Bylaws

Preamble

THE FIELD CHURCH hereby enacts these Bylaws to govern the body of Christ decently and in order in accordance with I Cor. 14:40.

Article I. Church Governance

The church shall be Elder led. The Elder Board is the final authority for all matters of self-government of the church. The church shall remain free from the control or supervision of any other ecclesiastical or denominational body or government control or influence but may cooperate, through association or otherwise, with other churches and ministries of like faith and practice.

Article II. Statement of Final Authority for Matters of Belief and Conduct

The Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our beliefs. The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind, is the sole and final source of all that we believe. For purposes of the church’s faith, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, our Elder Board is the church’s final interpretive authority on the Bible’s application.

Article III. Church Membership

Section 1. Becoming a Church Member

• Participation in Baptism, defined as full water immersion done in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as a symbol (outward, public declaration) of the redeeming work that God has done in the life of the prospective member.
• Regular attendance to Sunday morning service
• Completion of THE FIELD CHURCH membership course with 100% attendance to all course meetings.
• Completion of the THE FIELD CHURCH membership application
• Participation in an interview with a member of the Elder Board concerning membership at THE FIELD CHURCH
• Agreement with our Statement of Faith and Doctrinal Distinctives.
• Approval through the unanimous vote of a quorum of Elders.
• Upon approval, agreement to participate in and pay for  a background check to be performed by a qualified third party designated by the Elders of THE FIELD CHURCH
• Agreement, signing, and adherence to THE FIELD CHURCH Covenant Membership Agreement

Section 2. Reception of Church Members

Upon the completion of all requirements outlined in Article III Section I, membership into THE FIELD CHURCH shall be ratified. The ratification of membership necessitates all of the following:

1. Upon signing THE FIELD CHURCH Covenant Membership Agreement membership status is considered active by the Elder Board of said church.
2. Assignment of the member to an Elder for the express purposes of  caring for, praying for, shepherding, leading, and overseeing the soul of the new member. Notification of this assignment shall accompany the notification of membership and include ways the new member can contact their assigned Elder.
3. Addition to THE FIELD CHURCH membership roster and all other applicable rosters such member texts and contact lists shall occur upon inclusion to membership.
4. Notification of the new member to the church at the next quarterly member meeting as outlined in Article IV Section II.

Section 3. Expectations of Church Members

• To walk together in Christian love;
• To exercise Christian care and watchfulness over one another;
• To pray with and for one another, sharing our burdens, sorrows, and joys;
• To be thoughtful and courteous to one another, to be slow to take offense, and to be quick to forgive and to seek forgiveness;
• To guard the spiritual and Scriptural purity, peace, prosperity of the Church, and to promote its usefulness as a witness to the saving grace of God and Christ Jesus;
• To assist, through the gifts of the Spirit, in the work of the Church and to promote its usefulness as a witness to the saving grace of God and Christ Jesus;
• To contribute, as the Lord directs, to the financial support of the Church, the relief of the needy, and evangelism of all people;
• To love and to pray for all believers in the Lord Jesus Christ;
• To engage regularly in personal Bible reading and prayer, and to establish family devotions where possible;
• To bring up such children as may be entrusted to our care in the nurture and admonition of the Lord;
• To walk circumspectly in the world, to provide things honest in the sight of all men, to be faithful in engagements, exemplary in deportment, denying ungodliness and worldly lust;
• To endeavor by example, by work, and by prayer, to win others to an acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord;
• To purpose that when we remove ourselves from this place, we will as soon as possible, unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this Covenant and the principles of God’s word.

Section 4. Termination of Church Membership

Membership in the church may be terminated as follows:

• Transfer of letter to another church of like faith and practice;
• A member’s written request to withdraw membership;
• Reasonable evidence that a member has united with another church;
• Death; or
• Exclusion by church discipline.

Section 5. Statement on Church Discipline

1. The member being excommunicated will receive a letter (via postal mail and email) informing them of the decision to be excommunicated from the fellowship. This letter will include a brief explanation of the biblical principles supporting this decision, as well as a plea to repent and obey the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This letter will notify the person that they are then freed from accountability to The Field Church Elders (Hebrews 13:7), and the Elders are free from being accountable to the Lord for their soul (Hebrews 13:7, 1 Peter 5:2).
2. The excommunicated member will be removed from all aspects of church life. Ministry leaders over areas in which the former member has served will be notified to remove him/her from their rotation and communication. The former member will be removed from all member texts, emails, and will no longer be allowed to participate in member meetings.
3. The body of members will be informed about this excommunication at the next member meeting. 

