EMBRACE June 1 CHRISTIAN CHURCH 2012 Inc
This constitution will preserve the liberties of each individual Association member and the freedom of action of this body in Constitution relation to other Association or churches.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS ...... 2 1. INTERPRETATION ...... 3 1.1 IN THESE RULES— ...... 3 2. NAME ...... 3 3. STANDING ...... 3 4. DECLARATION OF FAITH ...... 3 5. OBJECTIVES ...... 4 6. MISSION STATEMENT ...... 4 7. POWERS OF THE ASSOCIATION ...... 4 8. MEMBERSHIP ...... 5 9 SENIOR PASTOR ...... 6 10 SECRETARY ...... 7 11 TREASURER ...... 7 12 GENERAL FINANCIAL MATTERS ...... 8 13 MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE/OVERSIGHT ...... 9 14 MEETING OF THE OVERSIGHT ...... 11 15 SUB COMMITTEES & OFFICERS...... 13 16 ACTS NOT AFFECTED BY DEFECTS OR DISQUALIFICATIONS ...... 14 17 MEMBERS’S MEETINGS ...... 15 18 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING...... 15 19 MINUTES OF GENERAL MEETINGS ...... 19 20 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ...... 19 21 INSURANCE ...... 19 22 ALTERATION OF RULES ...... 19 23 COMMON SEAL ...... 20 24 DOCUMENTS ...... 20 25 DISTRIBUTION OF SURPLUS ASSETS TO ANOTHER ENTITY...... 20 26 DISPUTES ...... 20
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1. INTERPRETATION
1.1 In these rules—
Act means the Associations Incorporation Act 1981.
present—
At an Oversight meeting, see rule 14; or At a general meeting, see rule 18
1.2 A word or expression that is not defined in these model rules, but is defined in the Act has, if the context permits, the meaning given by the Act.
2. NAME
The name of the incorporated association is Embrace Christian Church. [Known as the Association]
3. STANDING
The Association shall be autonomous and self governing, maintaining the Word of God as the guide in all aspects of the Association life. The Association will be free to connect and cooperate with any other association or church organisation.
4. DECLARATION OF FAITH
The Association believes in and presents the following basic truths: The Holy Scriptures - Their inspiration and infallibility. The Godhead - Comprising Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Lord Jesus Christ - His humanity, deity, virgin birth, sinless life, atoning death for the sins of the world and our justification, ascension to the Father’s right hand and personal return to reign upon the earth at the end of this age. Salvation - By faith in and confession of Jesus Christ as Lord. The Ordinances - Water Baptism, for all believers by immersion, and the Lord’s Supper, celebrated regularly in remembrance of Christ and in accord with His instructions. Marriage between a man and a woman. Divine Healing - Secured for every believer through the atonement of Christ, and deliverance from all bondage to the power of Satan. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit The Gifts of the Holy Spirit - For the equipment of ministry and the edification of the Church; the fruit of the Holy Spirit as the expression of Christian character in believers. The Church Universal - Comprising as "born again" believers of all nations and denominations under the headship of the Lord Jesus Christ. Bible Prophecy - Its fulfilment in world events heralding the climax of this age and the physical return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
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5. OBJECTIVES
1. To establish a fellowship 2. Anyone who has not been attending church for whatever reason. 3. For people to find acceptance, love, forgiveness, and a sanctuary. 4. To worship God in spirit and in truth. 5. To restore people to the joy of their salvation – Psalm 51:12 6. To renew a right spirit within. Psalm 51:10 7. To Release those who are oppressed. Luke 4:18 8. To be a Association body for the advancement of the Christian faith according to the tenets of faith as declared under Section 4 of this document. 9. To propagate the message of the Christian faith through various means as expressed in the Bible in accord with the Great Commission of Christ. (Matthew 28:19, 20; Mark 16:15-18). 10. To establish self-governing local Churches/Associations, according to the New Testament pattern, as the opportunity affords. 11. To disciple believers of all age groups and to encourage training for active ministry at home and abroad. 12. To provide practical benevolent assistance, as far as practically possible, to those in need (particularly those members of the Association) by way of food, clothing, shelter, rehabilitation, temporary accommodation, constructive counsel and anything else that the Association Oversight sees as being in harmony with its responsibilities. 13. To support missionary ministry worldwide. 14. To encourage and maintain an attitude of Christian fellowship toward all believers in Christ irrespective of doctrine or denominational differences. 15. To honour all civil governing authorities according to the scriptures.
