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By-Laws


CONSTITUTION OF STREAMS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP

Constitution

Preamble:

WHEREAS, it is the express purpose of God, our Heavenly Father, to call out of the world a saved people who shall contribute to the body of Jesus Christ, built and established on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ being the chief cornerstone; and

WHEREAS, the members of the body of Christ are enjoined to assemble themselves together for worship, fellowship, counsel, and the instruction of the Word of God, the work of the ministry and for the exercise of those spiritual gifts and offices provided for in the New Testament, therefore, be it

RESOLVED: that we recognize ourselves as a body of Christian believers working together for the common purpose of spreading the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and that under the laws of the state of New Jersey we may exercise all rights and privileges granted religious bodies.

FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED: That we recognize and fellowship with any church of the community that applies ARTICLE II PARAGRAPHS 1, 2, and 4 of the constitution as essential tenets of the Christian faith.

ARTICLE I – NAME

The name of this corporation shall be known as Streams of Life Fellowship. Acts 2: 17-21.

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE

The purpose of this corporation shall be:

  1. To establish and oversee places of worship under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Ps. 107:3, Acts 2: 42, 46-47, Heb. 10:25
  2. To conduct the work of evangelizing both home and foreign missions in obedience to the command of the Lord Jesus Christ. Matt. 28: 18-20, Mk. 16: 15-16, Lk. 24: 46-47, Jn. 20:21
  3. To create ministries as may be necessary in order to establish places of worship, to spread the Gospel, (including, but not limited to educational, recreational, community, and social services) and to support missionary activity. Acts 6: 1-7.
  4. To have the right to own, hold in trust, use, possess, sell, convey, mortgage, lease or dispose of such property, real or chattel, as may be needed for the prosecution of its work.
  5. To license ministers of the gospel and be as their covering. 1 Thes. 5:12, 2 Thes. 2:15, 3:4, Heb. 13:17.

ARTICLE III – TENETS OF FAITH

The human phraseology employed in this statement is not inspired nor contended for, but the truth set forth is held to be essential to a full Gospel ministry. No claim is made that it contains all the truth in the bible, only the orthodox fundamental matters.

1. SCRIPUTRE INSPIRED

The Bible is the inspired Word of God, a revelation from God to me, the infallible rule of faith and conduct, and superior conscience and reason, but not contrary to reason. 1 Tim. 3: 15-17, Heb. 4: 12, 1 Pet. 1:23-25

2. ONE TRUE GOD

The one true God has revealed Himself as the eternally self-existent, self-revealed “I AM”, and has further revealed Himself as embodying the principles of relationship and association by simultaneously existing as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Deut. 6:4, Is. 43: 10-11, Matt. 28:19, Mk. 12:29.

3. MAN: HIS FALL AND REDEMPTION

Man was created good and upright, for God said, “Let us make man in our image and after our likeness.” But man voluntarily transgressed, fell and his only hope of redemption is in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Gen. 1:26-31, 3:17, Rom. 5:12-17.

4. SALVATION OF MAN

  1. Conditions of Salvation

The Grace of God, which brings salvation, has appeared to all men, through the preaching of repentance toward God and through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; man is saved by the washing of, regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Spirit, being justified by grace, has become heir of God according to the hope of eternal life. Lk. 24:47, Rom. 10:13-15, Titus 2:11.

B. Evidences of Salvation

The inward evidence to the believer of his salvation is the direct witness of the Holy Spirit. The outward evidence to all men as a life of holiness. Rom. 8:16, 1 Thes. 4:7, 2 Tim. 1:9

5. BAPTISM

The ordinance of baptism by burial with Christ should be observed by all that have repented of their sins and in their hearts have believed on Christ as their Savior and Lord. In doing so, they declare to the world that they have died with Him and they have also been released to walk with Him in newness of life in obedience to the scriptures. Matt. 28:19, Acts 19:47-48, Rom. 6:4.

6. THE LORD’S SUPPER-COMMUNION

The Lord’s Supper, consisting of the elements, bread and the fruit of the vine, is the symbol expressing our sharing in a memorial to His suffering and death, and the prophecy of His second coming and is enjoined to all believers “until He comes”. Lk. 22:19-20, Jn. 6: 48-57, 1Cor. 11:25, 2 Pet. 1:4.

7. THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER

All believers should ardently expect and earnestly seek the Promise of the Father, which is the baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire. With it comes the infilling of power for life and service and the bestowment of the gifts and their use in the work of ministry. This experience is distinct from and subsequent to the experience of the new birth. Lk. 24:49, Acts 1:4-8, 2:38, 10:44-46, 11:14-16, 15:7-9, 1 Cor. 12:1-31.

8. SANCTIFICATION

By the power of the Holy Spirit we strive to obey the command, “Be holy as I am holy.” Sanctification is the will of God for all believers and should be earnestly pursued by walking in obedience to God’s Word. I Thes. 5:23-24, Heb.12:14, 1Pet. 1:15-16, 1 Jn. 2:6.

9. THE CHURCH

The church is the holy body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit with divine appointments for the fulfillment of her great commission. Each believer is an integral part of the church and their names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

10. MINISTRY

Divinely called and scripturally ordained ministry has been provided for by our Lord for a two-fold purpose: (1) The evangelism of the world and (2) The edification of the body of Christ. Mk. 15:15, 20, Eph. 4:11-13.

11. DEVINE HEALING

Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement of Christ and is the privilege of all believers. Is. 53:4-5, Matt. 8:16-17, Mk. 16:18, Jn. 5:14.

12. THE BLESSED HOPE

The resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation together with those who are alive and remain to the Lord, is imminent and is the blessed hope of the church. Rom. 6:23, 1 Cor. 15:51-52, 1 Thes. 4:16, Titus 2:13,

13. THE MILLENNIAL REIGN OF JESUS CHRIST

The revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ from heaven, the salvation of national Israel and the millennial reign of the Lord on the earth are scriptural promises and our hope. Rom. 11:25, 2 Thes. 1:7, Rev. 19:11-16, 20:1-7.

14. ETERNAL JUDGEMENT

The devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, and all those who refused Christ and are not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life shall be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake of fire which burns forever with fire and brimstone and are eternally separated from God, which is the second death. Rev. 19:20, 20: 10-15.

15. NEW HEAVENS AND NEW EARTH

We look forward for the revealing of the new heavens and earth wherein dwell only righteousness and holiness as promised by the scriptures. 2 Pet. 3:13, Rev. 21:1.

16. THE GIFT OF TONGUES AND TONGUES

The gift of tongues is a spiritual gift to some when they are baptized in the Holy Spirit. The primary use of the gift is for the edification of the church, Acts 2:2-4, 19:6, 1 Cor. 12:10, 28-30. Tongues are given to the believer for the personal edification of the believer and is a personal prayer language. Acts 14:2-4.

ARTICLE IV – ORDINANCES

1. WATER BAPTISM

The ordinances of water baptism shall be administered by all established places of worship to all those who have repented of their sins and have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ to the saving of their souls. Rom. 6:3-5, Col. 2:1:12

2. THE LORD’S SUPPER

The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper shall be observed regularly by all established places of worship, as enjoined in the scriptures. Lk. 22:19-20, 1 Cor. 11:23-26.

ARTICLE V – MEMBERSHIP

The members of the corporation shall consist of any adult accepted by the Official Board expressing a desire to help further the purposes for which the corporation was organized, who displays a willingness to regularly contribute time and service in this regard. A mature person who acknowledges Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, is willing to work for the spreading of His kingdom through this corporation and who is willing to contribute time and money for this purpose may request membership by agreement of the Official Board, including the President’s approval.

1. REQUIREMENTS

The requirements of membership are as follows:

    1. One must confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior in accordance to the Holy Scriptures. Rom. 10:9.
    2. One must be a faithful attendee of the worship services of this corporation.
    3. One must attend foundational studies that the corporation gives to all persons who willingly become members.
    4. One must live a life that is pleasing to the Lord as found in the Holy Scriptures.
    5. A member must a faithful financial contributor in obedience to the Holy Scriptures.

2. VOTING RIGHTS

Each member shall be entitled to one vote as a member of the corporation. The following are the rights and privileges of the voters:

a. All members must diligently follow the Constitution and Bylaws of Streams of Life Fellowship. He/She may be subject to dismissal by the Official Board if he/she violates the Constitution and Bylaws of the corporation or if his/her life is to be found contrary to that of the Bible.

b. No member has the right to govern any of the internal affairs unless the Pastor has given permission to do so. Votes carry no authority for making decisions, but will serve as advice in a time that the Pastor and Official Board feel more is needed.

c. The Pastor and Official Board will determine when voter’s meetings are to take place.

d. Notice shall be give far enough in advance, along with when, where, time and reason for said meeting.

e. All members that are present at the meeting will have the opportunity to express their thoughts on the matters that are to be discussed.

f. Must be and adult of at least 18 years of age.

ARTICLE VI – ADVISORY COUNCIL/TEAM OF PRESBYTERS

  1. The implementation of the following amendment to the by-laws of Streams of Life Fellowship status as registered with the local state government should be in place so as to make the NRP Apostolic Team the recognized governmental and accountability organization.
  1. Amendment of by-laws of NRP, Pursuant to a Resolution properly adopted at a special meeting of the Board of Directors and Leadership teams of Streams of Life Fellowship called for that purpose on the 28 day of March, 2010, wherein a quorum was present, the following amendment to the By-Laws of Streams of Life Fellowship was adopted.
    1. Article VI is here by revised to the By-Laws of Streams of Life Fellowship:
    1. The Preceding By-laws and the Articles of Incorporation notwithstanding, there shall be a Team of Presbyters, which shall consist of a minimum of two representatives of the NRP:
      1. Keith Tucci
      2. Barry Slimm
    1. The Team of Presbyters shall function as follows:

In the event that the present Pastor should become unable to continue I his capacity as Pastor and President of the corporation, for reasons of mental and/or physical disability as determined below, or in the event of teaching or preaching gross error as determined below, or in the event of the commission or gross sin as determined below, or in the event of voluntary resignation or death of the present Pastor; or in the event of any other crisis which in the opinion of the Senior Pastor or two or more elders deem needful of the Presbytery Team’s attention;

    1. Upon receiving the information that the local church is in need of its Presbytery Team, the Presbyters shall meet or confer in no less that seven days. The established communication guidelines with local church leadership will be followed to determine the best course of action for the resolution of said crises. The Team of Presbyters will act in the full measure of authority granted them in accordance with Article VII of the By-Laws of Streams of Life Fellowship.
    1. Pastoral issues that would cause the Presbytery team to be involved are:
      1. Engagement in any act of moral turpitude including, without limitation, an adulterous, homosexual, or other morally inappropriate relationship, unethical financial or business activities;
      2. Teaching as doctrine that which is in direct conflict with the clear teaching and recognized understanding of Scripture and/or the Statement of Faith of Streams of Life Fellowship including, without limitation, teaching that Jesus Christ is not God, or that the Scriptures are not inerrant, or denying the resurrection of Jesus Christ, etc.;
      3. Mental or physical illness, which, in the unanimous opinion of the local leadership and Presbyters precludes the Pastor/President from functioning effectively in those offices, in which case, the Presbyters shall make recommendations as to the duration of the Pastor/President’s absence from his duties as such.

These shall be examples only of the types of things which shall give rise to Presbyter action, upon the request of the local leadership of the local church, and shall not be considered a final, definitive list, limiting any an all types of activities which might give rise to Board action.

ARTICLE VII – DUTIES OF THE PRESBYTER

  1. Recognizing that Streams of Life Fellowship is not, and cannot be independent of the Body of Christ, it is the stated desire of Streams of Life Fellowship and it’s legal and recognized leadership to be interdependent with other like minded churches as well as have oversight from those wiser and more experienced in the Kingdom of God. Therefore, this Article is included to provide a formal procedure for input and assistance on a regular and ongoing basis, as well as and especially in time of crisis.
  1. There shall be a Team of not less that two Presbyters who shall be appointed by the Senior Pastor with the consensus of the Elders or other equivalent Executive Board of the congregation. Presbyters may be replaced at any time in the same manner. Because of this church’s close association with the Network of Related Pastors, it is the desire of Streams of Life Fellowship that these men are approved NRP Presbyters, and are considered official representatives of the NRP.
  1. The Team of Presbyters shall serve two distinct purposes:
    1. They shall have regular relationship and input into the life of the Lead Pastor of the church as well as be a resource person for the Lead Pastor. It is hoped that there will be a personal relationship wherein the Presbyters would know the Lead Pastor and the Lead Pastor would know each member of the Team of Presbyters on more than a strictly functional basis. The Presbyters will encourage and help guide the Lead Pastor in his responsibilities to this church as extra-local authority, offering input as invited towards the health and stability of the church.
    2. Each Presbyter must be present in the pulpit of Streams of Life Fellowship a minimum of one Sunday annually for the purpose of edifying the local church, as well as to cultivate and engender the trust of the congregation as a recognized part of the authority structure of the church.
    3. In time of crisis, as spelled out in this Article, the Team of Presbyters shall work to provide for the stability of the church, the protection of its members, and the continuity of leadership by every means possible.
  1. The following shall be considered to be crisis events in the life of this church:
    1. Physical or mental disability of the Lead Pastor, such that he is unable or incapable of continuing his responsibilities;
    2. Teaching by the Lead Pastor which varies significantly from the Statement of Faith adopted by this church, its Elders and Lead Pastor;
    3. Heresy, immorality, unethical financial activities, or behavior which would be considered gross sin on the part of an Elder or pastor or the Lead Pastor such as violates the Statement of Faith of this church or that leads to or causes and embarrassment to this church or to the Kingdom of God;
    4. The death of the Lead Pastor;
    5. The voluntary resignation of the Lead Pastor;
    6. Selection of a new Lead Pastor or transition to a new Lead Pastor;
    7. A significant accusation against an Elder or the Lead Pastor; or,
    8. Such other important event in the life of this church as would benefit from discussion with a mediator or disinterested parties.
  1. Upon the happenings of such a crisis event, or upon the request of the Lead Pastor or any two elders, the Team of Presbyters shall meet to confer with one another and the local leadership as soon as is practical, but in no event in less that seven (7) days. Reasonable efforts will be made to give notice to all of the remaining local leadership in person or by telephone, but failure of a local leader to be informed shall not stop the meeting from taking place. This meeting would preferably take place in person, but may take place by telephone or any electronic means that allows all parties to hear one another. The purpose of this initial meeting shall be to determine the issues, as well as define actions which may be immediately necessary in order to preserve this church, protect the reputation of the Kingdom of God in this geographical area, as well as the individuals involved. Implementation of an immediately defined actions by the Team of Presbyters are the responsibility of the remaining local church leadership to implement.
  1. After the initial meeting, the Team of Presbyters and the local church leadership shall establish a firm time line for continued meetings in order to allow the Team of Presbyters time to understand the issues and to hear what is necessary to address any outstanding problems. These subsequent meetings shall general a written statement from the Team of Presbyters stating the issues including the determination that the crises event(s) have indeed occurred, the grounds for finding it to be a crisis event, and a proposed Action Plan to resolve the crisis. The Presbytery and remaining local church leaders shall strive for unanimity regarding the Action Plan, but unanimity is not necessary. To the extent possible, the Team of Presbyters will attempt to involve the leadership of this church in formulating the Action Plan and the written statement shall include any differences of opinion between the Team of Presbyters and the leadership of this church. The Action Plan shall be communicated to the members of the church by the Team of Presbyters.
  1. The Action Plan may include:
    1. Removal of the Lead Pastor or elder(s);
    2. Discipline of the Lead Pastor or elder(s);
    3. A sabbatical of the Lead Pastor or elder(s);
    4. Assistance in installing a new Lead Pastor; and/or
    5. The institution of a process of restoration for the Lead Pastor or elder(s).
  1. One the written report is concluded, the Team of Presbyters will do everything that they are capable of to see that it is carried out. At the same time, all members of the leadership of the local church, including Elders, Pastors, and the Lead Pastor, as well as deacons or any other holder of a church office, shall do all that they are able to carry out the action plan. As all times, preservation of this church’s existence and care for the members of this church shall be a priority, exceeded only by the commitment to preserve the reputation of the Kingdom of God and act in a manner that gives glory to God. The Team of Presbyters shall, to the extent possible, preserve and encourage the local church leadership, providing such assistance, resources, and input as may be helpful in resolving the problems.
  1. In the event that this church cannot be preserved as a functioning local body, the Team of Presbyters as recognized representatives of Streams of Life Fellowship and the NRP, shall have authority to take all steps necessary for the dissolution of Streams of Life Fellowship as a legal body under the laws of this state, for dissolution, or distribution of assets in accordance with these By-laws and the laws of this state.

ARTICLE VIII – GOVERNMENT

A. Officers of the Official Board:

Pastor/President; Treasurer; Secretary; Deaconate – Deacon/Deaconess

ARTICLES IX – MEETINGS

1. CHURCH MEETINGS

The pastor will be responsible for establishing a place of worship for regular church services.

2. CORPORATE MEETINGS

  1. The corporate year shall coincide with the calendar year beginning on January 1 through December 31.
  2. The pastor will call for all board meetings. He shall set date and time. Guests may attend upon approval of Pastor.
  3. The secretary shall keep an accurate account of the minutes of items discussed along with time, date and those in attendance.
  4. A quorum of a minimum of three officers of the board shall constitute a quorum.
  5. Review of minutes are open members

ARTICLE X – AMENDMENTS

Amendments to this Constitution may be made by 2/3 vote from the Official Board that includes the President’s approval. No amendment shall be approved without the President’s approval.

Constitution and By-Laws.doc