CONSTITUTION OF THE DOYLESTOWN MENNONITE CHURCH (1995)
ARTICLE I - NAME
This congregation shall be known as the Doylestown Mennonite Church. The congregation originally began in 1775 and was recorded in the charter of December 2, 1823, as the Mennonist Society of Doylestown. It is chartered under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a nonprofit corporation. The meetinghouse is located in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, at 590 North Broad Street.
ARTICLE II - MISSION AND VISION STATEMENT
Doylestown Mennonite Church is a caring community of God's people committed to live under the lordship of Jesus Christ in all of life. We confess Jesus as Savior and Lord as revealed in the Scriptures.
We come together regularly to worship God, strengthen our faith in Him, and nurture each other.
We express God's unconditional love through living a life of peace in all relationships and communicating the good news of salvation in Christ, resulting in a cross- cultural membership.
We are dedicated to the kingdom of God in obedience to the Scriptures. We express our Anabaptist Mennonite spiritual heritage in caring relationships by:
- building a healing community
- providing for each others material needs
- rendering community service
- seeking to be an evangelistic witness in our local community and worldwide.
Our vision for Doylestown Mennonite Church is " to know Christ and to make Him known" as stated in Matthew 28: 18 - 20.
ARTICLE III - AFFILIATIONS
A.
CONFERENCE
This congregation is a member of the Franconia Mennonite Conference. The relationship is a mutual one. Through delegates to regular or special conference sessions the congregation gives and receives counsel. Franconia Conference appoints an overseer who meets with the pastor(s) and leadership groups in the congregation to give counsel. The congregation supports the conference financially, participates in its programs, and makes use of its resources.
B.
CHURCHWIDE
Through the Franconia Mennonite Conference the congregation is part of the larger Mennonite Church, participating in and supporting its churchwide programs of education, mission, publications, congregational ministries, and mutual aid.
C.
STATEMENT OF FAITH
This congregation recognizes both ancient and modern statements of faith. The Schleithem Confession of 1527 and the Dordrecht Confession of 1632 are seen as having continuing value. The current Mennonite Confession of Faith serves as the congregation's statement of faith.
ARTICLE IV - MEMBERSHIP
A.
COVENANT OF MEMBERSHIP
Members are persons who commit themselves to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. They also commit themselves to all believers in the congregation and to the following guidelines for spiritual growth and living:
- studying the scriptures and praying both individually and with others;
- participating in times of gathered worship, nurture, fellowship, discernment, and decisionmaking;
- sharing the "good news" of Christ with family, friends, and others;
- contributing time, earnings, and abilities to the ministry of the church;
- giving counsel in Christian love, considering counsel received, and seeking to maintain the unity of the body of Christ;
- accepting and experiencing the process of reconciliation and forgiveness;
- promoting the way of peace in all of life.
B.
BECOMING A MEMBER
A person may become a member by:
1. Confessing faith in and committing self to Jesus Christ as Savior; and
2. Accepting the covenant of membership as well as the responsibilities of discipleship as understood by the Mennonite Church; and
3. Demonstrating commitment to Christian daily living.
A person is received into membership by water baptism, letter of transfer, or confession of faith if previously baptized as a believer, and confirmed by the congregation.
C.
DISCIPLINE
1. A member who renounces faith in Jesus Christ, or brings reproach upon the name of Christ or the witness of the congregation by misconduct, who rejects the counsel of believers and is not repentant, shall forfeit membership and all rights of members as discerned by the Pastor(s) and Elders and confirmed by the congregation.
2. Persons showing repentance and penitence, and who confess their sins shall be reinstated to full membership upon the recommendation of the Pastor(s) and Elders and confirmation by the congregation.
3. A member who withdraws from regular participation in the life of the congregation, and does not respond to efforts to restore participation shall forfeit membership as recommended by the Pastor(s) and Elders and confirmed by the congregation.
D.
TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP
Members moving away from the geographical area are encouraged to become members of a Mennonite congregation or other Christian fellowship in the new place of residence. A member wishing to transfer to another congregation may be granted an appropriate transfer letter with the confirmation of the congregation.
Members living away from the geographical area who have not found a church home are encouraged to remain in contact with the Doylestown Mennonite congregation.
E.
ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
Members living in communities with no Mennonite congregation who desire to maintain a connection with the Mennonite Church may apply for associate membership. They are encouraged to report at least once a year to the congregation.
Christians living temporarily in the Doylestown area who are desiring to fellowship with this congregation and participate in its life may also apply for Associate Membership. Upon presenting acceptable evidence of
membership in another congregation as outlined in Article IV Section B above, recommendation of their pastor, and approval by the Doylestown congregation, that person will be accepted as an Associate Member with the responsibilities and rights of a member. Associate Membership terminates when the person leaves the community to reside elsewhere. Associate membership roles will be reviewed annually by the Board of Elders.
ARTICLE V - ORGANIZATION
A.
CONGREGATION
The government of the congregation shall be the members assembled in a congregational meeting.
1. Schedule of Meetings
Regular congregational business meetings shall be held twice a year or more often as determined by the Church Council. At least one regular business meeting shall be held each year to hear reports of the Ministry Program coordinators and plan the work of the congregation.
Special business meetings may be called at the request of the Church Council, the Trustees, the Pastor(s), or by a written petition signed by ten or more members and scheduled by the Church Council in a timely fashion.
Notice of congregational meetings shall be given by announcement or written notice at a regular church service on two consecutive Sundays prior to the stated time for such meetings.
Minutes of congregational meetings shall be recorded and made available to all members of the congregation.
2. Quorum
A quorum shall consist of the members present at the meeting.
3. Decisionmaking
Though the congregation will strive for consensus, the vote of a majority of members present and voting at a properly called meeting of the congregation shall be considered the action of the congregation. All members of the congregation shall have the right to vote in elections and in business matters of the congregation. Absentee ballots shall be used at the discretion of the Church Council.
4. Church Year
The church year of the congregation shall be from September 1 to August 31.
B.
CHURCH COUNCIL
The Church Council is the executive body of the congregation. It is subject to the will of the congregation. Council actions may be approved, revised, or rejected by the congregation. All Ministry Programs and activities functioning within the congregation except those initiated by the Elders and Pastor(s) shall be responsible to the Church Council.
1. Members
Church Council shall consist of the Chairperson, Pastor(s), one representative of the Board of Elders (appointed by the Board of Elders), the Coordinator of each Ministry Program, the Chairperson of the Gifts Discernment Committee, and one at-large member. From time to time, other persons may temporarily be appointed to the Council for special projects.
The at-large member is responsible for: a) representing the congregation at Council; b) serving as a primary contact for concerns of individuals in the congregation; and c) serving as one of the lay delegates to Conference Assembly. This person shall serve for a three (3) year term.
2. Officers
The Chairperson shall be a lay person elected by the congregation for a three (3) year term which is renewable, and shall serve as the chair of the congregation. The chairperson is responsible for: calling all Council meetings; setting agenda; facilitating Council meetings and actions; developing teamwork within the council; developing leadership characteristics in members of Council; providing vision in coordination with the Elders, Pastor(s), and Coordinators in the life of the congregation; and serving as chair of congregational business meetings.
The Council shall appoint one of its members to serve as Vice-Chair and another person as Recording Secretary. The Vice-Chair will serve in the absence of the Chair. The Recording Secretary will take and circulate minutes of all Council and congregational meetings. The terms of service for both positions are for one year and are renewable. The overseer may participate in Council meetings as deemed necessary by the overseer or as requested by the Council.
3. Responsibilities:
- Develop policies for the administration of the congregation;
- Give direction, oversight, and integration to the Ministry Programs;
- Maintain a calendar for the congregation;
- Guide the business and fiscal affairs of the congregation and provide for an auditing of all financial accounts annually;
- Review and recommend the adoption of an annual budget to the congregation;
- Employ Pastors upon the recommendation of Elders and congregational action;
- Hire, evaluate, and discipline as necessary all staff persons and approve job descriptions for such;
- Provide adequate financial support for all employees of the congregation;
- Keep full and accurate records of all meetings, and report to the congregation actions and vision of the Council;
- Be responsible for all areas of congregational life not assigned to the Elders or the Pastor(s);
- Establish special task forces as needed including:
a. Pastoral Search Committee at times of pastoral leadership changes, in conjunction with the Elders and the Overseer;
b. Building Committee when major construction or remodeling is required;
c. Pastoral/Congregational Review Committee for regular reviews as based on the terms of service contract approved at the time of hiring a pastor, or more often as needed. This group shall include the Chair of Council, an Elder, and several congregational lay persons. The Overseer shall participate in the review.
- Appoint one member of the Gift Discernment Committee;
- Welcome any member of the congregation who desires to present concerns to the Council after initial discussion with the Chair.
4. Meetings
The Council shall meet monthly or as often as necessary to perform its responsibilities.
C.
ELDERS
The Board of Elders is responsible for the spiritual life of the congregation. It will work to develop and maintain biblical standards of faith and life in the congregation.
1. Members
Four members shall be selected by the congregation from the lay members. They will serve four year terms which are renewable. Terms of service will be arranged so that only one term expires each year. Pastor(s) will serve on the Board as well.
2. Officers
The elders will appoint one lay member to serve as chair each year. One person will also be selected to serve as the representative to the Church Council.
3. Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain strong spiritual life in the congregation through spiritual counsel;
- Provide counsel to the pastor(s) for his ministry and assist in ministry and visitation as appropriate and possible;
- Bring matters related to the spiritual ministry to the Council and/ or the entire congregation when deemed necessary;
- Engage in discipline, working both preventively and redemptively. The Board of Elders will intervene and attempt to bring reconciliation when members are involved in conflict;
- Plan for/assist with communion, baptism, and other church ordinances;
- Appoint study task forces in areas of special spiritual concern as needed;
- Keep and review all membership records. Report all actions concerning membership (baptism, transfers, forfeitures, reinstatements) to the congregation;
- In the absence of the Pastor(s), work with the Worship and Music Ministry Program to plan the worship service and supply a preacher;
- Keep records of its activities and report to the Church Council regularly.
4. Meetings
The Board of Elders shall meet biweekly or as often as necessary to perform its responsibilities.
D.
PASTOR(S)
The congregation shall call a Pastor or Pastors eligible for licensure or ordination in the Franconia Conference as needed for the work of the congregation. The Pastor or Pastors shall become a member of the congregation after their term of service begins in the congregation.
1. Responsibilities:
* Plan for the spiritual diet by preaching and teaching;
* Work at vision building;
* Be available for consultation to the Ministry Programs and other committees;
* Lead in pastoral care and counseling;
* Provide day to day administration of the congregation;
* Build teamwork in the congregational staff;
* Administer the ordinances with the Elders;
* Engage in discipline in coordination with the Elders;
* Develop a specific job description with the Elders according to the Pastor's abilities, gifts, and congregational needs.
2. Terms of Service
The pastor shall serve a term or terms of service specified in a written agreement approved by the Pastor, Church Council, and congregation at the time of hiring.
E.
MINISTRY PROGRAMS
The Ministry Programs shall be arranged around five areas of church life and ministry to meet the needs of the congregation in realizing the mission and vision. These areas are: Music and Worship, Church Community, Faith Development, Facilities and Finance, and Mission.
1.
General Organization of Ministry Programs
a.
Coordinators
Each Ministry Program shall be directed by a Coordinator selected by the Congregation.
(1)
Terms of Service:
Coordinators shall be affirmed for three year terms which are renewable.
Terms will be arranged so that no more than two coordinators need to be selected every year.
(2) Responsibilities of Coordinators:
- Lead the congregation in determining and meeting the needs and opportunities in the specific ministry area of the congregation;
- Develop vision for the particular ministry program area;
- Identify specific committees and projects to meet the needs identified;
- Work with the Gift Discernment Committee to identify and contact persons for specific work on programs planned;
- Lead an annual evaluation of the current activities of the Ministry Program area and plan for the following year;
- Develop a budget in consultation with the Facilities and Finance Coordinator;
- Communicate needs to the Treasurer for specific disbursement of funds from the Ministry Program budget;
- Represent that area as a member of Church Council;
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Report at least yearly to the congregation highlights, goals, and vision of the Ministry Program area.
b.
Programs, Committees, Resources, and Positions
The Ministry Program Coordinators shall develop and maintain records of all programs, committees, resources, and positions in the congregation related to their areas. These records shall include the activities and duties of each group or person and how that person is selected. These records shall be available to the Church Council, the Gift Discernment Committee, and the congregation.
Persons involved shall be chosen by the Coordinator and Gift Discernment Committee as outlined in Article V - "Selecting Leadership" to carry out specific functions that fulfill the duties of the Ministry Program. Terms of service shall be mutually agreed upon at the time of acceptance of the role.
c.
Meetings
Meetings shall be called by the Coordinator or other delegated persons as needed to plan, coordinate, implement, or evaluate activities to fulfill the responsibilities of the Ministry Program.
2.
Music and Worship Ministry
a. Purpose
The Music and Worship Ministry Program shall discern the worship and music needs of the congregation and develop worship services and music programming to meet those needs.
b. Responsibilities
- In coordination with the Elders, Pastor, and Church Secretary, provide for the planning of regular worship services;
- Provide for music resources for regular worship activities;
- Plan and arrange for special worship events, for example: Advent, Christmas Eve, Easter, and Music Sunday;
- Promote music education and the developing of musical talent in a variety of forms to enhance worship;
- Maintain worship resources and musical instruments;
- Provide for a welcoming atmosphere for visitors to worship activities;
- Provide for securing supervision of children during the worship and Sunday School time;
- Provide for the decorating of the church for regular worship and special occasions;
- Plan for the continued improvement of music and worship styles in the congregation;
- Coordinate the schedule for music and worship activities with all other events in the congregational calendar.
3.
Church Community Ministry
a. Purpose
The Church Community Ministry Program shall discern, create, and maintain a community environment that promotes spiritual growth, incorporation of new members, mutuality and sharing life together.
b. Responsibilities
- Develop an understanding of mutuality in the congregation that enables the congregation to support and share with each other in the life of faith;
- Coordinate and provide for fellowship activities of the congregation;
- Provide for the annual recording of historical events that occur throughout the church year in the congregation;
- Coordinate and assure the planning of special fellowship activities that occur in other settings for example: hosting new members, visiting elderly members, church picnic, small groups etc.;
- Provide a mechanism for assuring that prayer concerns can be communicated to the congregation between times of worship;
- Assist members with questions and planning regarding use of churchwide mutual aid services, especially in unusual medical/expense circumstances;
- Coordinate the schedule for fellowship activities with all other events in the congregational calendar.
4.
Faith Development Ministry
a. Purpose
The Faith Development Ministry Program shall discern, create, and maintain an environment that promotes personal and corporate spiritual growth and knowledge throughout the lifespan.
b. Responsibilities
- Develop a philosophy of Christian education that is theologically consistent with Anabaptist faith through all ages/stages of the Christian life that enables persons to grow in the development of faith;
- Coordinate, organize and supervise educational activities for all age groups of persons in the congregation;
- Develop and implement educational, fellowship, and service activities beyond the formal education program for older children, youth and young adults that assist in developing faith decisions and beliefs;
- Review and select curriculum and courses of study that are in harmony with Mennonite/Anabaptist faith;
- Provide for the training of teachers to enhance the educational process;
- Develop and maintain a library available with appropriate resources useful in the learning and nurturing of the congregation;
- Provide opportunity for new believers to learn about following Christ, living a Christian life, and the Anabaptist faith;
- Set a schedule for faith development activities coordinated with all other events in the congregational calendar.