6. MISSION STATEMENT ‘He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.’ Psalm 1:3
7. POWERS OF THE ASSOCIATION The Association known as Embrace Christian Church
Has the powers of an individual. May enter into contracts and acquire and dispose of property. Do all other things necessary & convenient to carry out its dealings.
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8. MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open and free to anyone over 18 years of age who has attended for 6 months and who professes faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. 8.1 Register of members
The Oversight must keep a register of members of the Association. The register must include the following particulars for each member— o The full name of the member; o the postal or residential address of the member; o the date of admission as a member; o the date of death or time of resignation of the member; o details about the termination or reinstatement of membership; o Any other particulars the Oversight or the members at a general meeting decide. The register must be open for inspection by members of the Association at all reasonable times. A member must contact the secretary to arrange an inspection of the register. o However, the Oversight may, on the application of a member of the association, withhold information about the member (other than the members full name)
8.2 When membership ends –
1. A member may resign from the Association by giving a written notice of resignation to the secretary. 2. The resignation takes effect at— a. the time the notice is received by the secretary; or b. if a later time is stated in the notice—the later time. 3. The Oversight may terminate a members membership if the member— a. is convicted of an indictable offence; or b. does not comply with any of the provisions of these rules; or c. conducts himself or herself in a way considered to be injurious or prejudicial to the character or interests of the Association 4. Members absenting themselves from the Association service for a period of six consecutive months, when not prevented by sickness, duty or distance, shall be liable to have their names removed from the Register. 8.3 Prohibition on use of information on register of members
1. A member of the Association must not— a. use information obtained from the register of members of the Association to contact, or send material to, another member of the Association for the purpose of advertising for political, religious, charitable or commercial purposes; or b. Disclose information obtained from the register to someone else, knowing that the information is likely to be used to contact, or send material to, another member of the Association for the purpose of advertising for political, religious, charitable or commercial purposes. 2. Subrule does not apply if the use or disclosure of the information is approved by the Association.
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9 SENIOR PASTOR
9.1 Nomination of Senior Pastor Nominations may be made by the retiring Senior Pastor or at least two members of the Oversight
A Nominee will serve a probationary period of a minimum of 12 months and up to two years as ‘Acting Senior Pastor’.
The appointment shall be made by the Oversight of the Association, whom shall seek the approval of the members of the Association in making this appointment.
9.2 Qualifications of a Senior Pastor
To be a member of the Association.
Or; to become a member.
To have had some experience in Association/church leadership.
Is deemed both spiritually and scripturally qualified. (As outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, 1 Peter 5:1-3 and Titus 1:6-9)
The nominee will have attained or be willing to attain qualifications through a recognised bible college.
9.3 Appointment
The appointment shall be made by the Oversight of the Association.
9.4 Functions of a Senior Pastor Is the Leader of the Association giving guidance in the Objects of the Association!
Be overall Spiritual Leader.
Be Chairman of all councils within the Association unless otherwise determined by the Senior Pastor.
Be responsible to ensure the implementation of the decisions of the Oversight.
9.5 Remuneration of the Senior Pastor. The Senior Pastor will qualify for remuneration at the Oversights discretion.
9.6 Dismissal of the Senior Pastor.
Any person holding a position as the Senior Pastor of the Association shall be dismissed immediately from their position, by the agreement of the Oversight, should they be found in gross and continued immorality, continued breach of ministerial ethics or any serious breach of Christian fellowship or scriptural principles.
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10 SECRETARY
10.1 Appointment or election of Secretary The Secretary must be an individual residing in Queensland and.
a. be a member of the Association b. be over the age of 18 c. Nominated by the Senior Pastor or two existing Oversight. d. And elected at the AGM e. The elected secretary automatically becomes a member of the Oversight.
If a vacancy happens in the office of Secretary, the members of the Oversight must ensure a Secretary is appointed or elected for the Association within 1 month after the vacancy happens.
In this rule— casual vacancy, on an Oversight, means a vacancy that happens when an elected member of the Oversight resigns, dies or otherwise stops holding office.
10.2 Functions of Secretary The Secretary’s functions include, but are not limited to—
(a) Calling meetings of the Association, including preparing notices of a meeting and of the business to be conducted at the meeting in consultation with the president of the Association; and
(b) Keeping minutes of each meeting; and
(c) Keeping copies of all correspondence and other documents relating to the Association; and
(d) Maintaining the register of members of the Association.
