team at his discretion.
Selection process of Elders/Servant Leadership Team is defined under Section 3.
Function: An Elder is to take on the spiritual oversight of the congregation alongside of the
Pastors.
Deacons: The Deacons shall serve as set forth in the New Testament at the direction of the
Elders and Pastors. 1Timothy 3: 8-13 gives Biblical qualifications for deacons.
1. A Deacon is eligible to be a member of the Servant Leadership Team.
Selection process of Elders/Servant Leadership Team is defined under Section 3.
Function: A Deacon in the New Testament was chosen by the Apostles of the church to serve
in a specific role within the life of the church. Their purpose was to “serve” the apparent needs
of the congregation (Acts 6:1-6).
Servant Leadership Team:
A. Member: a member of the Servant Leadership Team is a member of Lakeside
Christian Church that aspires to minister to the life of the church by being actively
involved in the ministry and direction of Lakeside. They act as the steering
committee that helps to promote the overall Vision & Purpose of Lakeside
Christian Church. All Pastors of Lakeside Christian Church will be members of
the Servant Leadership Team.
B. Function of the Team:
a. Responsible to be present at all Servant Leadership Team meetings, or
other meetings called by the Pastors or Elders regarding the life of the
church.
b. Decisions made are made by “consensus” of the Servant Leadership
Team. We believe by having a consensus, rather than a vote we promote
harmony within the life of the leadership and the church.
Financial Secretaries (treasurers more than 1): The financial secretary (treasurer) shall
have charge of the current funds of the church and shall pay all current bills and other bills as
approved by the Servant Leadership Team. The treasurer shall keep records of receipts and
expenses and make monthly reports to the Servant Leadership Team. Money shall be
deposited in the bank each week. The financial secretaries shall assist in looking after the
general financial interest of the church as directed by the Servant Leadership Team.
Secretary: The secretary (clerk) shall keep records of the activities of the church. The
activities of the church include: Membership, additions to the church, family information,
deaths, and letters to members who desire to unite with another congregation. The secretary
shall keep records of official church board meetings and other activities of the church which will
be beneficial to the church and the members.
Section 3. Selection of the Servant Leadership Team & Elders
All persons being considered for either the Servant Leadership Team, Deacons or Elders will
be subject to approval of the present elders, pastors, and the servant Leadership Team.
Selection of those desiring to serve as Elders will be based upon 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus
1:6-9. The following describes the selection of process.
1. Any person desiring to minister in the responsibility of Elder or a member of the Servant
Leadership Team will submit a letter of aspiration (desire) to the present Elders and
Servant Leadership Team.
2. Upon receiving the letter, the Elders and Servant Leadership Team will schedule an
interview with the person aspiring to this position of responsibility.
3. At this time, the congregation will be notified of the aspirant’s desire for this ministry and
the congregation will be allowed time to give feedback to the Elders and Servant
Leadership Team of LCC regarding the aspirant’s qualifications for the responsibility of
Elder or member of SLT.
4. Once the decision is made to either accept the person as a new member of the Servant
Leadership Team, or Elder of LCC, or not, a public declaration to the congregation will
be made.
5. Any Elder or member of the Servant Leadership Team may be asked to step down from
their responsibilities in accordance with the Biblical procedures of Matthew 18:15-17.
Section 4. Pastoral Staff:
A. Selection and Dismissal of staff:
a. Selection: Pastors and Staff will selected upon the recommendation of the Lead
Pastor/Elders & Servant Leadership Team.
b. Evaluation: The Elders and Servant Leadership Team will do an annual
evaluation of paid staff including compensation recommendation.
c. Dismissal: Pastoral staff may be removed at the discretion of the Elders and
Servant Leadership Team in accordance with Matthew 18:15-17.
B. Lead or Senior Pastor:
i. Shall be well versed in the doctrine of the Christian Church (Restoration
fellowship of churches) as set forth in the New Testament. If questions arise
regarding doctrine, they should be discussed with the Elders of LCC.
ii. Shall fulfill the duties agreed to in the job description given to him when called. A
Senior Pastor will be considered an active member of LCC and will abide by the
membership covenant.
iii. Shall participate as an active member of the Servant Leadership Team.
C. Additional Staff:
iv. Additional staff will perform duties as directed by the Elders and Servant
Leadership Team.
Section 5. Local & World Missions
All missionary work of the congregation shall be under the direction of the Elders and
Servant Leadership Team. Mission reports will be given on a regular basis to the
congregation to keep them informed.
Section 6. Committees & Groups
The organization and maintaining of all groups within the congregation shall be under
the guidance of the Elders and Servant Leadership Team.
Article IV
Policies & Procedures for the Servant Leadership Team
Section 1. Members:
The Servant Leadership Team shall be composed of the Elders, Pastors, and other
Servants. The Elders and Servant Leadership Team will have the final decision in all
matters of the Church.
Section 2. Quorum:
A quorum for all Servant Leadership Team meetings shall consist of a majority with at
least one Elder or Pastor present.
Article V
Congregational Meetings
The Elders and Servant Leadership Team are encouraged to have timely meetings to inform the
congregation of all matters, and direction of the Church.
Section 1. Voting Qualifications (If voting is required)
All LCC Adult Members who are in good standing with the LCC Membership Covenant
are eligible to vote on matters presented by the Servant Leadership Team.
Article VI
Records
All permanent records shall be kept at the church. The filing of all records shall be done by the
“secretary”. Any person wanting information from the files shall request the information from the
“secretary”. The “secretary” shall be responsible for seeing that all records are properly returned to
the files.
Article VII
Discipline
Matters threatening the unity of the church or inhibiting the spiritual growth of the church shall be
addressed by the Elders and Servant Leadership Team in accordance with Matthew 18:15-17 and
Galatians 6.
Section 1. Termination/Discipline of Membership:
A. Members shall be removed from the church roll for the following reasons:
1. Death.
2. Transfer of membership to another church.
3. By personal request of the member in writing.
4. Dismissal by the Elders and Pastors according to the following conditions:
a. The member’s life and conduct is not in accordance with the membership
covenant in such a way that the member hinders the ministry influence of the
church in the community.
b. Procedures for the dismissal of a member shall be according to
Matthew 18:15-17.
.
Section 2. Restoration of Members:
Members dismissed by the Elders shall be restored by the Pastors and Elders
according to the spirit of 2 Corinthians 2:7-8, when their life-styles are judged to be in
accordance with the membership covenant.
Article VII
Dissolution
No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its
members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the corporation shall be authorized
and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and
distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in this Constitution.
No substantial part of the activities of the corporation (Lakeside Christian Church) shall be the
carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the corporation (LCC)
shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any
political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.
Not withstanding any other provision of these articles, the corporation (Lakeside Christian Church)
shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from
federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding
provision of any future federal tax code, or (b) by a corporation contributions to which are deductible
under section 170 (c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal
tax code.
Upon the dissolution of the organization, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes
within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of
any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local
government, for a public purpose. The corporation (Lakeside Christian Church) will distribute all real
and tangible assets to missions that are being supported or given to other non profits per the direction
of the Elders and Servant Leadership Team.
Any such assets not disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of common pleas of the county in
which the principal office of the organization is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such
organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated
exclusively for such purposes.
Article VIII
Amendments
1. These rules and regulations may be amended by the recommendation of the Elders and
Servant Leadership Team at a duly called congregational meeting.
2. Amendments will require a two-thirds majority vote to pass.