Reinstatement of membership for an excommunicated member is possible through the following steps:

1. There is genuine recognition of sin, and repentance in all ways and to all persons the Elders deem relevant, according to Scripture, for true godly repentance (2 Corinthians 7:8-11), proving to be a believer in Christ, obedient to Christ, and not a threat to  the body of Christ (Matthew 7:15-20)
2. There is a completion of the full process of becoming a member as outlined in  Article III Section 3.

Section 6. Statement on Mediation

Each Church member should seek to resolve all conflicts with other members in accordance with Scripture. As such, members of the church agree to submit any legal dispute with the church for mediation before a mutually agreed-upon mediator, or if none can be agreed upon, one selected by Peacemaker Ministries. Lawsuits between believers, or threats of lawsuits between believers, are a matter of grave concern for the church, are contrary to biblical and church teaching, and mediation is an effort to resolve disputes in a biblical fashion (1 Cor. 6: 1-7).

Mediation will be governed by the Rules of Procedure for Christian Conciliation of the Institute for Christian Conciliation (ICC Rules), unless modified as stipulated by the parties. In particular, subject to the more detailed provisions of the ICC Rules, mediator(s) will attempt to assist us in reaching a voluntary settlement of any disputes through mediation. The confidentiality of the mediation process will be protected and these matters will not be discussed with people who do not have a necessary interest in them. If settlement can be agreed upon, the conciliators may, at their discretion, issue an advisory opinion. Neither the opinion, nor any communications exchanged in the mediation process, will be admissible for any purpose in any subsequent legal proceeding.

Section 7. Membership Renewal

There shall be an annual renewal of membership. Such renewal procedures shall be adopted and approved by the Elders.

Article IV. Church Meetings

Section 1. Worship Services

Worship services are to be regulated by Scripture, consisting only of what is prescribed by Scripture, to ensure this worship is pleasing to the Lord (John 4:23). In an orderly way (1 Corinthians 14:40) the worship service will consist of reading the Bible (1 Timothy 4:13), preaching the Bible (2 Timothy 4:2), praying according to the Bible (Matthew 21:13), singing biblical truth (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16), giving (1 Corinthians 9:14, 16:1-2, Acts 2:42-47), vows/oaths/fasts/thanksgivings (1 Kings 8), and the two  sacraments of water baptism and the Lord’s supper ( Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:38-39, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Colossians 2:11-12).

Worship services will be overseen by, and be primarily led by, the Elders (1 Peter 5:2).  The services will be conducted weekly, on Sunday (Hebrews 10:25, Acts 2:42-47, 1 Corinthians 11:20, Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2). Additional worship services may be offered throughout the week, and must follow the same guidelines.

Section 2. Elder and Member Meetings

Quarterly Member Meetings

Quarterly Member Meetings shall be held for purposes of providing: an avenue of Christian fellowship, financial updates concerning the stewardship of member offerings, updates on new additions to church membership as well as cases of church discipline, and any other necessary and scriptural reasons for gathering.

Special Member Meetings

Special Member Meetings are additional meetings that are necessary for unexpected events that require the attention of church membership.  These meetings may be called as often as necessary in order to ensure the functioning of THE FIELD CHURCH according to sound doctrine.  For notice on these meetings see Article IV Section 3.

Regular Elder Meetings

The Elders of THE FIELD CHURCH are its primary leaders and decision makers as defined by our Doctrinal Distinctives on “Biblical Eldership” and “Church Membership”. As such, regular Elder meetings are vital to the lawful and scriptural functioning of THE FIELD CHURCH. Elder Meetings will be held bi-weekly and, when necessary, weekly, to ensure proper management of Christ’s Church.

Section 3. Notice for Elder and Member Meetings

Notice for Quarterly Member Meetings shall be given in a timely and reasonable fashion by announcement at church services and by Member Text Message, within the first quarter of each calendar year, and subject to change if necessary, for reasonable and just purposes. 

Notice for Special Member Meetings shall be given in a timely and reasonable fashion, given no less than one (1) week in advance of the meeting by announcement at church services and by Member Text, and is subject to change if necessary, for reasonable and just purposes

Notice of Regular Elder Meetings shall be given in a timely and reasonable fashion by Elder text message and email, within the first week of each month during the calendar year, for the purposes of gathering the Elders together weekly or bi-weekly, to address the issues of the THE FIELD CHURCH as necessary.