11 TREASURER
11.1 Appointment or election of Treasurer
The treasurer must be an individual residing in Queensland and.
a. be a member of the Association b. be over the age of 18 c. Nominated by the Senior Pastor or two existing Oversight members d. And elected at the AGM e. The elected Treasurer automatically becomes a member of the Oversight.
If a vacancy happens in the office of Treasurer, the members of the Oversight must ensure a Treasurer is appointed or elected for the association within 1 month after the vacancy happens.
In this rule— casual vacancy, on a Oversight, means a vacancy that happens when an elected member of the Oversight resigns, dies or otherwise stops holding office.
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11.2 Functions of Treasurer
The role of the Treasurer are, but are not limited to—
The Treasurer will have custody of all documents of a financial nature
Oversee that a sound record of all financial records of the Association, Being responsible to ensure the payment of all accounts incurred by the Association. Being responsible for the oversight of the keeping of funds and accounts.
12 GENERAL FINANCIAL MATTERS
On behalf of the Oversight, the Treasurer must, as soon as practicable after the end date of each financial year, ensure a financial statement for its last reportable financial year is prepared.
The income and property of the Association must be used solely in promoting the Association's objects and exercising the Association's powers.
12.1 Financial year
The end date of the Association's financial year is June 30th in each year.
12.2 Keeping of Funds and Accounts
The funds of the Association must be kept in an account in the name of the Association in a financial institution decided by the Oversight.
Records and accounts must be kept in the English language showing full and accurate particulars of the financial affairs of the Association.
All amounts must be deposited in the financial institution account as soon as practicable after receipt.
A payment by the Association of $100 or more must be made by cheque or electronic funds transfer.
If a payment of $200 or more is made by cheque, the cheque must be signed by any 2 of the following—
the Senior Pastor; the Secretary; the Treasurer; Any 1 of 3 other members of the Association who have been authorised by the Oversight to sign cheques issued by the Association. However, 1 of the persons who signs the cheque must be the Senior Pastor, the Secretary or the Treasurer.
Payments, for recurring transactions such as rent, utilities, wages, allowances or petty cash reimbursements can be paid via electronic funds transfers by person or persons decided by the Oversight.
A petty cash account of up to $200.00 can be maintained and overseen by the Treasurer or person nominated by the Oversight . All expenditure must be approved or ratified at an Oversight meeting. Embrace Christian Church Inc Constitution 2012 Page 8
13 MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE/OVERSIGHT
13.1 The Management Committee known as ‘The Oversight’ The Oversight of the association will consist of at least three people including:
The Senior Pastor as position of President The Treasurer, The Secretary Any other members the Association may require and elect at a general meeting, The total number of persons on the Oversight to be no more than 7
13.2 Membership A person may be a candidate only if the person: o Is a member of the Association o Is over the age of 18 o Is nominated by the Senior Pastor or two existing Oversight members o Is deemed both spiritually and scripturally qualified. (as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9) Is not ineligible to be elected as a member under section 61A of the Act.
At each annual general meeting of the Association, the members of the Oversight, must retire from office, but are eligible, on nomination, for re-election, if they so desire.
13.3 Appointment of the Oversight Members
A member must have;
the full approval of the existing Oversight Be elected by the members of the Association at each annual general meeting of the Association. A member of the Association may be appointed to a casual vacancy on the Oversight. o Notwithstanding the provisions of section 13.2. The incorporation may permit the Oversight to fill a casual vacancy on the Oversight. o Casual vacancy, on the Oversight, means a vacancy that happens when an elected member of the Oversight resigns, dies or otherwise stops holding office. The Oversight must ensure that, before a candidate is appointed as a member of the Oversight, the candidate is advised— o Whether or not the Association has public liability insurance; and o if the Association has public liability insurance—the amount of the insurance
13.4 Resignation of an Oversight Member
A member of the Oversight may resign from the committee by giving written notice of resignation to the management committee of the Association.
The resignation takes effect at— The time the notice is received by the Secretary; or If a later time is stated in the notice—the later time, if agreed upon by both parties.
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13.5 Dismissal of Oversight Members
Any person holding a position as an Oversight Member of the Association shall be dismissed immediately from their position, by the agreement of the Oversight, should they be found in gross and continued immorality, continued breach of ministerial ethics or any serious breach of Christian fellowship or scriptural principles.
