Constitution and By Laws — Radisson Evangelical Free Church

Click Here For Printable Constitution and By Laws (google doc)

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

OF THE RADISSON EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH RADISSON, WISCONSIN

March 2018

PREAMBLE

We, the members of the Radisson Evangelical Free Church, in order to carry out more efficiently the commission given by Jesus Christ to His Church, do ordain and establish the following Constitution to which we voluntarily submit ourselves.

ARTICLE I - NAME

The name of the organization shall be the Radisson Evangelical Free Church.

ARTICLE II - AUTHORITY AND AFFILIATION

Authority: the membership of Radisson Evangelical free Church recognizes Jesus Christ as the head of this church(Ephesians 1:22-23). In accordance with his word we (hereinafter referring to the members of the Radisson Evangelical free Church) recognize our board of elders as the spiritual leaders and governing body of this church (1 Peter 5:1-3, Acts 14:23, Titus 1:4-5).

Affiliation: This church shall be affiliated with the Evangelical Free Churches of America through its Forest Lakes District Conference, and shall unite in all mutual efforts for the furtherance of the Gospel of Christ in the measure that the Radisson Evangelical Free Church itself may officially decide.

ARTICLE III - PURPOSE

The purpose of this church family shall be to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in every way prescribed or approved by the Holy Scriptures, to encourage and facilitate disciples to be true followers of Jesus. and to equip the saints to do the work of ministry.

We purpose to become a disciple-making church for all people and ages (Matthew 28:19). This disciple making is to be realized by focusing on God's purposes for all people (Matthew 6:10) by promoting a Bible-based (I Timothy 3:16), Spirit-empowered faith community (Acts 2:43-47), which intentionally draws people to truth in Jesus for salvation (I Corinthians 9:19), to growth in spiritual maturity (Hebrews 6:1), and to serving Him (Deuteronomy 11:13).

ARTICLE IV - STATEMENT OF FAITH

The Statement of Faith of this organization shall be as follows (modified version of Statement of Faith adopted by the EFCA on June 26, 2008):

God

1. We believe in one God, Creator of all things, holy, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in a loving unity of three equally divine Persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Having limitless knowledge and sovereign power, God has graciously purposed from eternity to redeem a people for Himself and to make all things new for His own glory.

The Bible

2. We believe that God has spoken in the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, through the words of human authors. As the verbally inspired Word of God, the Bible is without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for salvation, and the ultimate authority by which every realm of human knowledge and endeavor should be judged. Therefore, it is to be believed in all that it teaches, obeyed in all that it requires, and trusted in all that it promises.

The Human Condition

3 We believe that God created Adam and Eve in His image, but they sinned when tempted by Satan. In union with Adam, human beings are sinners by nature and by choice, alienated from God, and under His wrath. Only through God's saving work in Jesus Christ can we be rescued, reconciled and renewed.

Jesus Christ

4 We believe that Jesus Christ is God incarnate, fully God and fully man, one Person in two natures. Jesus–Israel's promised Messiah—was conceived through the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, was crucified under Pontius Pilate, arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father as our High Priest and Advocate.

The Work of Christ

5. We believe that the shed blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection provide the only ground for justification and salvation for all who believe, and such as receive Jesus Christ are born of the Holy Spirit, and thus become children of God.

The Holy Spirit

6. We believe that the Holy Spirit, in all that He does, glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ. He convicts the world of its guilt. He regenerates sinners, and in Him they are baptized into union with Christ and adopted as heirs in the family of God. He also indwells, illuminates, guides, equips and empowers believers for Christ-like living and service.

The Church

7. We believe that the true church comprises all who have been justified by God's grace through faith alone in Christ alone. They are united by the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ, of which He is the Head. The true church is manifest in local churches, whose membership should be composed only of believers. The Lord Jesus mandated two ordinances, baptism and the Lord's Supper, which visibly and tangibly express the Gospel. Though they are not the means of salvation, when celebrated by the church in genuine faith, these ordinances confirm and nourish the believer. We further believe that every local church has the right, under Christ, to decide and govern its own affairs.

Christian Living

8. We believe that God's justifying grace must not be separated from His sanctifying power and purpose. God commands us to love Him supremely and others sacrificially, and to live out our faith with care for one another, compassion toward the poor and justice for the oppressed. With God's Word, the Spirit's power, and fervent prayer in Christ's name, we are to combat the spiritual forces of evil. In obedience to Christ's commission, we are to make disciples among all people, always bearing witness to the Gospel in word and deed.

