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THE

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS


OF THE
FIRST FAMILIY CHURCH

P.O. Box 12193


Overland Park, Kansas 66282
(913) 451-2229

JERRY R. JOHNSTON, Senior Pastor

July, 1996
Constitution/By-Laws

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS


OF THE
FIRST FAMILY CHURCH
P.O. BOX 12193
OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS 66282

(A Kansas Not for Profit, Religious Corporation)

THE CONSTITUTION

PREAMBLE

So that things may be done decently and in order in accordance with the accepted tenets of other churches of like
precious faith, and that we may more readily help each other in our Christian service, we declare and establish this
constitution to which we voluntarily submit ourselves.

HISTORY

Jerry Johnston Ministries Association, at the instigation of its president, and after consideration for more than a
year b its directors, incorporated First Family Church in the State of Kansas as a Not for Profit Corporation, 1 D.
#2348869 on April 22, 1996, and on May 31, 1996, its directors were duly elected by the incorporators as directors
of the corporation and the first Board of Trustees by the new church. The substantial assets of the ministry, which
had been accumulated over almost a decade and which were contributed for the stated purposes of the ministry,
were dedicated to the establishment of the church, either directly or for the pastoral help during its infancy.
Reverend Jerry Johnston was appointed pastor until he resigns or becomes incapacitated. Further, the directors of
the ministry are and shall remain the directors of the church corporation and business trustees on behalf to he
church body so long as necessary to establish the church.

In view of the above, the church shall, as a part of its purposes, support and enlarge the objective of the Jerry
Johnston Ministries under the direction of and help of its pastor, all for the glory of god and the building of His
Kingdom on the earth.

ARTICLE I
NAME AND PURPOSE

SECTION I – NAME

This congregation of believers shall be known as the FIRST FAMILY CHURCH. The name of the Corporation is
the FIRST FAMILY CHURCH. This Corporation will be further referred to in the by-laws as the “Church.” The
Directors (Trustees) of the Church shall have full power and authority to change the principle office from one
location to another.
Constitution/By-Laws

A. MISSION STATEMENT

“To reach lost people, bring them into God’s family, inspire them to mature in Christ and change the world.”
(Luke5:31,32)

B. VALUES OF FIRST FAMILY CHURCH

Value 1. We believe lost people matter to God. (Luke19:10)

Value 2. We believe the church should utilize every available means to reach the city, the nation and world.
(Matthew 28:19, 20)

Value 3. We believe that every Christian should mature and use their gifts in the church.

Value 4. We believe the church is a family and should provide strength, comfort, fellowship, encouragement and
inspiration. (I Corinthians 12:12, 13)

Value 5. We believe the church should operate by mature Christians utilizing their spiritual and intellectual gifts.
(Romans 12:4, 5)

Value 6. We believe that the church should be culturally relevant, while remaining doctrinally pure. (I Corinthians
9:22)

Value 7. We believe every expression and ministry of the church must be done with excellence. (Colossians 3:17)

C. HOW WE WILL GROW FIRST FAMILY CHURCH

1. By building relationships with lost people. (Luke 5:30)

2. Teaching our people to share a verbal witness. (I Peter 3:15)

3. By bringing seekers to a service designed especially for them. (Romans 10:14)

4. Consistent attendance at our Believer’s Service. (Hebrews 10:25)

5. Body life by joining a small group. (John 13:34, 35)

6. Discover, develop, deploy your spiritual gifts(s). (I Corinthians 12; Romans 12)

7. Steward your financial resources. (Luke 6:38)

8. Periodic citywide evangelism events. (Matthew 28:19, 20)


Constitution/By-Laws

SECTION 2 – PURPOSE

This congregation is organized as a church exclusively for charitable, religious, and educational purposes within
the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any
future United States Revenue Law), including, but not limited to, for such purposes, the establishing and
maintaining of religious worship, the building, maintaining and operating of churches, parsonages, schools,
chapels, radio stations, television stations, rescue missions, print shops, day-care centers, camps, nursing homes,
and cemeteries, and any other ministries that the church may be led of God to establish.

The church shall also ordain and license men to the Gospel ministry, evangelize the lost by the proclaiming of the
gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ; educate believers in a manner consistent with the requirements of Holy Scripture;
maintain missionary activities in the United States and any foreign country; and engage in any other ministry that
the church may decide, from time to time, to pursue in obedience to the will of God. The purpose of the church is
to glorify God by fulfilling the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:36-40) and the Great Commission (Matthew
28:18-20).

1. EVANGELISM/MISSIONS – To share the good news of Jesus Christ with as many people as possible in our
community and throughout the world.
(Matt. 28:18-20, Acts 1:8, II Pet. 3:9)

2. EDUCATION – To help members develop toward full Christian maturity and train them for effective ministry.
To promote personal spiritual growth and discipleship through bible teaching. (Eph. 4:11-13, Matt. 18:20, II Tim.
2:2)

3. WORSHIP – To participate in public worship services together and to maintain personal daily devotions. (John
4:24)

4. MINISTRY/SERVICE – To serve unselfishly, in Jesus’ name, in meeting the physical, emotional and spiritual
needs of those in our Church, community and in the world.
(I Pet. 4:10-11, Matt. 25:34-40, I Thess. 5:11, Gal. 5:13)

5. FELLOWSHIP – To encourage, support and pray for each other as members of the family of God. To share our
lives together. (I John 1:7, Acts 2:44-47, Heb. 10:23-25, Rom. 15:5-7, John 13:34-35)

This Church seeks to benefit the people by providing opportunities for spiritual, physical, intellectual, social and
cultural development. (Luke 2:52)
Constitution/By-Laws

ARTICLE D
COVENANT

Having received Christ as my Lord and Savior and been baptized, and being in agreement with First Family’s
statements, strategy, and structure, I now feel led by the Holy Spirit to unite with the First Family Church family.
In doing so, I commit myself to God and to the other members to do the following:

1. I will protest the unity of any church


by acting in love toward other members
….by refusing to gossip
….by following the leaders

“So let us concentrate on the things which made for harmony, and on the growth of our fellowship
together.” (Romans 14:19 Phillips)
“Have a sincere love for other believers, love one another earnestly with all your heart.” (I Peter 1:22 TEV)
“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 trust 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).

2. I will share the responsibility of my church


….by praying for its growth
….by inviting the unchurched to attend
….by warmly welcoming those who visit

To the church -- “We always thank God for you and pray for you constantly.”
(I Thess. 1:1-2)
“The Master said to the servant, “Go out to the roads and country lanes, and urge the people there to come
so my house will be full.” (Luke 14:23 NCV).
“So warmly welcome each other into the church, just as Christ has warmly welcomed you; then God will
be glorified.” (Romans 15:7 LB)

3. I will serve the ministry of my church


…..by discovering my gifts and talents
…..by being equipped to serve by my pastors
…..be developing a servant’s heart

“Serve one another with the particular gifts God has given each of you.” (I Peter 4:10 Phillips)
“(God) gave…some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the
body of Christ may be built up.” (Ephesians 4:11-12).
Constitution/By-Laws

“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 Christ Jesus: Who….(took on) the very nature of a servant.” (Philippians 2:3-4,7)

4. I will support the testimony of my church


….by attending faithfully
….by living a godly life
….by giving regularly

“Let us not give up meeting together…but let us encourage one another” (Heb. 10:25)
“Whatever happens, make sure that your everyday life is worthy of the gospel of Christ.” (Philippians 1:27
Phillips)
“Each one of your, 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.” (I Cor 16:2 LB)
“A tenth of (all your) produce…is the Lord’s, and is holy.” (Lev. 27:30 NCV)

ARTICLE III
DOCTRINE

We affirm the Holy Bible as the inspired Word of God and as the only basis for our beliefs. This Church accepts
“The Baptist Faith and Message,” a 1963 affirmation of basic Christian beliefs, as a general statement of faith.

ARTICLE IV
STATEMENT OF FAITH

We believe in the verbal inspiration of the Bible, both the Old and New testaments; the Trinity of the Godhead; the
creation of all by the direct act of God; the fall of man and his need for redemption; the deity, incarnation and
virgin birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; His vicarious atonement for the sins of mankind by the shedding
of His blood; His ascension into heaven; His personal, imminent return; the deity of the Holy Spirit; justification of
the believer by grace through faith; a literal devil who is our adversary; a literal Heaven for the redeemed and a
literal hell for the lost; the infallible rule of interpretation of scripture to be scripture itself; and the requirement of
implicit obedience to the expressed commands of Christ as the standard by which He will judge our love to Him.

ARTICLE V
APPLICATION

This Church is autonomous and its members maintain the right to govern its own affairs, independent of any
denominational control. Recognizing, however, the benefits of cooperation with other churches in world missions,
the church voluntarily affiliates with the Southern Baptist Convention in its national, state and local expressions.
Constitution/By-Laws

ARTICLE VI
MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1 – RECEIVING OF MEMBERS

Any person professing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and agreeing to uphold the doctrines and principles of this
church may be received into its membership by any of the following methods:

1. By publicly professing living faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, followed by scriptural baptism.