These persons shall so remain until the Oversight, and where necessary together with the Arbitral Committee, agrees that they are fit to function in a position in the Association again.
Every possible effort, in an attitude of Christian love, shall be made to restore such persons to Christian fellowship.
The member must be given a full and fair opportunity to show cause why he or she should not be removed from office, before a vote of members is taken to remove the member from office.
A member has no right of appeal against the member’s removal from office under this rule.
A member immediately vacates the office of member in the circumstances mentioned in section 64(2) of the Act.
13.6 Vacancies on Oversight
If a casual vacancy happens on the Oversight, the continuing members of the Oversight may appoint another member of the Association to fill the vacancy until the next Annual General Meeting.
The remaining members of the Oversight may continue to act despite a casual vacancy on the Oversight.
However, if the number of committee members is less than the number fixed under rule 14.1 as a quorum of the Oversight, the continuing members may act only to—
Increase the number of Oversight members to the number required for a quorum; or Call a General Meeting of the Association.
In this rule— casual vacancy, on the Oversight, means a vacancy that happens when an appointed member of the Oversight resigns, dies or otherwise stops holding office.
13.7 Functions of Oversight
Subject to these rules or a resolution of the members of the Association carried at a general meeting, the Oversight has the general control and management of the administration of the affairs, property and funds of the Association.
Preserve sound doctrine, teach and minister to the sick.
Establish policy, initiating the Spiritual vision and programme of the Association.
Maintain standards of doctrine and after due process retain the right to terminate the appointment of members of the Oversight and the membership of any member of the Association. See rule 13.5
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Have power to organise and appoint all groups, committees and qualified persons to volunteer positions and employment as required to fulfil the Objects of the Association, with all such groups, committees and qualified persons being under the supervision of the Senior Minister.
The Oversight has authority to interpret the meaning of these rules and any matter relating to the Association on which the rules are silent, but any interpretation must have regard to the Act including any regulation made under the Act.
The Oversight may exercise the powers of the Association—
1. To borrow, raise or secure the payment of amounts in a way the members of the Association decide; and 2. To secure the amounts mentioned in paragraph (1) or the payment or performance of any debt, liability, contract, guarantee or other engagement incurred or to be entered into by the Association in any way, including by the issue of debentures (perpetual or otherwise) charged upon the whole or part of the Associations property, both present and future; and 3. To purchase, redeem or pay off any securities issued; 4. To borrow amounts from members and pay interest on the amounts borrowed; 5. To mortgage or charge the whole or part of its property; 6. To issue debentures and other securities, whether outright or as security for any debt, liability or obligation of the Association; 7. To invest in a way the members of the Association may from time to time decide. 8. For sub-rule (4) the rate of interest must not be more than the current rate being charged for overdrawn accounts on money lent (regardless of the term of the loan) by— a. The financial institution for the Association; or b. If there is more than 1 financial institution for the Association—the financial institution nominated by the Oversight.
14 MEETING OF THE OVERSIGHT
Subject to this rule, the Oversight may meet and conduct its proceedings as it considers appropriate.
The Oversight must meet at least once every 4 months to exercise its functions.
The Oversight must decide how a meeting is to be called.
Notice of a meeting is to be given in the way decided by the Oversight.
The Oversight may hold meetings, or permit an Oversight member to take part in its meetings, by using any technology that reasonably allows the member to hear and take part in discussions as they happen. An Oversight member who participates in the meeting in this manner is taken to be present at the meeting.
A question arising at an Oversight meeting is to be decided by a vote of members of the Oversight present at the meeting and, if the votes are not past with 2/3 majority, the question is decided in the negative.
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A member of the Oversight must not vote on a question about a contract or proposed contract with the Association if the member has an interest in the contract or proposed contract. And, if the member does vote, the members vote must not be counted.
The Senior Minister is to preside as chairperson at an Oversight meeting.
If the Senior Minister is not available, he may appoint a proxy chairman.
If the Senior Minister is not present within 30 minutes after the time fixed for an Oversight meeting, the meeting will be adjourned.
14.1 Quorum for, and adjournment of, Oversight meeting
At an Oversight meeting, more than 50% of the members appointed to the Oversight as at the close of the last meeting of the members form a quorum.
If there is no quorum within 30 minutes after the time fixed for an Oversight meeting called on the request of members of the Oversight, the meeting lapses.