5.
Facilities and Finance Ministry
a. Purpose
The Facilities and Finance Ministry Program shall assist the congregation to develop a responsible life as stewards of all its resources. It shall provide budgetary, facility, and financial direction for the congregation.
b. Responsibilities
- Develop methods to encourage members to become responsible stewards in all their resources as well as to provide financial support to the congregation;
- Develop an annual church budget in consultation with the Ministry Program Coordinators and Elders for the work of the church that is presented to the
Church Council and the congregation for approval. The budget shall include all financial activities of the church.
- Coordinate special financial appeals and special offerings;
- Keep the congregation informed on a regular basis regarding the financial status of the church;
- Provide for a treasurer and office personnel who are responsible for the keeping of accurate records of the church's finances as well as disbursing of funds as designated;
- Through a group of trustees, manage the property of the congregation that includes custodian services, special upkeep, and long range planning for improvements and updating;
- Through a Cemetery Committee take responsibility for the maintenance, record-keeping, and financial aspects of the cemetery;
- Coordinate the schedule for facility/finance activities with all other events in the congregational calendar.
6.
Missions Ministry
a. Purpose
The Mission Ministry Program shall lead the congregation in witness and service in the community and in support and participation in Mennonite agencies for witness and service.
b. Responsibilities
- Develop a vision for witness and service locally, conferencewide, and churchwide;
- Plan, implement, and coordinate activities which enable members to share their faith with people of all ages in the local community;
- Plan, implement, and coordinate activities that promote channels for mission, evangelism, voluntary service, and relief work to persons in the local community and other geographic locations;
- Provide for training for Christian witness and service;
- Promote mission activities of the Conference and broader Mennonite Church through participation in cross-cultural mission experiences and literature distribution;
- Promote special offerings for mission activities;
- Assure direct connections between the congregation and specific mission and service agencies of the Mennonite Church;
- Coordinate the schedule for mission activities with all other events in the congregational calendar.
F.
SUPPORT COMMITTEES
1.
Gift Discernment Committee
The Gift Discernment Committee shall assist members of the congregation to discern, develop, and make available their gifts and abilities for the work of the congregation.
a. Members
Two members shall be selected by the congregation from the lay members of the congregation. They will serve three year terms which are renewable. An additional lay member, not a member of Church Council, shall be selected by the Church Council and will serve a three year term. A pastor will also serve on the Gift Discernment Committee. The committee will choose one of the lay members to serve as the chair with the approval of the Church Council. The chair will serve as a member of Church Council as well as facilitate the work of the Gift Discernment Committee. Terms of service shall be arranged so that only one member is chosen each year.
b. Responsibilities
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Develop a method which encourages members to discover, develop, and offer their gifts and abilities to the church;
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Assist the Coordinators in developing role descriptions to carry out the activities of the Ministry Programs;
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Annually call for nominations and prepare a ballot for affirmation for all elective offices of the congregation;
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Call for nominations and prepare a ballot for affirmation at other times when elective offices are vacated;
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Interview persons nominated for the selective positions identifying the appropriate candidate for the position;
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Provide to the Ministry Coordinators a list of people with gifts and interests in the various nonelective positions of the Ministry Programs.
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Assist the Coordinators in contacting and choosing persons for nonelective positions.
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Hold a record of the offices held within the congregation, job descriptions, methods of selection, and terms of expiration.
c. Meetings
The Gift Discernment Committee will meet bi-monthly or as often as necessary to carry out its assignment. Adequate minutes of its meetings shall be available to the Council and the congregation.