Christ's Return

9. We believe in the personal, bodily and premillennial return of our Lord Jesus Christ. The coming of Christ, at a time known only to God, demands constant expectancy and, as our blessed hope, motivates the believer to godly living, sacrificial service and energetic mission.

Response and Eternal Destiny

10 We believe that God commands everyone everywhere to believe the Gospel by turning to Him in repentance and receiving the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that God will raise the dead bodily and judge the world, assigning the unbeliever to condemnation and eternal conscious punishment and the believer to eternal blessedness and joy with the Lord in the new heaven and the new earth, to the praise of His glorious grace. Amen.

Baptism and the Lord's Supper

11. We believe that two ordinances have been committed to the local church: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Acts 2:38-42).

A. Christian baptism by immersion (Acts 8:36-39) is the solemn and beautiful testimony of a believer showing forth one's faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, and one’s union with Him in death to sin and resurrection to a new life (Rom. 6:1-11). It is also a sign of fellowship and identification with the visible Body of Christ (Acts 2:41-42).

B. We believe that the Lord’s Supper is the commemoration and proclamation of His death until He comes, and should be always preceded by solemn self-examination (1 Cor. 11:28-32). We also teach that, whereas the elements of Communion are only representative of the flesh and blood of Christ, participation in the Lord’s Supper is nevertheless an actual communion with the risen Christ, who indwells every believer, and so is present, fellowshipping with His people (1 Cor. 10:16).

ARTICLE V - OTHER MATTERS OF FAITH

1. 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 Radisson Evangelical Free Church’s faith, doctrine, policy, and discipline, our Board of Elders is our final interpretive authority on the Bible's meaning and application.

2. Statement on Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality - We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God and, as such, one's biological sex is not to be rejected (Gen. 2. 26-27). We believe that the term "marriage" has only one meaning: the uniting of one biological man and one biological woman in a single, exclusive, lifelong union that is generative in nature, as delineated in Scripture (Gen. 2: 18-25). We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other (1 Cor. 6:18 and 7:2-5; Heb. 13:4). We believe that any form of sexual immorality (including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, and the use of pornography) is contrary to Biblical teaching (Matt. 15:18-20; 1 Cor.6 9-10). We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who seek His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ (Acts 3:19-21; Rom. 10:9-10; 1 Cor. 6:9-11). We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity (Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6.31).

Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of the Radisson Evangelical Free Church. We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of the Radisson Evangelical Free Church as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a Biblical role model to the Radisson Evangelical Free Church members and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by or who represent the Radisson Evangelical Free Church in any capacity, agree and abide by this Statement on Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality (Matt. 5:16; Phil. 2:14-16; 1 Thess. 5:22).

3. Sanctity of Life - We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in His image (Gen. Chap. I and 2). Human life is of inestimable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception to natural death (Psalm 139). We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life.

ARTICLE VI - MEMBERSHIP

The membership of this church shall be composed of individuals who are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, and who give evidence by their confession and their conduct that they are living in real fellowship with the Lord. The acting church secretary will keep a list of current members and their membership status. A copy will be kept at the church building.

ARTICLE VII - PROPERTY

Section 1. This church shall have the power to receive, either by gift or purchase, and to hold such real, personal, or mixed property as is authorized by the Laws of the State of Wisconsin and as is deemed necessary for the business of the church, and shall have the power to dispose of such property by mortgage, deed, or otherwise. All such property shall be held in the name of the church.

Section 2. In the case of a division of the church (from which we pray God by His mercy to preserve us), the property of the church shall belong to those who abide by its Constitution and By-Laws.

Section 3. In case of dissolution of the church organization, the property shall be assigned to the Forest Lakes District Conference of the Evangelical Free Church of America, to enable said District to renew the work or use the values thereof for further Gospel enterprises. The church shall be considered dissolved if so decided by the organization, or when the church has not held an annual meeting for three years.

Section 4. There is no smoking on church premises. There shall be no animals allowed in the church building, with the exception of disability-assistance animals.

ARTICLE VIII - AMENDMENTS

Amendments to this Constitution may be submitted to the board of elders in writing by any member of this church. These suggested amendments will then be prayerfully considered by the board of elders and, may or may not be put into effect based upon their Scriptural foundation and their benefits to the spiritual growth of Radisson Evangelical Free Church.

BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I - MEMBERSHIP

Section I. Qualifications - Any person who confesses faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who has the assurance of salvation, and whose character, conduct, and reputation is in accord with his confession, who subscribes to the above confession of faith, who accepts the Constitution and By-Laws of this organization, and who is willing to support the church in attendance, prayers, and material means, may become a member of this organization, hereinafter referred to as "the church".

Section 2. Admission, - Admission to membership in the church shall be as follows:

A. Application for membership shall be made to the pastor or any elder of the church. Applicants shall be given a copy of the Constitution and By-Laws of the church and be instructed in a membership class of several sessions in church doctrine and policy by the pastor, any elder, or an appointed spiritual leader In cases of membership transfer, the board of elders shall decide whether or not the applicant must attend the membership class.

B. Following such instruction, applicants shall meet with the board of elders to give personal testimony of their salvation through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and evidence of their understanding of the agreement with the statement of faith and the Constitution and By-Laws of the church.

C. Upon approval of the board of elders, the applicants will be inducted into membership at some subsequent regular worship service of the church by public testimony and stated agreement with the constitution, by-laws, statement of faith and code of conduct.

Section 3. Conduct -

A. Regular attendance at the services of the church, daily reading of the Bible, private and family devotions, personal and public testimony, and the winning of others to Christ are urged upon each member. It shall be the sacred duty of parents to provide Christian instruction for their children. Each member shall consider it his sacred duty and privilege to make full use of his talents for the Lord's service whenever opportunity affords.

B. All members are encouraged to remember each other in prayer, to aid each other in sickness and distress and to be courteous in speech and slow to anger.

C. Each member is urged to pledge himself to a systematic contribution of a portion of his income for the support of the church, according to the principles laid down in I Corinthians 16:2

D. Each member is called upon to heed the admonition of the Lord: "Do not love the world or the things of the world," and "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God." He should be an "example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." I John 2:15, Romans 12:2, 1 Timothy 4:12. He is expected to abstain from any act or practice which may be harmful in its influence or a stumbling block to the weak. Romans 14:13,21.

Section 4. Termination -

A. By Request - Any member who wishes to withdraw from the church shall present such a request in writing to the board of eiders. A letter of release from membership shall be issued by the board of elders and their termination noted at a subsequent worship service.

B. By Removal - Members who no longer communicate with the church nor contribute to its work for a period of one year, after due notification by the board of elders, shall be removed from membership.

C. Excommunication - A member who no longer adheres to the qualifications, which were the basis of his or her acceptance as a member, shall be excommunicated. The board of elders will act only after due notice and hearing, and after faithful efforts have been made to bring such a member to repentance and restoration.

Section 5. Reinstatement -

1. A member who has been excommunicated or removed from membership may be restored to membership on the same conditions on which a new member is accepted.

2. Members in good standing who resign or are removed from membership because of relocation, who subsequently return to the Radisson area, may request to have their membership reinstated. Approval of the board of elders is required. Reinstatement for any other reason shall be on the same condition on which a new member is accepted.

Section 6. Discipline -

A. If any member shall conduct himself in a manner which, in the studied opinion of the board of elders is not in harmony with the scriptural principles and for which he does not show evidence of repentance, he shall be interviewed and counseled by the board of elders after the manner clearly indicated in the Word of God. (Matthew 18:15-16 "If your brother sins against you, go and point out his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won him over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If he still refuses to listen, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector." and Galatians 6:1 "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.". The restoration of the erring member shall be the single purpose, and love the sole motivating force in these interviews.

B. If, however, the member should choose to continue in his unrepentant condition, he shall be deprived of this membership by the board of elders.

Section 7. Property Rights-

A. Any member who has withdrawn or who has been excluded from the church loses all rights of the church.

B. The private property of the individual members of the church shall be exempt from corporate debt.

ARTICLE IL - GOVERNMENT

Section 1. The Pastor and Youth Pastor

A. The Pastor and Youth Pastor, as well as all other leaders of the church, must be of irreproachable Christian character, having a "good report". I Timothy 3:1-13 "Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap. In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.

They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus."

B. The Pastor as an elder shall be able to teach the Word of God, watch over the spiritual welfare of the church, visit the sick, administer the ordinances, and lead the members in practical Christian living. As elder he shall be able to serve as a liaison between the board of elders and deacon committees.