Section 4. Quorum for Elder Meetings

Fifty percent of the Elders must be present to constitute a quorum at any Elder meeting.

Section 5. Voting at Elder Meetings

Unless otherwise provided in these Bylaws, the act of a majority vote that constitutes a quorum of the Elders constitutes an act of the church.

Section 6. Order of Business

All matters pertaining to the faithful functioning and conduct of THE FIELD CHURCH shall be discussed, as necessary, at all Quarterly Member Meetings, including but not limited to:

• Financial updates of the church’s management of member funds, the members status concerning tithes and offerings, the church’s present or future plans for structural improvements and/or additions to the property owned by THE FIELD CHURCH
• Information concerning current Church Discipline related to erring members
• Information concerning subsidiary ministries that THE FIELD CHURCH oversee’s, financially supports, or in other ways supports

Section 7. Elder and Member Meeting Minutes

The Executive Pastor or authorized designee shall ensure that minutes of all Elder and Member meetings are prepared and secured in a safe place.

Article V. Directors

Section 1. In General

For purposes of the legal requirement of Louisiana, the Directors shall be the legal representatives of the Church.  The Directors of The Field Church shall consist of the Elders.

The Directors may not exercise any power inconsistent with the church’s Statement of Faith, Constitution and Bylaws, or the laws of Louisiana (so long as such laws are not contradictory to the church’s Statement of Faith).

The Directors shall approve all matters requiring action by the Directors on behalf of the church. After such approval, the President, Vice President, Secretary or Treasurer may execute any legal instrument on behalf of the church, unless additional approval by church membership is expressly required by the Bylaws.

The Directors shall employ outside auditors to conduct a church audit from time to time, as the Directors see fit.

Article VI. Elders

Section 1. Role, Title, and Duties

THE FIELD CHURCH defines the roles and duties of an Elder under the Biblical Eldership section of the Statement of Faith and Doctrinal Distinctives.

Titles relating to specific areas of oversight will be determined by the Elders, and based upon the specific way in which each particular Elder serves the church.

Section 2. Qualifications

The biblical qualifications for the office elder are found in 1 Timothy 3:2-7 and Titus 1:6-9. As these qualifications are prescribed by God, they must be met in order to serve in the office of Elder.

Functional qualifications for the office of Elder at THE FIELD CHURCH include:

1. Elders must unreservedly agreement to our Statement of Faith, Doctrinal Distinctives, and Constitution of THE FIELD CHURCH
2. Completion of XL Ministries internship and training
3. Approximately 30 years old
4. Any additional training the Elders of THE FIELD CHURCH determine to be beneficial
5. Undergraduate and Graduate degrees related to Ministry are not necessary but are helpful

Section 3. Nomination and Selection

Nomination of any man to the office of Elder ultimately must be made by an Elder of THE FIELD CHURCH. God’s Word is clear that Elders appoint Elders (Titus 1:5, Acts 14:23) and that the man to be nominated must desire to serve in the office of Overseer (1 Timothy 3:1). He must meet the qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:2-7 and Titus 1:6-9. Any nomination put forth by an Elder must be met by the approval of the unanimous agreement  of the Elders.

If the qualifications are met and the training is completed, satisfactory to the Elders, before his appointment, he will be presented to the congregation in a member meeting, and a period of two weeks will be allowed for the congregation to bring forth objections to the ordination of the man. Any objections will be assessed by the Elders, who will determine whether the ordination needs to be further evaluated, canceled, or can proceed.

The final appointment/ordination of an elder must be approved unanimously by the Elders of THE FIELD CHURCH.. The appointment shall be performed in a worship service by the symbol of laying on of hands (1 Timothy 5:22).

Section 4. Removal

Removal of a Pastor may occur according to the following processes, depending on the reason for the removal.