2.
Conference Assembly Delegate
The congregation shall elect lay delegates to participate in regular and special sessions of the Franconia Mennonite Conference Assembly.
a.
Membership
Assembly lay delegates are elected by the congregation. The number of delegates is determined by a conference formula for representation. They serve for three year terms, which are renewable. The at-large Council member will serve as one of the lay delegates. Terms will deviate as necessary from the church year to synchronize with the Conference calendar. All licensed and/or ordained Pastors as well as one Elder, selected by the Elders, are delegates by virtue of their office.
b.
Responsibilities
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Attend and participate in all regular and special sessions of Franconia Conference sessions;
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Review the assembly agenda, reports, and matters to be discussed at the Assembly session in order to better represent congregational thinking;
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Participate in discussion and vote at Assembly;
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Report to the congregation the actions and concerns of conference following each session;
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Between sessions of Assembly meetings, keep aware of happenings within the Conference and keep the congregation informed of these activities and issues;
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Provide methods for maintaining connections between the congregation and Conference.
ARTICLE VI - SELECTING LEADERSHIP
A.
SELECTING PASTORS
The Church Council shall appoint a Search Committee when the congregation needs a pastor. The Search Committee shall work closely with the Overseer and shall follow the guidelines of the Franconia Conference Leadership Commission. When a candidate is proposed, the Church Council shall approve a percentage vote of affirmation that will be required to constitute a call.
B.
SELECTING MINISTRY PROGRAM COORDINATORS, ELDERS, SUPPORT COMMITTEES, AT- LARGE MEMBERS TO COUNCIL AND COUNCIL CHAIRPERSON.
1.
Affirmation Process
The Gift Discernment Committee shall call for nominations inviting members of the congregation to nominate members for each office to be filled. After checking the nominations for eligibility to serve, a representative of the Gift Discernment Committee shall determine with each candidate, inquiring about their sense of call, gifts, and availability to serve. Based on these interviews, the Gift Discernment Committee will present to the congregation a ballot with one person for each of the positions needing to be filled. Congregational members will be requested to affirm or not affirm each person on the ballot. Reservations regarding an affirmation shall be requested and considered by the committee. A majority of those voting shall be necessary for affirmation.
2.
Time
Affirmations for all offices selected by the congregation except for the Elders will be held in June of each year. In this way persons selected will have time to prepare for the new position. Elders will be selected in May.
3.
Terms
All terms of office except for the Conference Assembly delegates begin September 1 and continue through August 31.
C.
SELECTING PEOPLE FOR OTHER POSITIONS IN THE CONGREGATION
People may be chosen for committees, activities, and projects in the congregation through approval by the Church Council, the Ministry Program Coordinators, or a Coordinator's designee. The Gift Discernment Committee shall compile a list of positions to be filled each year and present it to Church Council. The Council will determine which positions shall be filled by approval of Council and which shall be filled by the Coordinators or their designee. Once ascertained, the Gifts Discernment Committee will work with Council, Coordinators, Elders and Pastors to identify persons to fill the positions that matches congregational need with individual gifts.
ARTICLE VII - CHURCH PROPERTY
All property and real estate belonging to the congregation shall be in the name of the Doylestown Mennonite Church, and such real estate may be conveyed, sold, mortgaged, or otherwise disposed of only when authorized by the congregation.
All deeds and mortgages made by the church and any and all other written contracts and agreements to which the corporation shall be a party shall be executed in its name by the Chairperson or Vice -Chair and attested by the Council Secretary.
ARTICLE VIII - AMENDMENTS
Amendments may be made to the organizational patterns at any regular congregational meeting or one specially called by the Church Council. Proposed changes shall be circulated in written form at least two weeks prior to the meeting and shall be approved by two-thirds of the votes cast.
