COAST COMMUNITY CHURCH BYLAWS

(Revised - November, 1999)

ARTICLE I - NAME

Section 1.01 Coast Community Church
The name of this California non-profit religious corporation shall be Coast Community Church, herein after referred to as "church."

ARTICLE II - LOCATION

Section 2.01 "Fountain Valley, California"
The principle office for the transaction of business of the corporation is located at 9041 Crocus Avenue, Fountain Valley, California 92708.

ARTICLE III - AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS

Section 3.01 New Bylaws
New bylaws may be adopted or these bylaws may be amended or repealed by the church acting in a business meeting. It is our intent that these bylaws be changed to meet current needs.

ARTICLE IV - PURPOSE

Section 4.01 Purpose of Coast Community Church
The purpose of this church is to make disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ (who seek God in devotion to the Scriptures, fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayer) by proclaiming the gospel of God in the power of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 1:16-17; 1 Thessalonians 1:5; 1 Timothy 3:15; Philippians 1:27; Colossians 1:3-8; 2 Thessalon-ians 2:13-14; Acts 1:8; 2:42)

ARTICLE V - CHARACTER AND GOVERNMENT

Section 5.01 Church Government
The government of the church shall be a plural local elder (overseer) government. This kind of government sees Christ giving jurisdiction over His church to a group of men (the pastor being one of them) who are set apart by the congregation to oversee and care for the spiritual life of the body, being responsible to minister the Word to the body, to inter-cede for the body, and to lead the body in obedience to Christ and with sensitivity to the needs and concerns of the members. (Acts 20:28; Hebrews 13:17; Acts 6:4; 1 Timothy 5:17; James 5:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; 1 Peter 5:1-4)

Section 5.02 An Autonomous Church
This church is autonomous and maintains the right to govern its own affairs, independent of any denominational control. Recognizing, however, the benefits of cooperation with other churches (John 17: 20-23) in world missions, this church voluntarily affiliates with the Southern Baptist Convention in its national, state, and local expressions.

Section 5.03 Authority of Scripture
This church receives the Scriptures as its authority in all matters of faith and practice.

ARTICLE VI - MEMBERSHIP

Section 6.01 Membership by Spiritual Birth
Membership in the church of Jesus Christ is by new birth, not by the fulfillment of certain requirements. (John 3:3, 5)

Section 6.02 Commitment to the Local Church
Practically speaking, membership in the local expression of the church of Jesus Christ (Coast Community Church), shall be according to these Scriptural requirements:

Testifying of repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ. (Acts 20:21; Rom 10:9-10)
Having been baptized. (Mt 28:18-20)
Partaking of the Lord's Supper. (Lu 22:19)
Participating in the corporate worship services, unless physically hindered. (Heb 10:23-25; 1 Jn 2:19)
Exercising one's spiritual gift(s) for the edification of the body. (1 Pe 4:10)
Caring for the needs of those in the body. (1 Cor 12:25-26; Gal 5:13; 6:10)
Following the leadership of those in authority. (1 Thess 5:12-13; Heb 13:17)

Section 6.03 Formal Recognition of Local Membership
Those individuals and families that are interested in becoming members of Coast will be required to meet with the overseers and discuss the Scriptural requirements for member-ship as outlined above. The elders will then recommend the presentation of the individ-ual(s) to the church body or the scheduling of further discussions. Those believers who are willing to commit themselves to be an active part of the body of Christ at Coast ac-cording to the vision of Scripture outlined above shall be introduced to the church body during a corporate worship service and will be given the opportunity to share their test-imonies of God's grace in their lives and express their desire to be a part of Coast and their willingness to commit themselves to this body, depending on the grace of God. Those who do so will be welcomed into the body as members of Coast.

Section 6.04 Termination of Local Membership
Members shall be removed from the church roll for the following reasons:

Death
Transfer of membership to another church or permanent relocation that prohibits attendance at Coast and necessitates a membership change.
Personal request of the member
Dismissal by the congregation according to the following conditions: The member either makes an open stand against Christ or begins to live stubbornly contrary to Scripture and brings shame on Christ's name.