C. The Pastor and/or Youth Pastor shall be chosen by a consensus of the board of elders for an indefinite period of time. The Pastoral relationship may be dissolved either by the board of elders or by the pastor youth pastor upon due notice in writing of such intention; and in either case, with 6 weeks notice, or as agreed upon by the mutual consent of the board of elders and pastor/youth pastor.

D. Discipline shall be considered if the Pastor and/or Youth Pastor teaches or lives contrary to Scripture or does not perform his duties. This discipline is considered only upon the testimony of two or more witnesses to the board of' elders. If said testimony is worthy of consideration, the board of elders shall admonish the Pastor Youth Pastor (1 Timothy 5:19-20).

E. If the offense is of such serious nature where the work of the church would be hindered, the board of elders shall suspend the pastor and/or Youth Pastor from all duties, with proper compensation, as determined by the board of elders

F. The Pastor and/or Youth Pastor of the Radisson Evangelical Free Church is a part-time, salaried position. The house next to the church is available to the Pastor and his family, if desired. If the Pastor and/or Youth Pastor resides a distance from Radisson, gasoline cards may be purchased to offset his travel costs. It is expected that the Pastor will preside over Sunday worship services and mid-week Bible fellowship, as well as have 4 hours/week of church "office hours" (i.e., for counseling, etc.). Three weeks of paid vacation are provided each year. In addition, the church has a Sabbatical Policy after 5 years of service. The Pastor and/or Youth Pastor is provided with Workman's Compensation Insurance, but no other health insurance, life insurance, etc. is included.

Section 2. Spiritual Leadership

The leadership of the church shall include Pastor, Youth Pastor, elder(s), deacons/deaconesses, secretary, financial secretary, treasurer and such other leaders as shall be deemed necessary by the board of elders. Their duties are set forth in the continuation of this section. If the leader is not deemed able or willing to perform his or her duties he or she may at any time be relieved of his or her office by the consensus of the board of elders.

A. Pastor(s) - See Section 1 above.

B. Elder(s) - The elders, appointed by the Pastor (Acts 14:23, Titus 1: 4-5), shall demonstrate and Fulfill the spiritual qualifications of 1 Timothy 3:1-7 (“Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.") and Titus 1:6-9 (" An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children are trustworthy and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer manages God's household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it."). An Elder may be disciplined in the same manner as a pastor (see Article II, section I, D) if he teaches or lives contrary to Scripture or does not perform his duties as laid out in I Timothy 5:19-20 ("Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning."). All elders shall be able to teach the Word of God, watch over the spiritual welfare of the church, and lead the members in practical Christian living Elders shall serve as liaisons between the board of elders and deacon committees.

1. Job Description- the elders shall be shepherds of the flock, exercising oversight, and being examples to the flock. Their duties may include, but not be limited to leading services, teaching, visitation, observing, praying for, and encouraging the spiritual growth and well-being of the congregation, administering the ordinances of the church, attending to matters of church, discipline, communicating the goals and purposes of the church as the Holy Spirit directs, and is the final decision making body of the church.

C. Deacons and Deaconesses - The Deacons/Deaconesses shall be chosen by the congregation and confirmed by the board of elders to serve an indefinite period of time. They shall be men and women of exemplary Christian character, demonstrating and fulfilling the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3:8-13 (*In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus." and Acts 6:2-4 (“So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the Word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word.").

1. Job Description - Deacons/Deaconesses shall serve in one of the following committees of the church: Christian Education, Missions, Fellowship, Properties and Praise & Worship. The deacons/deaconesses in each office shall select for themselves one director who shall lead monthly meetings and communicate their decisions, questions or concerns to an elder liaison.

F. Secretary - The secretary shall be appointed by the board of elders and shall preserve, in a safe place, all church records, and those minutes and decisions as provided by each committee and the board of elders. He or she shall keep a correct register of the membership, showing the date and manner of their admission and dismissal.

G. Financial Secretary - The Financial Secretary is appointed by the board of elders and shall assist the Treasurer as needed and shall be present when offerings are counted.

H. Treasurer - The treasurer shall be appointed by the board of elders, shall receive and disburse church funds, and shall report the financial standing of the church to the board of elders and to the committees as needed.

K. Other Organizations within the Church - No organization shall be formed within, or considered to be part of the church activities before the group has submitted their plans and received the approval of the board or elders. These various organizations shall then confer with the appropriate deacon deaconess committee from time to time regarding their activities, especially all matters of importance which affect the church including raising of funds and financial expenditures.