1. Disqualification: If the removal is due to sin, the Elder will be removed from his position due to the fact that he no longer meets the qualifications for an Elder as described in Article VI Section 2 in this document. At the same time the process of church discipline will be followed as is outlined in the “Church Discipline” document under “The Process of Discipline.” In addition to this, the matter will be made public to the congregation at a called member meeting, due to the public nature of his role, whether or not the church discipline process reaches “step four.” If the process does not require excommunication, the man is able to continue his membership in the church. Sin in this instance includes, but is not limited to, sins of character, causing division in the body, teaching doctrinal error, or sinning against others.
2. Failure in ability: If the removal is due to a less than adequate ability to perform in the ways necessary for the role, as described in Article VI Section 1 in this document, the Elders may remove an Elder through unanimous agreement among all the Elders serving at the time of consideration.
3. Church needs: If the removal is due to the Elders deciding to move in a direction as a church which no longer requires the services of that Elder, or deeming that the church must allocate the associated funds to a different need, the Elders may remove a Elder through unanimous agreement among all the Elders serving at the time of consideration.

Section 5. Meetings

See Article IV Section 2.

Section 6. Notice of Elder Meetings

See Article IV Section 3.

Section 7. Quorum for Elder Meetings

See Article IV Section 4.

Section 8. Voting for Elder Meetings

Unless otherwise provided in these Bylaws, the act of a majority of the Elders constitutes an act of the Board of Elders.

Article VII. Deacons

Section 1. Role and Duties

Deacons are formal assistants to pastor-elders. Deacons best assist the Elders by helping them keep their focus on their own supremely important tasks of feeding, leading, and protecting God’s flock by God’s Word, the Scriptures.  Certainly, having qualified helpers enables the Elders to provide God’s church with better pastoral care, protects the elders from unhealthy overwork, and frees them to concentrate more effectively on prayer and “the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4). Duties of deacons are outlined by the Board of Elders.

Section 2. Qualifications

Functional qualifications for the office of Deacon  at THE FIELD CHURCH include:

1. Deacons must unreservedly agreement to our Statement of Faith, Doctrinal Distinctives, and Constitution of THE FIELD CHURCH
2. Completion of XL Ministries training
3. Any additional training the Elders of THE FIELD CHURCH determine to be beneficial

Section 3. Nomination and Selection

Deacons must meet certain biblical qualifications that are similar to the qualifications for the overseers/elders (1 Tim. 3:8-10,12).

Deacons, like the Elders, must be publicly examined as to their qualifications and fitness for office prior to entrance into the office (1 Tim. 3:10).

This public examination process will occur once the Nominee (Deacon under consideration) has completed the training assigned under Article VII Section 2 of this document.

This public examination process shall consist of, if the qualifications are met and the training is completed, satisfactory to the Elders, his/her presentation to the congregation in a member meeting, and a period of two weeks will be allowed for the congregation to bring forth objections to the installment of the man/woman. Any objections will be assessed by the Elders, who will determine whether the installment needs to be further evaluated, canceled, or can proceed.

Section 4. Removal of Deacons

Removal of a deacon may occur according to the following processes, depending on the reason for the removal.

1. Disqualification: If the removal is due to sin, the deacon will be removed from his/her position due to the fact that he/she no longer meets the qualifications for a Deacon as described in Article VII Section 3 in this document. At the same time the process of church discipline will be followed as is outlined in the “Church Discipline” Distinctive under “The Process of Discipline.” 
2. Failure in ability: If the removal is due to a less than adequate ability to perform in the ways necessary for the role, as described in Article VII Section 1 in this document, the Elders may remove a deacon through unanimous agreement among all the Elders serving at the time of consideration.
3. Church needs: If the removal is due to the Elders deciding to move in a direction as a church which no longer requires the services of that deacon, the Elders may remove a deacon through unanimous agreement among all the Elders serving at the time of consideration.

Section 5. Meetings

As is necessary for the scriptural and lawful functioning of THE FIELD CHURCH, the Deacons of said church will be requested to attend Regular Elder Meetings for all necessary purposes as they may arise.

Deacons may also call and hold meetings, without Elder attendance, as may become necessary to do so.  These meetings may include any and all individuals of THE FIELD CHURCH membership as is deemed necessary by Deacons.

Section 6. Notice of Deacon Meetings

Notice of Deacon Meetings shall be given in a timely and reasonable fashion by text message and email, within the first week of each month during the calendar year, for the purposes of gathering the Deacons together as is necessary.

Section 7. Quorum for Deacon Meetings

Fifty percent of the Deacons must be present to constitute a quorum at any Deacon meeting.

Section 8. Voting for Deacon Meetings

Unless otherwise provided in these Bylaws, the act of a majority of the Deacons constitutes an act of the Board of Deacons. Any decisions made by the Board of Deacons is subject to the authority of the Board of Elders.

Article VIII. Church Staff and Volunteers

Section 1. Qualifications

As God’s servants and stewards, staff members and volunteers shall be persons who:

• Meet the qualifications as given in Scripture (1 Tim. 3:1-15; 5:19-25; 2 Tim. 2:24-25; Titus 1:5-9; Acts 6:3-6); 
• Staff must unreservedly agreement to our Statement of Faith, Doctrinal Distinctives, and Constitution of THE FIELD CHURCH
• soundness in the faith and whose ability to serve has been examined and approved by the membership of THE FIELD CHURCH.

Section 2. Selection

Potential Staff Members shall submit a resume to the Executive Pastor’s office for review by said Pastor.  The Executive Pastor shall then bring qualified applicants’ resumes to the next scheduled Elder Meeting in order to be considered for employment by the Elder Board.  Upon approval from the Elder Board, said applicant shall be notified by either phone call or email as to their start date.

Opportunities for service shall be provided through announcements from the pulpit, through Membership email, or other necessary avenues throughout each year as the need arises. Volunteers for any and all ministries conducted within THE FIELD CHURCH shall be approved by the individual ministry Deacon and/or Elder who is conducting oversight of said ministry. 

Section 3. Removal

Removal of Staff and Volunteers shall be for any reason stated in Article III Sections 4 and 5 or any reason stated in our Doctrinal Distinctives on “Church Membership” and “Church Discipline”. 

Removal of Staff may occur for repeated violations of “TFC Workplace Policies” or for lack of performance of duty.

Removal shall be communicated by Elder in direct oversight over the particular ministry of Staff or Volunteer.

Article IX. Volunteer Ministries

Section 1. Purpose

Members of THE FIELD CHURCH are encouraged to pursue the calling of God to serve one another, to mutually edify one another, and to evangelize the lost through the appropriate means as stated in Scripture, in accordance with said church’s Doctrinal Distinctives, “Church Membership”, and doctrinal statement under “Church”.

Section 2. Process of Volunteer Ministry Creation

Members of THE FIELD CHURCH, who are not currently under the process of church discipline, who desire to create a volunteer ministry must create a proposal document that:

• clearly articulates the purpose of desired ministry
• provides clear plan of action for said ministry, including but not limited to: when said ministry will meet, what said ministry will do when meeting, how said ministry will accomplish stated purpose 
• how said ministry’s purpose aligns with the express purposes of Holy Scripture as well as the statement of faith and doctrinal distinctives of THE FIELD CHURCH.
• expresses the understanding that any ministries created underneath the oversight of THE FIELD CHURCH must be composed of only Members of said church and also conform to the statement of faith, the doctrinal distinctives, the Constitution and Bylaws of said church
• provides an annual budget for said ministry if any resources of THE FIELD CHURCH will be used in accomplishing said ministries express purpose
• provides clear plan for replacing the resources of THE FIELD CHURCH that are used in accomplishing the express purpose of said ministry
• provides explanation on how any special certifications necessary to accomplish express purpose of said ministry will be obtained and maintained

This proposal document must be submitted to the office of Executive Pastor via email and/or written format within (60) days of any planned action of said ministry and is subject to approval by the Elders of THE FIELD CHURCH before said ministry can begin operations with the support of said church.

Article X. Indemnification

THE FIELD CHURCH will indemnify and hold harmless any and all officers, directors, Elders, Ministers, Pastors, and business administrators for any expenses actually and necessarily incurred in connection with any action, suit or proceeding against said officers, directors, Elders, Ministers, Pastors, and business administrators. This indemnification shall include costs for attorney fees. The indemnification shall occur as the expenses are incurred and in advance of the final disposition of the action, suit, or proceeding, on receipt of the officers, directors, Elders, Ministers, Pastors, or business administrators’ promise: (1) to repay the amount advanced it if proved by clear and convincing evidence in court that the officers’, directors’, Elders’, Ministers’, Pastors’, and business administrators’ conduct involved a deliberate intent to injure the corporation’s best interests, (2) to reasonably cooperate with the corporation in connection with the action, suit or proceeding.

This indemnification shall be available to any officer, director, Elder, Minister, Pastor, and/or business administrator which is made or thereafter to be made a part to any action, suit or proceeding because of the person’s relationship with the corporation. Persons who are officers, directors, Elders, Ministers, Pastors, and/or business administrators at the time of being made a party, or threatened with being made a party to any action, suit or proceeding, or were officers, directors, Elders, Ministers, Pastors, and/or business administrators shall be allowed indemnification. Indemnification will also be available in criminal actions only if it is found that the officer, director, Elder, Minister, Pastor, or business administrator had no reasonable cause to believe that the subject acts were unlawful.