If there is no quorum within 30 minutes after the time fixed for an Oversight meeting called other than on the request of the members of the Oversight —
The meeting is to be adjourned; and the members of the Oversight who are present are to decide the day, time and place of the adjourned meeting.
14.2 Special meeting of the Oversight
If the Secretary receives a written request signed by at least 33% of the members of the Oversight, the Secretary must call a special meeting of the Oversight by giving each member of the Oversight notice of the meeting within 14 days after the Secretary receives the request.
If the Secretary is unable or unwilling to call the special meeting, the Senior Pastor must call the meeting.
A request for a special meeting must state—
why the special meeting is called; and the business to be conducted at the meeting.
A notice of a special meeting must state—
the day, time and place of the meeting; and the business to be conducted at the meeting.
A special meeting of the Oversight must be held within 14 days after notice of the meeting is given to the members of the Oversight.
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14.3 Minutes of Oversight meetings
The Secretary must ensure full and accurate minutes of all questions, matters, resolutions and other proceedings of each Oversight meeting are entered in a minute book.
To ensure the accuracy of the minutes, the minutes of each Oversight meeting must be accepted and seconded as true and correct by two members present at the said meeting and signed by the chairperson of that meeting, or the chairperson of the next Oversight meeting.
14.4 Resolutions of Oversight without meeting
A written resolution signed by each member of the Oversight is as valid and effectual as if it had been passed at a Oversight meeting that was properly called and held. Such a resolution may consist of several documents in like form, each signed by 1 or more members of the Oversight .
15 SUB COMMITTEES & OFFICERS
15.1 Finance Committee
The association may appoint a Finance Committee if and when it deems necessary. The finance committee shall be:
A subcommittee of the Oversight and be responsible for the administration in regard to the management of properties, monies and all secular business of the Association, under the direction of the Oversight.
Members of the finance committee shall be any one whom is a member of the association and appointed by the Oversight. The Treasurer of the Association is automatically on the finance committee.
15.2 Other sub committees
The Oversight may appoint a subcommittee consisting of members of the Association considered appropriate by the Oversight to help with the conduct of the Associations operations.
A member of the subcommittee who is not a member of the Oversight is not entitled to vote at an Oversight meeting.
A subcommittee may elect a chairperson for its meetings. If a chairperson is not elected, or if the chairperson is not present within 10 minutes after the time fixed for a meeting, the members present may choose 1 of their number to be chairperson of the meeting.
A subcommittee may meet and adjourn as it considers appropriate.
A question arising at a subcommittee meeting is to be decided by a 66% vote of the members present at the meeting and, if 66% of votes are not reached, the question is decided in the negative.
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15.3 Officers
The Senior Minister in consultation with the Oversight of the Association may appoint to office any person/s who seems qualified for necessary duties such as that of Department Leaders, Home Group Leaders, etc.
The title and functioning of the various offices may be amended as deemed necessary by the Oversight.
The Oversight has the right to dismiss any employee, officer or agent of the Association for any reason that it thinks fit. However, that person has the right to appeal to the Arbitrary Committee should such an appeal be considered necessary.
The opinion of the Arbitrary Committee shall be final.
Any person holding any position at any level in the Association shall be dismissed immediately from their position should they be found in gross and continued immorality, continued breach of ministerial ethics or any serious breach of Christian fellowship or scriptural principles?
These persons shall so remain until the Oversight (and Arbitrary Committee where necessary) agrees that they are fit to function in a position in the Association again. Every possible effort, in an attitude of Christian love, shall be made to restore such persons to Christian fellowship.
16 ACTS NOT AFFECTED BY DEFECTS OR DISQUALIFICATIONS
i. An act performed by the Oversight, a subcommittee or a person acting as a member of the Oversight is taken to have been validly performed. ii. Sub-rule (1) applies even if the act was performed when— a. There was a defect in the appointment of a member of the Oversight, subcommittee or person acting as a member of the Oversight; or b. An Oversight member, subcommittee member or person acting as a member of the Oversight was disqualified from being a member.
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17 MEMBERS’S MEETINGS
17.1 First Annual General Meeting
The first annual general meeting must be held within 6 months after the end date of the Association's first reportable financial year.
17.2 Subsequent Annual General Meetings
Each subsequent annual general meeting must be held—
At least once each year; and
Within 4 months after the end date of the Association's reportable financial year. See rule 12.1
17.4 Extra Ordinary Meeting.
All General Meetings other than the AGM are called Special General Meetings
The Oversight may call a special meeting of members to discuss a special matter or matters. This meeting will deal only with that business.
18 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.
18.1 Purpose of Annual General Meeting
The Association will hold an Annual General Meeting [AGM] at least once in each calendar year and within four (4) months after the end of its financial year.
At such a meeting:
Audited financial reports including a statement of income and expenditure and an annual balance sheet shall be presented, received and signed for the last financial year. The Senior Minister and other Association leaders shall have opportunity to present reports. Active Members shall have opportunity to discuss the operation of the Association, by submitting at least seven days prior to the meeting, questions in writing to the Oversight. Such questions shall, at the discretion of the Oversight, be placed on the agenda of members' meetings. Appointment of Officers for the Association shall be accepted and confirmed by the Active Members for the ensuing year. If the members do not confirm an appointment, it is invalid. A quorum of Members must be present to go ahead with the meeting. Appointing a registered auditor for the current financial year.
18.2 Notice of general meeting
The Secretary may call a general meeting of the Association, under the instruction of the Oversight.
The Secretary must give at least 21 days notice of the meeting to each member of the Association.
If the Secretary is unable or unwilling to call the meeting, the chairperson must call the meeting.
A notice of a general meeting must state the business to be conducted at the meeting
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Notice and Agenda of General Meetings may be given either electronically, personally or by posting to the mailing address for the Member in the Register of Members.
Members will be given the Agenda and reports [2] two weeks prior to the AGM.
Members who wish to bring business to the AGM should give least [3] three weeks’ notice to the Secretary to allow sufficient time for it to be included in the Agenda.
The Oversight may decide the way in which the notice must be given; however, notice of the following meetings must be given in writing—
A meeting called to hear and decide the appeal of a person against the Oversight's decision on The person's application for membership of the Association; or To terminate the person's membership of the Association; A meeting called to hear and decide a proposed special resolution of the Association.
18.3 Quorum for, and adjournment of, general meeting
The quorum for a general meeting is at least 60% active members whichever is the lesser.
No business may be conducted at a general meeting unless there is a quorum of members when the meeting proceeds to business.
If there is no quorum within 30 minutes after the time fixed for a general meeting called on the request of members of the Oversight or the Association, the meeting lapses.
If there is no quorum within 30 minutes after the time fixed for a general meeting called other than on the request of members of the Oversight or the Association—
The meeting is to be adjourned for at least 7 days; and
The Oversight is to decide the day, time and place of the adjourned meeting.
The chairperson may, with the consent of any meeting at which there is a quorum, and must if directed by the meeting, adjourn the meeting from time to time and from place to place. If a meeting is adjourned under sub-rule (18.3 paragraph 6), only the business left unfinished at the meeting from which the adjournment took place may be conducted at the adjourned meeting.
The Secretary is not required to give the members notice of an adjournment or of the business to be conducted at an adjourned meeting unless a meeting is adjourned for at least 30 days.
If a meeting is adjourned for at least 30 days, notice of the adjourned meeting must be given in the same way notice is given for an original meeting. 18.4 Procedure at general meeting A member may take part and vote in a general meeting in person, by proxy, by attorney or by using any technology that reasonably allows the member to hear and take part in discussions as they happen. A member who participates in such a meeting is taken to be present at the meeting.
The Senior Minister is to preside as chairperson; and
If there is no Senior Minister or if the Senior Minister is not present within 15 minutes after the time fixed for the meeting or is unwilling to act, the members present must elect 1 of their number to be
Embrace Christian Church Inc Constitution 2012 Page 16 chairperson of the meeting; with the consent of the Senior Minister or a member of the Oversight committee The chairperson must conduct the meeting in a proper and orderly way. 18.5 Voting at general meeting
Whilst it is felt consistent with scripture that there should be total unity in the passing of resolutions and in the appointments to office, etc., for the purpose of this document and unless otherwise stated, it shall be deemed sufficient that 60% of the members present and voting at the meeting shall be agreed.
Each member present and eligible to vote is entitled to 1 vote only
The method of voting is to be decided by the Oversight.
However, if at least 20% of the members present demand a secret ballot, voting must be by secret ballot.
If a secret ballot is held, the chairperson must appoint 2 members to conduct the secret ballot in the way the chairperson decides.
The result of a secret ballot as declared by the chairperson is taken to be a resolution of the meeting at which the ballot was held.
18.6 Resolutions
The following business requires a ‘special resolution’ at a General Meeting
Change of name Change of Rules Decision to wind up church services.