1. Auditing Committee - A two-person auditing committee shall be appointed annually by the board of elders and shall examine the books, accounts, and receipts associated with all church finances and shall submit a report to the board of elders.

RADISSON EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY POLICY

In Matthew 19:14, Jesus said, "Let the little children come unto me." But Jesus also said, in Matthew 18:6,"... if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.". We therefore recognize the need to have the mind of Christ and His wisdom as we minister to children.

We are committed to: 1) teaching children from the Bible and encouraging them to enter into a personal relationship with Jesus as their Savior and Lord; 2) safeguarding our children from potential physical, sexual, emotional, or spiritual abuse.

It is the policy of the Radisson Evangelical Free Church that workers in our Children's Ministry

programs must:

1) agree with our Constitution and our doctrinal statement (Attachment A);

2) be pre-approved by the Christian Education committee.

3) complete a personal disclosure form and/or submit to a criminal background check (Attachments B, C);

4) avoid potentially compromising situations (e.g., limit physical contact and/or being alone with a child),

5) bring any suspected instance of child abuse to the pastor or board of elders for appropriate action in compliance with the Wisconsin Mandatory Reporting law.

SABBATICAL POLICY RADISSON EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

PURPOSE: This policy provides opportunity for spiritual renewal and refreshment so as to sustain the Quality, multiply the impact, and ensure the longevity of our Pastor(s). It is recommended that after five to seven (5 to 7) years of service the Pastor(s) and his family should take a sabbatical of 40 days as approved by the board of elders of the Church.

Sabbaticals are not part of their vacation, it is a time they can get away from all local church activities to engage in growth spiritually and in knowledge, without the burden of caring for the flock. For this reason, the church will pay up to, but not exceeding $1500 in additional funds to foster growth

ELIGIBILITY: Pastoral staff after five (5) years of continuous service and then every five (5) years thereafter.

DURATION: 40 days. (Variations will be considered by the board of eiders on a case-by-case basis.)

SCHEDULING: Sabbaticals may be scheduled, with the approval of the board of elders, anytime during the year.

COMPENSATION: All compensation and benefits, excepting gas cards, shall continue for the duration of the sabbatical. Compensation will be negotiated if a special case sabbatical is being considered

PROJECT EXPENSES: Each applicant shall identify the non-compensation expenses (conferences, courses, travel, accommodations, research, equipment, material, etc.) of any proposed project; these expenses may be paid for by the Church not to exceed $1500.00.

APPLICATIONS: A) Recommended to be submitted to the board of elders at least three months in advance of the intended sabbatical. B) Will include a detailed plan for the sabbatical: 1) Sufficient information to assure the hoard of elders that the time away contains a balance of rest, spiritual renewal, and time for the family; 2) Focus of study for ministry project, if any (i.e. improving skills, completing a project, education, research, and writing); 3) Possible budget impact of the project expenses above; and 4) Coverage suggestions of staff supervision in ministry responsibilities. C) The board of elders will approve sabbaticals.

RECOGNITION: Appropriate recognition to both the commencement and conclusion of the sabbatical period should be initiated by the board of elders and planned by the Church.

COVERAGE: The board of elders will be responsible to plan the coverage of the Pastor's normal and emergency duties in his absence. The Pastor is relieved from all such duties during the time granted. If the pastor is personally interested in covering a special event during this time, this duty will be negotiated between the pastor and the board of elders

REVIEW: A summary report will be submitted to the board of elders within thirty (30) days following the sabbatical, summarizing the experience and its benefits.

RADISSON EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH FUNERAL POLICY

It is the policy of our Church to offer a ministry of love and hope to all who grieve. We believe the funeral is God's way of bringing comfort to the hearts of those who mourn as Scripture is read and preached, prayer is offered, praises are sung, grief is expressed, and remembrance is cherished.

Upon request and the agreement of the Pastor and the board of elders, our church building is available for memorial or funeral services. As soon as possible, an appointment should be made with the Pastor to discuss the family's wishes, prepare a printed order of service, and provide an estimate of the number of guests. Pastoral grief counseling is a service available to members and non-members alike.

The church building can be made available for set-up of flowers, pictures, the casket or urn, etc. ahead of time by arrangement. The service will normally be conducted by our church Pastor, but other leaders may be granted permission to participate. Musicians and soloists are available through our church, but the family may enlist the services of whomever they desire. With permission, some fraternal or civil rites may be incorporated in the funeral service.