Article XI. Property, Assets, and Dissolution

THE FIELD CHURCH shall have the power to receive, either by gift or purchase, and so hold such real, personal, or mixed property as is authorized by the laws of the State of Louisiana and is deemed necessary for the functioning of THE FIELD CHURCH, and shall have the power to dispose of such property by mortgage, bill of sale, deed, or otherwise. All property shall be held in the name of said church.

In case of division of THE FIELD CHURCH caused by conflict (from which we pray God by His mercy to preserve us), all property and assets of THE FIELD CHURCH shall belong to those who abide by its Constitution.

In case of dissolution of the church organization, the property and all assets shall be sold, either through private or public sale. From the proceeds, firstly all current and long term obligations of the church shall be paid. Secondly, all remaining funds shall be directed to such one or more Christian organizations qualified under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, for the benefit of the church’s supported missionaries and/or such other Christian endeavors as the congregation shall determine. THE FIELD CHURCH shall be considered dissolved if so decided by the Elders, or when THE FIELD CHURCH has not held an quarterly meeting for three years, or when less than six church members remain.

Any Sale or other disposition of THE FIELD CHURCH’S main property located at 2480 HWY 190 Mandeville, LA 70448, shall be approved by unanimous vote of a quorum of the Elders.

Article XII. Conflict of Interest

It is the policy of THE FIELD CHURCH that every Elder, Deacon, Director, Employee, Volunteer, or Member shall abstain from involvement, whether by voting or otherwise participating in the decision-making process, in those situations where they have or may have a conflict of interest.

A conflict of interest exists where:

• The person(s) has a substantive interest, whether direct or indirect, in the matter at hand
• or the other party(ies) involved;
• The person(s) is either a Elder, Deacon, Director, Employee, Volunteer, or Member of the other party(ies) involved, or
• The person(s)’s spouse, children, parent or siblings are in substantive relationships with the other party(ies) involved.

In those situations where a conflict of interest does exist or has the potential to exist, any Elder, Deacon, Director, Employee, Volunteer, or Member aware of such shall notify the Board of Elders.

Elders, Deacons, Directors, Employees, Volunteers, or Members are encouraged to participate actively in community and professional activities. Because Elders, Deacons, Directors, Employees, Volunteers, or Members may not always be fully aware of all interagency involvement(s), they should inform the Board of Elders of any intentions to participate in any activity that could potentially give rise to a conflict of interest.

Article XIII. Legal

If any portion of these Bylaws shall be held to be invalid or inoperative, then, so far as is reasonable and possible, the remainder of these Bylaws shall be considered valid and operative, and effect shall be given to the intent manifested by the portion held invalid or inoperative.

These Bylaws and other documents referred to herein shall be construed and enforced in accordance with, and governed by, the laws of Louisiana.

No part of the assets or net earnings of the church shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributed to any member, director, or officer of the church, or any private individual, except that reasonable compensation may be paid for services rendered to or for the church affecting one or more of its purposes and benefits may be conferred that are in conformity with said purposes. No member, director, or officer of the church, or any private individual shall be entitled to share in the distribution of the church assets on dissolution of the church.

No substantial part of the activities of the church shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation.

Article XIV. Amendments

The Constitution, Articles of Incorporation, and Bylaws of THE FIELD CHURCH may be amended at any Elder meeting by a unanimous agreement among all the Elders serving at the time of consideration provided that both the text of such an amendment and the basis for its consideration has been communicated to all Church Members at least (30) days in advance of any said amendment through either Member text message or Member email.

If necessary, Church Members, who are not currently under church discipline, may have any and all objections to said amendment heard by the Elder board within the (30) day period.

Members must state in written form the biblical grounds for their objections with supporting verses from Scripture and turn in said objection to the Office of Executive Pastor.

Article XV. Confidentiality of Church Records

No member shall have the right to inspect the church records as to (i) the disciplining of any member, (ii) the hiring or firing of any employee, (iii) the need or problems of any member or employee, (iv) the financial contributions of any member, or (v) any other records which the Board of Elders may determine to be in the best interests of THE FIELD CHURCH to keep confidential.