As an independent Church, we value transparency in how we operate. Our church is beholden to these bylaws to ensure we operate with that transparency, honesty, and good stewardship at every level of our leadership.
BYLAWS
OF
COLLEGE HILL METHODIST CHURCH
A Kentucky Nonprofit Religious Corporation
ARTICLE I
NAME, STATUS, AND OFFICES
Section 1. Name
The name of this corporation shall be College Hill Methodist Church, a nonprofit corporation organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky pursuant to Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 273.
Section 2. Religious Identity
This Church is an independent Methodist congregation. It is not subject to the governance or control of the United Methodist Church or any other denominational authority.
Section 3. Principal Office
The principal office of the Church shall be located in Waco, Kentucky, or such other place as the admin council may determine.
ARTICLE II
PURPOSE AND MISSION
Section 1. Purpose
The Church is organized exclusively for religious, charitable, and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and KRS Chapter 273.
Section 2. Mission
The mission of the Church is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, foster spiritual growth, uphold Wesleyan-Methodist doctrine, and serve the community through ministries of worship, discipleship, and outreach.
Section 3. Nonprofit Limitation
No part of the net earnings of the Church shall inure to the benefit of any director, officer, or private individual, except as reasonable compensation for services rendered.
ARTICLE III
STATEMENT OF FAITH
The Church affirms the Holy Bible as the inspired Word of God and the final authority in matters of faith and practice.
The Church embraces the historic doctrines of the Christian faith as expressed in the Articles of Religion and General Rules of the Methodist tradition.
ARTICLE IV
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Qualifications
Membership shall be open to persons who profess faith in Jesus Christ, have received Christian baptism, and support the mission of the Church.
Section 2. Rights and Responsibilities
Members in good standing may vote in congregational meetings and are expected to support the Church through prayer, attendance, service, and financial stewardship.
Section 3. Termination of Membership
Membership may be terminated by voluntary withdrawal, transfer, death, or disciplinary action carried out with grace and restoration.
ARTICLE V
ADMIN COUNCIL
Section 1. Authority
The Administrative Council shall serve as the governing body of the Church and shall manage its affairs in accordance with these Bylaws and Kentucky law.
Section 2. Composition
The Council shall consist of 14 members. The council shall include the pastor (ex-officio) and appointed lay leaders, and the pastor shall not have voting rights.
Section 3. Meetings and Quorum
The admin council shall meet at least quarterly. A majority of members shall constitute a quorum.
ARTICLE VI
OFFICERS
Section 1. Officers
The officers of the Church shall include a Chair (or Lay Leader), Secretary, and Treasurer.
Section 2. Duties
Officers shall perform duties customary to their offices and as assigned by the admin council.
PASTOR PARISH RELATIONSHIP COMMITTEE (PPRC)
Section 1. Formation
The congregation shall elect a committee of five to be on the Pastor Parish Relationship committee (PPRC) at the annual congregational election in June.
Section 2. Duties
The PPRC shall hear any complaints or concerns about the pastor or other staff from the congregation. The PPRC will take steps to answer concerns. If necessary, the PPRC will bring larger concerns before the admin council for further deliberation and voting. In the absence of a pastor due to retirement, termination, etc., the PPRC is tasked with finding an interim leader and leading the search for a new pastor.
ARTICLE VII
PASTORAL LEADERSHIP
Section 1. Role
The Pastor shall provide spiritual leadership, preach and teach the Word, administer the sacraments, and provide pastoral care.
Section 2. Call and Termination
The Pastor shall be called by the congregation and affirmed by the admin council. Termination shall follow a fair and prayerful process.
Removal of Pastor
1. Pastor–Parish Relations Committee (PPRC)
The Pastor–Parish Relations Committee (PPRC) shall be responsible for reviewing concerns related to the pastor’s leadership, conduct, effectiveness, or relationship with the congregation.
The PPRC may meet as necessary to evaluate such concerns and may pursue appropriate corrective or remedial measures. If the PPRC determines that continued pastoral service is not in the best interest of the church, it may recommend termination of the pastor’s service.
2. Recommendation to the Administrative Council
Upon reaching such determination, the PPRC shall submit a written recommendation to the Administrative Council outlining its findings and proposed action.
The Administrative Council shall review the recommendation to ensure compliance with these bylaws and shall determine whether to call a special congregational meeting for the purpose of considering termination of the pastor. The pastor shall be invited to attend the meeting for due process and given time to offer a response.
3. Called Congregational Meeting
A special congregational meeting shall be called in accordance with the notice requirements of these bylaws. The purpose of the meeting shall be clearly stated in advance.
Only members eligible to vote under these bylaws may participate in the vote. The meeting shall be conducted in an orderly manner consistent with the church’s adopted rules of procedure. The pastor shall be invited to the meeting and given a chance to address concerns or accusations. The pastor shall not be present for the vote of the congregation.
4. Two-Thirds Congregational Vote
Termination of the pastor shall require an affirmative vote of two-thirds (⅔) of the members present and voting at the duly called congregational meeting.
5. Implementation of the Decision
Upon approval by the required vote, the pastor’s service shall be terminated in accordance with the terms of the church’s bylaws and any applicable employment agreement. The PPRC shall oversee the implementation of the decision, including transition planning, new pastor search, and interim leadership as necessary.
ARTICLE VIII
MEETINGS OF THE CONGREGATION
Section 1. Annual Meeting
An annual congregational meeting shall be held for elections, budget approval, and reports in June. New members elected to the Administrative Council and PPRC shall begin in July following the meeting.
Section 2. Special Meetings
Special meetings may be called by the admin council or upon request of 2/3 of members.
ARTICLE IX
FINANCES AND PROPERTY
Section 1. Fiscal Year
The fiscal year shall be July 1st to June 30th.
Section 2. Property
All property shall be owned by the Church corporation and managed by the admin council.
ARTICLE X
AMENDMENTS
These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of members present at a properly called congregational meeting.
ARTICLE XI
DISSOLUTION
Upon dissolution, assets shall be distributed to one or more religious or charitable organizations qualifying under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, in accordance with Kentucky law.