The Constitution of the Fethiye Community Church

The Congregation

This document refers to the process of ratification by the congregation. Ratification is defined by a simple majority of those voting. This is done by raising of hands, ballot, or secret ballot at the discretion of the chairperson. This is accomplished through a well publicized meeting, separate from a church service, where any who are interested may attend, discuss, and through voting come to a decision. It is assumed that anyone voting shall be of adult age and subscribe to the Statement of Faith. The congregational meeting shall be announced at normal services of this church, which will tend to limit those present to a company that attends services, and is interested enough in the issue to attend a separate meeting for that purpose.

1. A congregational meeting shall be announced, with an agenda for that meeting at no less than two weekly services. It shall be chaired by the Administrator who shall maintain order and fulfill the agenda.

The Pastoral Office

To facilitate an environment of spiritual growth, equipping of the saints, including preaching, teaching, visitation, counseling for the "building-up of the Body of Christ". This office could include a board of elders, assistant, associate, or training pastors. Elders and Pastors shall fulfill the requirements of Titus 1:6-9.

1. The Pastor has responsibility and authority over the pastoral office. The Pastor may create positions in the pastoral office as necessary. The Pastor shall appoint people, fill vacancies, and remove people to those positions (subject to ratification by the congregation).
2. The term of office for an Elder shall be 3 years, an Elder may be re-appointed indefinitely, and that re-appointment shall be ratified by the congregation.
3. Associate/assistant/training Pastors have no term of office, but shall be reviewed at least every 3 years by the Pastor.
4. The Pastor may call a congregational meeting, and in the absence of the Administrator, the Pastor may chair a congregational meeting.
5. The Pastor shall initially be recognized by vote of the congregation through a congregational meeting.

The Administrative Office

To provide for and maintain the facility and material assets of the church while strategically planning for the future.

1. The administrative office is responsible for overseeing any building, remodeling projects, as well as office staff and support staff.
2. The administrative office is responsible to maintain a record of official actions of this church, and business conducted in a congregational meeting, to make this record available as necessary.
3. The Administrator shall call and chair a congregational meeting. In the absence of the Administrator, the Pastor may also call and chair a congregational meeting.
4. The Administrator has responsibility and authority over the administrative office. The Administrator may create positions in the administrative office as necessary. The Administrator shall appoint people, fill vacancies, and remove people to those positions (not subject to ratification by the congregation).
5. The Administrator is appointed by the Pastor, and ratified by the congregation. The term of office shall be 3 years with no limitation on the number of terms served.
6. There shall be at least one congregational meeting per year.

The Financial Office

The financial office maintains and enforces the annual budget and is responsible for the financial assets (monies) of the church. The financial office shall document expenditures and maintain a budget and financial reports including at least income and expenditures.

1. The Treasurer, with advice and consent from the Pastor, and Administrator shall finalize an annual budget to be ratified by the congregation. The annual budget shall provide for any salaries, expenditures, and other financial obligations. Minor amendments to the budget may be made, at the discretion of the Treasurer with the advice and consent of the Pastor and Administrator without congregational ratification.
2. The Treasurer has responsibility and authority over the financial office. The Treasurer may create positions in the financial office as necessary. The Treasurer shall appoint people, fill vacancies, and remove people to those positions (not subject to ratification by the congregation).
3. The Treasurer shall maintain financial reports to be provided, upon request, to the Pastor, and Administrator, and presented to the congregation at least annually, or for the purposes of an audit.
4. The Treasurer is appointed by the Pastor, and ratified by the congregation. The term of office shall be 3 years with no limitation on the number of terms served.