The church kitchen may be used to prepare and serve a luncheon after the service or after the family and friends have returned from the cemetery. If the family wishes, the church women may help with this or the family may provide prepared items to be served, or the family may bring in a caterer.

There is no fee for use of the church building. Payment for those involved in the service (Pastor, musicians, etc.) should be discussed individually. Memorial gifts to the church are welcome and will be acknowledged.

RADISSON EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH MARRIAGE POLICY (2015)

As described in Genesis 1:27-28, we believe that marriage is the original and foundational institution of human society, established by God as a one-flesh, covenant union between a man and a woman that is life-long (until separated by death), exclusive (monogamous and faithful), and generative in nature (designed for bearing and rearing children, and that it is to reflect the relationship between Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:22-23).

Because God has ordained marriage and defined it as the covenant relationship between a man, a woman, and Himself, the Radisson Evangelical Free Church will only recognize marriages between a biological man and a biological woman. Further, the pastor and staff, whether paid or unpaid, of the Radisson Evangelical Free Church shall only participate in weddings and solemnize marriages between one man and one woman. Finally, the facilities and property of the Radisson Evangelical Free Church shall only be used to host weddings between one man and one woman. Our definition of marriage is intimately connected to other foundational matters of our Statement of Faith. Therefore, we regard any restrictions and definitions we apply in our church concerning marriage to be an exercise of the freedom of religion clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

The goal of our church at any marriage is to assist each couple in the establishment of a Christian home. We also desire that in everything we might glorify God and that our weddings might reflect the spiritual values we hold in high esteem. It is important, therefore, that the following guidelines be accepted before the church facilities may be used:

1) The couple agrees to pre-marital counseling sessions with the Pastor. They agree to be honest with God, with themselves, and with the Pastor.

2) According to 2 Corinthians 6:14, both the man and the woman must be Christians.

3) The decision to approve the wedding and reserve use of the facilities (for wedding, rehearsal, etc.) will be made jointly by the Pastor and the board of elders. (Any person who has been divorced or is co-habitating and wishes to be married in the Radisson Evangelical Free Church, must first meet with the Pastor. Upon the Pastor's recommendation that the person can scripturally be married, the marriage request will be taken to the board of elders for final approval)

4) General conduct at the wedding (including music, refreshments, etc.) is encouraged to be of the utmost Christian character, not bringing question to our Christian testimony. There is no smoking on the church premises. No animals are allowed in the church building, with the exception of disability-assistance animals.

5) The wedding party is responsible for printing any wedding programs, setting up and removing all special wedding items, and cleaning and restoring the church to its original condition

6) Any fees to musicians, soloists, photographers, or others involved in the wedding are the responsibility of the wedding couple.

7) Our church facilities may be used for marriages by ministers other than our Pastor if the above guidelines are followed

RADISSON EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH: DISCIPLING AND COUNSELING POLICY

Jesus' Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 commands us to "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you…" In fulfilling this commission with Godly wisdom, it is the policy of the Radisson Evangelical Free Church to require that any mentoring activities, other disciple-making efforts, or counseling sessions (by the Pastor, other leadership, or members) take place: 1) in small groups or at least in the presence of another trusted church member or 2) in a public place clearly visible to others. This policy is established to protect both the Church and those it is reaching out to and to ensure that we bring Glory and Honor to our Lord Jesus Christ. In the Bible, Christ's examples of disciple making and counseling always took place either in groups or in very public places; Christ is our example.

Our insurance company, Church Mutual, makes these specific recommendations (to avoid charges of undue influence or sexual misconduct, etc.) 1) Hold counseling sessions during the day in a formal location, such as the church office, with other staff present. 2) Do not change locations or meet in a private location, such as a household. 3) Minimize the amount of time spent on the telephone. 4) Consider the impact of communication through social media and other electronic devices and be aware of possible assumptions that could be made regarding communication. 5) Above all, listen to one's own internal sense. If a situation starts to feel uncomfortable, it should be stopped before it becomes a problem.

We know that a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus and close relationships among His children are keys to Christian growth. However, the Bible also offers this wisdom:

The Value of Women Mentoring Women. Titus 2:3-5 "Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled."

The Correct View of Authority. 1 Peter 5:1-5 "So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly, not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

The Correct View of Christian Freedom. I Corinthians 10:23-33

"Everything is permissible"--but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"--but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others….So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God-- even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved."