OUR CONSTITUTION
PREAMBLE – We, the Elders of Four Corners Church, establish and approve the following Articles.
The name of this local body of Christ shall be Four Corners Church.
This congregation is organized as a church exclusively for charitable, religious, and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Revenue Law), including, but not limited to, for such purposes, the establishing and maintaining of religious worship, the building of churches, parsonages, schools, chapels, radio stations, television stations, rescue missions, print shops, daycare centers, and camps; the evangelizing of the unsaved by the proclaiming of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ; the educating of believers in a manner consistent with the requirements of Holy Scripture, both in Sunday and weekday schools of Christian education; and the maintaining of missionary activities in the United States and any foreign country.
The “Doctrinal Statement” for Four Corners Church is a summary of what we believe God’s Word teaches. All statements of faith and confessions are subordinate to Scripture and amendable.
SECTION 1 DOCTRINAL STATEMENT
ONE TRIUNE GOD – There is one God who is the Maker, Preserver and Ruler of all things. He is infinite and perfect, and to him all creatures owe the highest love, gratitude, reverence and obedience. He is the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. God is revealed to us in the Bible as eternally existing in three equally divine persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. He is one triune God. Each person of the Trinity has distinct personal attributes, though there is no division of nature, essence or being among them (Deuteronomy 6:4-5; 1 Timothy 1:17; Acts 3:13; Genesis 1:26; Matthew 3:16-17; 28:19; John 15:26; Jude 20-21).
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST – The Son of God, the eternal Word of God through whom all things were created, was sent by God the Father to take upon himself human nature in the person of Jesus Christ. The one person of Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, having two distinct natures, one divine and one human. He is the only Son of God and is the divinely appointed mediator between God and man. He remained sinless, perfectly fulfilled God’s Law and suffered and died by Roman crucifixion for the salvation of sinners. He was buried, rose again on the third day and ascended to his Father, at whose right hand he lives forever to intercede for his people. He is the Savior, Mediator, Prophet, Priest and King. He is the Head of the Church and the sovereign Lord over the universe (John 1:1-3, 14, 18; Hebrews 1:1-3; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:15-20; Matthew 5:17; 1 Timothy 1:15; 2:5; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 Corinthians 15:1-8).
THE HOLY SPIRIT – The Holy Spirit is a divine person, being coequal and consubstantial with the Father and the Son. He is referred to in the Bible as the Spirit of God and as the Spirit of Christ. He was sent after Christ’s ascension to bear witness to the glorified Jesus Christ, who was crucified, raised and exalted. The Spirit convicts the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. He is the supernatural agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the body of Christ. He indwells all believers, sealing them unto the day of redemption and continually conforming them to the image of Christ (Genesis 1:2; Romans 8:9; John 3:8; 15:26; 16:8-14; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:13-14).
THE HOLY SCRIPTURES – The Bible, consisting of the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, is the written revelation of God to man. These Holy Scriptures, the Word of God, are inspired by the Holy Spirit and are inerrant and infallible in the original writings. These are the only sufficient, certain and authoritative rule of all saving knowledge, faith and obedience (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; John 10:35; 16:13; Matthew 24:35; 1 Corinthians 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 2:13).
THE FALL OF MAN – God created man in his own image. In his original state man was sinless and enjoyed fellowship with God. However, tempted by Satan, man disobeyed God’s command and fell from his original holiness and righteousness into a state of corruption and enmity with God. Thus, all of the first man’s descendants inherit a corrupt nature wholly opposed to God and his Law. Fallen man is spiritually separated from God and under his just condemnation (Genesis 1:26-27, 31; 2:16-17; 3:6-7; 8:21; Jeremiah 17:9; Ephesians 2:1-3; Romans 3:9-18; 5:12).
ELECTION – Election is God’s sovereign and eternal choice of many persons unto everlasting life. This is not because he sees merit in them, but because of his great mercy in Christ. These persons are predestined, called, justified and glorified (Ephesians 1:4-11; 2 Timothy 2:10; 1 Peter 1:1-2; Romans 8:28-30).
REPENTANCE AND FAITH – Repentance and faith are gifts from God. They are human responses that follow from God’s effective call and regeneration of an individual’s heart. The Holy Spirit convicts people of sin, which results in godly sorrow, hatred of sin and the desire to please God. Saving faith trusts in the revelation of God in Jesus Christ found in the Holy Scriptures, and it is to accept and rest upon Christ’s death and resurrection for justification and eternal life (2 Timothy 2:25; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Corinthians 1:23-24; 1 John 5:1; 2 Corinthians 7:10; Acts 26:20; Romans 10:17; 1 Corinthians 15:1-8; Romans 3:28; John 3:16).
JUSTIFICATION – Justification takes place by faith alone. It is God’s gracious act of declaring righteous those who, on account of the Holy Sprit’s regenerating work, believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. This righteous standing before God is apart from our merit or works. Justification is our sins being placed on Jesus at the cross and his righteousness being imputed to us (Galatians 2:16; Romans 3:20-28; 4:3-8; 8:30, 33; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Colossians 2:14; 1 Peter 2:24).
SANCTIFICATION – Sanctification happens through the work of the indwelling Holy Spirit by the Word of God, and it refers to the continual freeing from sin and setting apart of believers for God’s purposes and glory. Believers are being conformed to the image of Christ and are growing in the fruit of the Spirit, which is a progression in holy character and conduct. Sanctification involves believers actively engaging in an ongoing battle against the sinful desires and works of the flesh, which continues until believers die or Christ returns (John 17:17, 19; Romans 6:1-22; Romans 8:9-13, 29; Ephesians 4:20-24; 2 Peter 1:5-15; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5:16-25; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5; 1 Peter 1:14-16; Philippians 3:20-21).
PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS – Those whom Christ has saved and in whom the Holy Spirit dwells will continue in their sanctification and will never lose their salvation. They will be protected from totally or finally falling away from grace and will inherit eternal life. They are secure in Christ and are kept by the power of God (Romans 5:9-10; 8:30; 1 Corinthians 3:11-15; Ephesians 4:30; Jude 1, 24; John 6:37-40; 10:27-30; Romans 8:1; 1 Peter 1:4-5).
THE CHURCH – The Church is the Bride of Christ and the Lord Jesus is the Head of the Church. The Church is one united spiritual body that is composed of all his true disciples who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Each member should associate with a local church in the faith and fellowship of the gospel. The leadership, gifts, order, discipline and worship of the church are appointed through Christ’s sovereignty as found in the Holy Scriptures. The biblically designated officers of each church are Elders and Deacons who meet the qualifications laid out in Scripture. Deacons are responsible for serving in the practical affairs of the church and Elders are responsible for overseeing and shepherding the flock (Ephesians 1:22; Colossians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Hebrews 10:25; Acts 14:23; Ephesians 4:7-13; Matthew 18:15-20; 28:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Colossians 3:16; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; 1 Peter 5:1-5).
BAPTISM – Baptism is a command of the Lord Jesus Christ for every believer. It involves immersion in water in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. It signifies a believer’s union with Christ’s death, burial and resurrection, cleansing from sin, and identification with Christ’s body, the Church. Baptism displays the truth that a believer has died to sin and been raised to a new life in Christ, and it declares faith in the future resurrection of the dead (Matthew 3:16; 28:19-20; Acts 8:36-39; Colossians 2:12; Acts 22:16; Ephesians 4:4-6; Romans 6:1-11).
THE LORD’S SUPPER – The Lord’s Supper is an ordinance of Jesus Christ to be administered by the church with bread and the fruit of the vine, in which believers spiritually partake of Christ’s body and blood and grow in grace. The eating of bread and drinking of the cup commemorates and proclaims Christ’s death and the new covenant in his blood. Believers partake of the Lord’s Supper in grateful remembrance of Christ’s atoning death, in communion with Christ and with one another, and in a reverent manner of self-examination that is characterized by faith and repentance. Those who participate in an unworthy manner eat and drink judgment on themselves. The Lord’s Supper anticipates the time when we will eat and drink with Christ in his Father’s kingdom after his return (Matthew 26:26-30; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 11:23-29; Acts 2:42; 20:7).
THE JUDGEMENT AND EVERLASTING LIFE – In God’s appointed time and manner he will righteously judge the world by Jesus Christ, who will personally, bodily and visibly return to the earth in glory. All those who have died will be raised. The unrighteous will receive everlasting punishment in hell, away from the presence of God. The righteous will be granted everlasting life in glorified resurrection bodies and will enjoy the presence of God forever in the new heaven and the new earth (Matthew 25:31; Acts 1:11; 17:31; Daniel 12:2; John 5:28-29; Revelation 20:13-15; Matthew 7:22-23; 1 Corinthians 15:35-58; 2 Corinthians 4:14; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 21:1-4).
SECTION 2 CHURCH POSITION(S)
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. Rejection of one’s gender is a rejection of the image of God within that person.
We believe that the term “marriage” has only one meaning and that is marriage sanctioned by God which joins one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture. We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to only occur between a man and a woman who are married to each other. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:23-24).
