Continued from Web-Church-E-Home Fellowship Bylaws-2
Section 1.
Calling/Qualifications: The Bible teaches that all followers of Jesus
are royal priests, children of the Most-High-God with the fullness of God inside
them and with the ministry of reconciliation. The call from God,
therefore, doesn’t put someone in a position of greater honor, but greater
responsibility to serve and to live as an example. That’s why we don’t use
the titles Pastor or Reverend. The qualifications for Servant (minister)
in EHF are to be called by God to live as an example (see I Tim 4:12, Mt 20:26,
Acts 6, I Tim 3, Titus 1). In recognizing someone as a Commissioned
(ordained) or Non-Commissioned (licensed) Servant (minister) EHF is not
conferring something upon them, but merely recognizing formally what God has
conferred on them.
Section 2. Liability: EHF shall accept no liability for actions
or inactions of Servants credentialed by EHF, except those performing contracted
services for EHF and only to the effect of those services contracted. Each
Servant is strongly encouraged to obtain liability insurance.
Section 3. Types of
Credentials:
a. Non-Commissioned
Servant (Licensed Minister): This credential is issued to someone to
recognize their calling by God to perform specific acts of service (i.e. perform
weddings or funerals, Chaplain, prison ministry, homeless shelter, etc.) on
a one-time, part-time or short-term basis, usually outside the normal ministry
area of EHF.
b. Commissioned
Servant (Ordained Minister): This credential is issued to someone to
recognize a life-calling by God to serve on a full-time basis, usually
inside the ministry area of EHF.
Section 4.
Credentialing process: Once someone expresses a sense of Calling, an
investigation begins with the Director and Board, to determine the history,
life-style and sincerity of the candidate and the extent of their calling.
Part of this process would be membership comments (see Article IV, Section 3.c.)
Commissioning candidates can expect the process to be more extensive, including
testing and extensive Biblical questioning. Once they are satisfied with
the extent of the investigation, the Board will prayerfully decide if
credentialing is in order.
Section 5. Revocation
of Credential:
Non-Commissioned Credentials are revoked automatically, once the time-frame is
elapsed. Commissioned Servants are commissioned for life unless they
commit very serious offenses. Even in the case of divorce, serious
illness, etc. a suspension is the preferred action, allowing the Servant to
recover and assess the Calling themselves. No revocation will be made “for
cause” unless the cause is supported by 2 or more witnesses.
Section 6.
Credentials and the Government:
Since governments consider “ministers” to have rights to marry, bury, etc. we
expect our word for minister “servant” to have the same consideration.
Section 1. Income: The only income source for EHF is the
financial donations by members and friends.
Section 2. Giving
Secrecy: The Director and board are the only individuals at EHF with
any knowledge of individual giving records. This information will be kept
secure. A report will be issued to each giver yearly, for their records.
Section 3.
Budget/Financial Reports:
The EHF budget will be prepared yearly, reviewed by the Board and posted for
member review. The Director will post a monthly statement, comparing EHF income
and expenses to the budgeted amounts. These financial documents will be posted
on the web site for member review.
Section 4. Access to
EHF Financial Data: We will make more financial data available to
members than most non-profit corporations and accept input from members on any
subject. The Director and Board will ensure the proper, legal and
ministerial use of all donations. We encourage members to have the
attitude that money given faithfully, freely and joyfully to God has no
strings attached.
Section 5. Debt:
The Bible teaches that debt is slavery. EHF shall not incur debt of any kind
for any reason.
Section 1. Business
Meetings:
The Board shall meet as needed, to discuss the business of EHF. Because this is
an Internet fellowship, member meetings are impossible and unnecessary.
Membership voting can be accomplished via the web.
Section 2. Bylaws
Changes:
Recommended changes will be accepted from members on a regular basis. As the
Board determines the need, amendments/revisions to the bylaws will be posted 30
days for membership comment. Afterward, the board will prayerfully consider the
proposed changes.
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