Church discipline is to be exercised for the following scriptural reasons: sexual immor-ality (1 Corinthians 5:9-13); financial dishonesty (1 Corinthians 5:9-13); financial irresponsibility (2 Thess. 3:6-15; 1 Tim. 5:3-8); substance abuse (1 Corinthians 5:9-13); abusiveness (1 Corinthians 5:9-13); or divisiveness (Titus 3:10-11). Procedures for dismissal of a member shall be according to Matthew 18:15-17.

Section 6.05 Restoration of Members
Any person may qualify for reinstatement in the event that the person makes a statement of his repentance which is acceptable to the church. The church shall take a vote for reinstatement according to the spirit of II Cor. 2: 7-8. The overseers, in consultation with the body, shall determine the appropriate response to the disciplined member's appeal.

Section 6.06 Business Meeting Responsibilities

The pastor shall serve as moderator at all business meetings unless specified otherwise by the overseers.
The church clerk shall act as secretary of all meetings of members unless otherwise specified.
Each member of the body is encouraged to prayerfully respond to the issues brought before the body by the overseers.

Section 6.07 Calling of Business Meetings
Business meetings of the church may be called by the overseers at any time. Notification of members for a business meeting may be given by any of the following methods:

Distribution of written material to the congregation in attendance of a Sunday worship service.
Announcement of the meeting at a Sunday worship service.
Through the mail.

Members shall be notified no less than two weeks prior to a business meeting.

Section 6.08 Required Business Meeting Items
Recommendations concerning the following items must be brought before the church in a business meeting for discussion and a formal vote:

Calling of pastoral staff
Yearly budgets
Church property decisions
Major changes in schedule
Changes in the church's by laws and constitution
Appointment of new overseers or deacons
Other decisions that the overseers deem appropriate for such consideration

Section 6.09 Decision Making Procedures

The overseers are given jurisdiction over the body and are ultimately responsible and all decisions the church makes.
The overseers are given the authority to make decisions on behalf of the body that are consistent with the Scriptures and are sensitive to the needs, concerns, and opinions of the members of the body.
The overseers must be trusted to make some decisions without calling a business meeting. Yet, even these decisions are to be made in light of the prayerful assessment of the members' perspectives through personal discussions and group meetings.
Some decisions are of such importance that they require a formal decision making process with the involvement of the whole body. (see Section 6.08) When this is the case, the overseers will present recommendations to the body in writing, prior to the business meeting.
At the business meeting, members will discuss the recommendations until all questions have been addressed. More than one meeting may need to be scheduled in order to address all questions and concerns.
Once the discussion process has been completed, a formal vote will be taken to assess whether or not there is a unity of the Spirit with regard to the particular recommendation.
The formal votes will consist of a printed ballot that contains a brief description of the matter under consideration and four choices for response:
1. I have prayed about the matter and support the recommendation.
2. I have prayed about the matter and do not support the recommendation.
3. I have prayed about the matter and will submit to the decision of the leadership.
4. I have not prayed about the matter and will submit to the decision of the leadership.
If it is clear by the formal vote that there is not a unity in the body in favor of the recommendation, then the matter will be set aside for further prayer and future discussion, as appropriate.
Even if there is a majority in favor of a recommendation, every member whoopposes the recommendation will have an opportunity to meet with the overseersand to explain his or her perspective. It is the responsibility of the overseers to evaluate whether or not the opposition is an indication of the Lord's will or notand whether to proceed with the recommendation or not. As a result, the formal vote is not a "rule by majority" process, but rather a way of listening for the Lord's direction through each member of the body.
If the formal vote reveals that there is not unity in the body regarding a particular recommendation, but a decision must be made because of time constraints, the overseers have the responsibility to make the final decision.