Resolutions shall be passed by 60% of the members present
18.7 Special general meeting
The Secretary must call a special general meeting by giving each member of the Association notice of the meeting within 14 days after—
Being directed to call the meeting by the Oversight; or
Being given a written request signed by—At least 33% of the number of members of the Oversight, when the request is signed and no less than two of the Oversight members; or At least 33% of the number of ordinary members of the Association.
Being given a written notice of an intention to appeal against the decision of the Oversight—
To reject an application for membership; or To terminate a person's membership. A request mentioned in sub-rule 16.8.2 must state— Why the special general meeting is being called; and The business to be conducted at the meeting. A special general meeting must be held within 1 month of notice being given. If the Secretary is unable or unwilling to call the special meeting, the Senior Minister must call the meeting.
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18.9 Proxies An instrument appointing a proxy must be in writing and be in the
Following or similar form—
Embrace Christian Church Inc:
I,...... of...... , being a member of the Association, appoint ...... of ...... as my proxy to vote for me on my behalf at the (annual) general meeting of the Association, to be held on the ...... day of...... 20...... and at any adjournment of the meeting.
Signed this ...... day of ...... 20......
Signature......
The instrument appointing a proxy must be signed by the appointor.
A proxy may be a member of the Association or another person.
The instrument appointing a proxy is taken to confer authority to demand or join in demanding a secret ballot.
Each instrument appointing a proxy must be given to the Secretary before the start of the meeting or adjourned meeting at which the person named in the instrument proposes to vote.
Unless otherwise instructed by the appointor, the proxy may vote as the
Proxy considers appropriate.
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19 MINUTES OF GENERAL MEETINGS
The Secretary must ensure full and accurate minutes of all questions, matters, resolutions and other proceedings of each general meeting are entered in a minute book.
To ensure the accuracy of the minutes of each annual or general meeting they must be moved and seconded, by 2 members present at the previous meeting and signed by the chairperson of that meeting, or the chairperson of the current meeting of the Association.
If asked by a member of the Association, the Secretary must, within 14 days after the request is made—
Make the minute book for a particular general meeting available for inspection by the member at a mutually agreed time and place; and give the member copies of the minutes of the meeting.
The Association may require the member to pay the reasonable costs of providing copies of the minutes.
20 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The Oversight may make, amend or repeal policies and procedures, not inconsistent with these rules, for the internal management of the Association.
A policy or procedure may be set aside by a vote of members at a general meeting of the Association.
21 INSURANCE
Insurance [Public Liability or Property] must be sufficient and up to date.
All members informed of coverage and amount [$1,100,000:00 at least]
Insurance requirements reviewed by the Oversight each year and report given at the AGM
22 ALTERATION OF RULES
Subject to the Act, these rules may be amended, repealed or added to by a special resolution carried at a general meeting at which 50% of members are required as a quorum.
However an amendment, repeal or addition is valid only if it is registered by the chief executive of the Department of Fair Trading. Qld.
Embrace Christian Church Inc Constitution 2012 Page 19
23 COMMON SEAL
The Oversight must ensure the Association has a common seal.
The common seal must be—
Kept securely by the chairperson of the Oversight or other designated person; and
Used only under the authority of the Oversight.
Each instrument to which the seal is attached must be signed by a member of the Oversight and countersigned by—
The Secretary; or Another member of the Oversight.
24 DOCUMENTS
The Oversight must ensure the safe custody of books, documents, instruments of title and securities of the Association are kept at a location specified by the Oversight.
25 DISTRIBUTION OF SURPLUS ASSETS TO ANOTHER ENTITY
This rule applies if the Association—
Is wound-up under part 10 of the Act; and
Has a surplus asset. see section 92(3) of the Act.
The surplus assets must not be distributed among the members of the Association.
The surplus assets must be given to any other Association or organisation of similar faith and purposes as this constitution.
No profits shall be distributed to members or Oversight. Except where monies or assets have been loaned by members.
This is in accordance with the Rules of the Act prohibiting distribution of assets and income to members.
26 DISPUTES
Personal disputes between members or members and the Association will be resolved based on the pattern of Matthew 18:15-18 , John 17:20-23 ,1 Corinthians 6:1-8,and Philippians 2:1-8 , this provision limits the resolution of disputes to a Biblically based Christian process and restrict access to litigation in civil courts.
Embrace Christian Church Inc Constitution 2012 Page 20