2. By transfer of letter from a church of like doctrine and principles, thus conforming to the above, or in
lieu thereof their written confirmation of such membership.

Members shall, under church leadership, attend a church membership class or complete a study of a prescribed
handbook.

SECTION 2 – VOTING RIGHTS OF MEMBERSHIP

Every active/resident member shall have the right to vote on the recommendations presented by the Trustees of the
church.

SECTION 3 – TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

Members of the church may be removed from membership for any of the following reasons:

1. Death

2. Transfer of membership to another church

3. By personal request of the member

4. Dismissal by the 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 Matt. 18:15-17.

SECTION 4 – RESTORATION OF MEMBERS

Members dismissed by the Pastors shall be restored by the Pastors according to the spirit of II Cor. 2:7-8, when
their life-styles are judged to be in accordance with the membership covenant.
Constitution/By-Laws

SECTION – VOTING LIMITATIONS

Each Member 16 years and older is entitled to one vote. Voting by proxy is prohibited.

ARTICLE VII
MEETINGS OF MEMBERS

Business meetings of the members shall be held in the times, in the manner and purposes set forth below:

1. An annual business meeting of the Church will be held the anniversary Sunday night of each year. The purpose
of this meeting is to make presentation of the annual budget, elect Trustees and Lay Leaders, and conduct any other
business described in Article V.

2. The Senior Pastor and the Trustees may change the dates of the annual or other scheduled business meetings by
notifying the members as provided in the by-laws.

3. A special business meeting of the Church may be called at any time; (a) by the Trustees and (b) by the Senior
Pastor, or in his absence, The Executive Pastor.

4. Notification of members for business meetings may be given by any one of the following methods:

a. Distribution of written material to the congregation in attendance at a Sunday


service.

b. Announcement of the meeting in the Church newsletter.

c. Oral announcement to the congregation at a Sunday service.

d. By first-class letter to members.

5. A quorum shall consist of those members present and voting.

6. Members shall be notified no less than two (2) weeks prior to a meeting which considers any matters set forth in
Article V of the by-laws.
Constitution/By-Laws
ARTICLE VIII
CHURCH OFFICERS

SECTION 1

The Trustees of the Church will consist of a minimum of five (5) persons who currently are the exact number
which shall be determined by the Senior Pastor. The Trustees will be elected annually and will serve for a period
of at least one year. The Trustees will be elected annually and will serve for a period of at least one year. The
Trustees will be comprised of Godly men and women locally and nationally to guide the Church to fulfill the Great
Commission (Matt. 28:19-20).

SECTION 2

The Elders are spiritually mature members of the church called by serve as advisors to the Pastor and, under his
direction, to others. The number and length of service of the Elders shall be indefinite, their qualifications shall be
as recorded in the New Testament and they shall be recognized as having and exercising spiritual gifts. (I
Corinthians 12)

SECTION 3

1. The Senior Pastor will serve as the President of the Corporation and will be the moderator of the church. In his
absence, the Executive Pastor will serve as moderator.

2. The Executive Pastor will serve as the Vice-President of the Corporation.

3. One designated Elder will serve as the Secretary/Treasurer of the corporation.

4. The Trustees will serve as the remaining officers of the Church.

The above officers are hereby designated as the Directors of the Corporation as the terms is defined and used in the
Kansas Not for Profit Corporation Code.

SECTION 4

It shall be the duty of the Trustees to act as legal representatives of the Church and to take such actions and execute
any documents necessary to accomplish the purpose of any matter authorized by the members which concern any
real or personal property of the Church.

ARTICLES IX
RECORDS AND REPORTS

The Church will maintain the following records and reports:

Adequate and correct books and records of accounts (financial records).


Constitution/By-Laws

2. Minutes of the proceeding of its members and of Trustees’ meetings.

3. A record of its members, giving their names and addresses.

4. Contribution statement for contributors.

ARTICLE X
SUBORDINATE ORGANIZATIONS/MINISTRIES

SECTION 1

The Church shall have the power of general oversight and control of all subordinate organizations.

SECTION 2

The heads of these organizations must be members in good standing of this church.

SECTION 3

Any subordinate organization desiring the use of the church property for any except their regular services shall
arrange for the same with the Trustees.

SECTION 4

Any outside organizations or individuals desiring the use of the church property at any time shall secure the
permission from the Trustees.

ARTICLE XI
TAX EMEMPT PROVISIONS

SECTION 1 – PRIVATE INUREMENT

No part of the net earnings of the church shall inure to the benefit of or be distributable to its members, trustees,
officers, or other private persons, except that the church shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable
compensation for the services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set
forth in Article I, Section 2 hereof.

SECTION 2 – POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT

No substantial part of the activities of the church shall be the carrying on of propaganda or otherwise attempting to
influence legislation. The church shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution
of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.
Constitution/By-Laws

SECTION 3 – DISSOLUTION

Upon the dissolution of the church, the trustees shall, after paying or making provision for payment of all the
liabilities of the church, dispose of all of the assets of the church to such organization of organizations formed and
operated exclusively for religious purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization of organizations
under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Cody of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future
United States Internal Revenue Law), as the Trustees shall determine. Assets may be distributed only to
organizations which agree with the Church’s statement of faith.

SECTION 4 – RACIAL NONDISCRIMINATION

The church shall have a racially nondiscriminatory policy and therefore shall not discriminate against members,
applicants, students, and others on the basis of face, color, or national or ethnic origin.

ARTICLE XII
AMENDMENTS

SECTION 1

This constitution may be amended or revised by a two-thirds vote of the members present at any called business
meeting of the church, providing notice of amendment is given at least two Sundays previous to that of which the
vote is to be taken. This vote shall be taken by secret ballot.

SECTION 2

The By-Laws opened may be amended or revised by a two-thirds vote of the members present at any called
business meeting. This vote shall be taken by secret ballot.

THE BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I
DUTIES OF OFFICERS

SECTION 1 – SENIOR PASTOR

Jerry Johnston shall serve as Senior Pastor and President for life unless he voluntarily resigns or is incapacited. He
shall have charge of the spiritual welfare of the congregation; shall act as the Moderator in the business meetings
of the church; shall be an ex-officio member of all boards and all committees and may call any board or committee
together for special business; and shall have the authority to purchase supplies necessary in carrying out his duties,
as provided for in the
Constitution/By-Laws

Church budget. His successor, as nominated by the Elders and elected by the church, shall have the same duties
and responsibilities.

The Senior Pastor shall be accountable to the Trustees in terms of maintaining the philosophy and intent of the
First Family Church and godly character of life as described in I Timothy 3 and Titus 2.

In the absence of the Senior or Executive Pastor, the Trustees shall appoint a qualified member of this church to act
as Moderator.

SECTION 2 – ASSOCIATE PASTOR(S)

The Associate Pastor(s) shall assist the Senor Pastor in carrying out the ministries of the church. They shall be
under the direct supervision of the Senior Pastor, and may be terminated by him if necessary. Each Associate
Pastor shall be assigned definite areas of responsibility, over which he will have full authority, subject to eh Senior
Pastor’s approval. The Associates will also assist with various pastoral duties as requested by the Senior Pastor,
and will fulfill the duties of his office in his absence. They shall have authority to purchase supplies necessary in
carrying out their duties as provided for in the church budget.

SECTION 3 – ELDERS

It is the duty of the Elders to visit the sick; to prepare and distribute the elements of the Lord’s Supper, to cooperate
with and assist the Pastor in the performance of his duties. They shall assist the Pastor as may be required in all
devotional services in the absence of the Pastor. They shall have the authority to purchase supplies necessary in
carrying out their duties, as provided for in the church budget. They shall meet monthly. They shall elect their
own chairman annually.

SECTION 4 – TRUSTEES

The Trustees shall have the care of the church property and shall have power to sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer
any such property without the specific vote of the church authorizing such action. They shall be responsible for the
delegation of the upkeep of the church property; shall set the salary schedule for all employees; have the authority
to purchase supplies necessary in carrying out their duties as provided for in the church budget; and shall elect their
own officers annually and appoint a church clerk and an Elder to serve as Secretary/Treasurer of the corporation.

SECTION 5 – CLERK

The Clerk shall keep a record of the proceedings of the church and shall have charge of all documents, papers, and
letters as otherwise provided for. The Clerk shall issue letters of dismissal and recommendation as required.
Constitution/By-Laws

ARTICLE II
MEETING

SECTION 1

The church shall meet weekly for worship, evangelism, teaching and prayer

SECTION 2

Communion service shall be held as the Pastor desired with a minimum of four times per year.

SECTION 3

Business meetings shall be held as follows:

The annual meeting of the church shall be held the anniversary Sunday night. Special business meetings not
otherwise provided for may be called by the Pastor or by the Trustees.

SECTION 4

Quorum for all Trustees and Lay Leaders meetings will consist of two-thirds of the members of that group.

SECTION 5

This Constitution and By-Laws were adopted on ____________________, and became effective as of that date.
This supersedes all former issues of our Constitution and By-Laws.

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