ARTICLE VII - INCORPORATION

Section 7.01 Corporate Liability
No person who is now, or who later becomes, a member of this corporation shall solely, because of such membership, be personally liable to the corporation's creditors for any debt, obligation or liabilities of the corporation, and any and all creditors of this corpor-ation shall look only to the assets of this corporation for payment.

Section 7.02 Trustee Membership
The board of trustees shall consist of a minimum of three persons. The trustees shall consist of the overseers of the church and the members of the finance team.

Section 7.3 Trustee Term
The members of the overseer team and the finance team shall serve as trustees as long as they serve on these teams.

Section 7.04 Corporation Directors
The Trustees are hereby designated as the directors of the corporation as the term is defined and used in the California Non-profit Corporation Code.

Section 7.05 Trustee Officers
Three members shall serve as the officers of the church. The Pastor shall serve as president. There shall be a chief financial officer and a secretary.

Section 7.06 Responsibilities of Trustees
It shall be the duty of the Trustees to take such actions and execute any documents necessary to accomplish the purpose of any matter authorized by the members which concerns any real, personal, or intangible property of the church.

Section 7.07 Required Documents
The church will maintain the following records and reports:

Adequate and correct books and records of accounts (financial records).
Minutes of the proceedings of its members and Board of Directors.
A record of its members, giving their names and addresses.
Contribution statements for contributors.

Section 7.08 Church Officers for the Corporation
Officers of this church shall be president, secretary, chief financial officer, church clerk, and others as needed and as appointed by the overseers.

Section 7.09 Officer Selection
The overseers will appoint a secretary, chief financial officer, and church clerk.

Section 7.10 Officer Replacement
A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification, or otherwise shall filled by the overseers.

Section 7.11 Responsibilities of the Secretary
The secretary shall keep a full and complete record of the proceedings of the Board of Trustees, shall keep the seal of the corporation and affix it to such papers and instruments as may be required in the regular course of business, shall make service of such notice as may be necessary or proper, shall supervise the keeping of the records of the corporation, and shall discharge such other duties of the office or prescribed by the Board of Trustees.

Section 7.12 Responsibilities of the Chief Financial Officer
The chief financial officer shall be responsible for the receiving and safe keeping of all funds of the corporation and deposit them in the bank or banks that may be designated by the Board of Trustees. Those funds shall be paid out only on checks of the corporation signed by the secretary, chief financial officer, or by such officers as may be designated by the Board of Trustees as authorized to sign them. Each check must have two author-ized signatures. The chief financial officer shall see that records of all receipts, both of individual gifts of members and others, as well as gifts from other sources, are kept. Each gift shall be recorded as soon as possible and financial records kept at the church office. He or she shall, if possible, send out the record of gifts to each individual member, quarterly and as soon after January 1 as possible, send out an annual report to each person.

Section 7.13 Responsibilities of the Clerk
The clerk shall keep a careful and correct record of all the official acts of the church, perform all duties pertaining to the office.

ARTICLE VIII - CHURCH ORGANIZATION AND PROGRAMS

Section 8.01 Church Leadership
The leadership of the church shall consist of overseers with deacons assisting (as needed). (1 Timothy 3)

Section 8.02 Church Ordinances
The ordinances of the church shall be baptism and the Lord's Supper. (Matthew 28: 19; Luke 22:19)

Section 8.3 Flexible Church Structure
The organization of the church shall be revised on a periodic basis to meet current needs. The program of the church shall include weekly worship, participation in missions, Chris-tian education, evangelism, and service ministry, as the church deems necessary to meet current needs.

Section 8.4 Finance Team
The church shall maintain a finance team (consisting of at least two men) for the purpose of overseeing the financial affairs of the church and to protect the pastor and overseers from accusation regarding the administration of the church's finances. The finance team members shall be appointed by the overseers.

Section 8.5 Ministry Teams
Other ministry teams may be established by the overseers for the purpose of carrying out needed tasks on behalf of the overseers and the body as a whole.

ARTICLE IX - PASTOR AND STAFF

Section 9.01 Calling a Pastor
The pastor shall be called for an indefinite period of time, unless otherwise agreed upon at the time of the call. The pulpit committee, chaired by one of the overseers, shall seek out and make recommendations for the candidate of Pastor. The approval to call the candidate shall be carried out by the normal decision making process of the church.

Section 9.02 Termination of the Pastoral Relationship
The pastoral relationship may be dissolved at any time that it is desired by either the Pastor or the church. Either way, there shall be a thirty day written notice given prior to the dissolution. The time element may be abbreviated if agreeable to both parties.

Section 9.03 Calling Additional Pastoral Staff
Upon the recommendation of the overseers, additional staff members can be called to assist in equipping the members of Coast Community Church for ministry. Approval shall be carried out by the normal decision making process of the church.

Section 9.04 Support Personnel
The overseers shall have the authority for the employment and dismissal of support personnel (clerical, custodial, interns).

Section 9.05 Employee Policies and Benefits
Policies and benefits for all those employed by the church will be worked out with each employee by the overseers in consultation with the finance team, then brought to the church for confirmation in a business meeting.

ARTICLE X - OVERSEERS

Section 10.01 Responsibilities of Overseers
Overseers shall be appointed to evaluate church life and provide pastoral care over the church. They shall seek to discern God's will as they evaluate what we have done, where we are, where we need to grow, and what changes may be recommended for the good of our church family.

Overseers shall give watchful and protective care over the flock. (Heb.13:17; Acts 20:28-30; Ja. 5:14-16)
Overseers shall teach and equip the saints for ministry & maturity. Acts 20:20-27; Col. 1:28-29; Titus 1:9)
Overseers shall deal with doctrinal issues. (Acts 15:1-6; 'Titus 1:9)
Overseers shall be living demonstrations of Jesus Christ. (1 Pet. 5:3; Heb. 13:7)
Overseers shall not be dictatorial. (1 Pet. 5:2-3)

Section 10.02 Appointment of Overseers
Overseers shall be appointed as the need arises and as the Holy Spirit leads. The present overseers shall recommend the appointment of men to serve as overseers to the church body.

They shall be men qualified according to I Tim. 3 and Titus 1. The process for determining qualified men to serve as overseers should follow this general pattern:
1. Assessment: Scripture is reviewed to remind the body of the qualifications and responsibilities of overseers. Members of the body are encouraged to prayerfully nominate men to be considered for the service of overseer.
2. Evaluation: Nominated men are approached by the present overseers and asked if they have a desire (as well as the freedom) to serve the body as an overseer. Those men who express an interest in serving must be evaluated according to the Scriptural qualifications. This would include a private evaluation through a personal interview with the present overseers, a family interview with the present overseers, and an "outsider" interview with the present overseers (ie, with those outside his family or the church body with whom he should have a good reputation). This also would include a public evaluation through a question and answer time with the body as a whole and an opportunity to teach the body from the Scriptures.
3. Appointment: The present overseers are responsible to present to the body the men they believe are qualified to serve as overseers. Once a formal presentation of the men to be appointed has been made, the body will have three weeks to share with the present overseers any concerns they have with the men presented for confirmation. If there are no Scriptural reasons for not confirming the men presented, then, at the conclusion of the three week period, the men presented by the overseers will be confirmed and installed into office through prayer with the laying on of hands by the present overseers in the presence of the gathered body of Coast.
The men must have faith that it is God's will that they serve in this capacity.

Section 10.03 Overseer Term of Service
The term of service for an overseer shall be indefinite unless:

He moves to another church.
He becomes unqualified according to scriptural guidelines.
He believes that he is no longer to serve in that capacity.

Section 10.04 Recommendation of Staff
The overseers shall have the authority to recommend persons for ministry staff positions in accordance with the normal decision making procedures of the church.

Section 10.05 Church Discipline
The overseers shall give leadership to all incidences of church discipline of members as outlined in ARTICLE VI, section 6.04.