We believe that any form of sexual immorality (including adultery, fornication, homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pornography, and attempting to change one’s biological sex or otherwise acting upon any disagreement with one’s biological sex) is sinful and offensive to God (Acts 15:20; 1 Thessalonians 4:3).
We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of the church as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical role model to the church members and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by the church in any capacity, or who serve as volunteers, should abide by and agree to this Statement on Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality and conduct themselves accordingly.
We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. 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 church.
The government of this church shall be under the headship of Jesus Christ and in obedience to the Word of God (Colossians 1:17-18). Under Christ’s leadership, Four Corners Church shall be ruled by Elders in accordance with this Constitution, fulfilling the Biblical responsibilities defined in the supporting documents regarding Elders. Likewise, Deacons will administer the affairs of this church, under the oversight of the Elders, in accordance with this Constitution, fulfilling the Biblical responsibilities defined in the supporting document regarding Deacons (See the supporting documents regarding Officer Selection & Responsibilities). An Elder Board will be established with three or more qualified Elders.
SECTION 1 ELDERS
Elders shall be men called of God who are qualified according to 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9, and 1 Peter 5:2-3, and who are members of Four Corners Church, having accepted the Constitution, By-laws, Doctrinal Statement, Vision Statement, supporting documents, appendices, and distributed content representing church beliefs. Unless providentially hindered, there shall be no less than three Elders at any given time, and up to as many as the Lord calls to the shepherding role. The service and tenure of an individual Elder will be at the discretion of the Elder board (See the supporting documents regarding Officer Selection & Responsibilities).
SECTION 2 DEACONS
Deacons shall be men called of God who are qualified according to 1 Timothy 3:8-13 and are members of Four Corners Church, having accepted the Constitution, By-laws, Doctrinal Statement, Vision Statement, supporting documents, appendices, and distributed content representing church beliefs. Unless providentially hindered, there shall be no fewer than two Deacons at any given time, and as many as the Lord calls to this ministering role. Each Deacon will serve as long as he remains Biblically qualified, available, and desires to continue to serve (See the supporting documents regarding Officer Selection & Responsibilities).
SECTION 3 OTHER LEADERSHIP
All positions of leadership associated with Four Corners Church shall be filled with members. This includes all teaching positions, the leading of worship services, and leadership positions for all other recognized ministry areas. All teaching and preaching from these leaders is expected to be consistent with the Doctrinal Statement of Four Corners Church. The Elders may invite individuals outside of Four Corners to function in one or more of these capacities periodically.
Four Corners Church shall not be subordinated to any other organization. Four Corners Church may cooperate with other organizations of like mind and purpose, and may even affiliate with the same as long as the right of withdrawal is reserved. However, neither Four Corners Church authority nor property shall be subordinate to any other organization (See documents on current affiliations if applicable).
The membership process allows a means of maintaining the identity and unity of Four Corners Church and ensuring the administration of pastoral care. Four Corners Church receives as members those who evidence faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and have completed all membership requirements established by the Elder Board. Members are expected not to undermine the doctrine and practice reflected in the Constitution, By-laws, Doctrinal Statement, Vision Statement, supporting documents, appendices, and distributed content representing church beliefs (See the supporting documents regarding Shepherding Guidelines).
The purpose of church discipline is to uphold the integrity and honor of Christ by maintaining the purity of the local church and her worship (Matthew 18:15-18; Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 5:6-8; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15; Titus 1:13, 2:15, 3:10). Four Corners Church shall practice church discipline as necessary in an effort to restore offenders and deter others from sin (1 Corinthians 5:5; Galatians 6:1; 1 Timothy 5:20) (See additional discussion in By-Laws, Article III).
In the event of the dissolution of Four Corners Church by the Elder Board, no member, officer of the church, or private individual shall be entitled to share in the distribution of any assets. Upon dissolution, assets of the church shall first be used to pay any outstanding debts. Remaining assets will be distributed to organizations which are organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, or religious purposes, as at the time shall qualify as an exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code (or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue Law). Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas, as said Court shall determine, to organizations which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes. The selection of recipients, as well as the timing of the actual transfers, shall be determined by vote of the Elder Board with consideration given to recommendations made by the others.
Final approval of amendments made to this Constitution, By-laws, Doctrinal Statement, Vision Statement, supporting documents, appendices, and distributed content representing church beliefs and function shall be made by the Elder Board. The Elder Board may solicit comments and recommendations from the membership of Four Corners Church on proposed amendments to referenced documents. All additional church documents approved by the Elder Board shall be in agreement with and subordinate to this Constitution and By-Laws.
(End of document)
OUR BY-LAWS
SECTION 1 QUALIFICATIONS
Any person desiring to become a member of Four Corners Church may indicate that desire to an Elder at any time. Upon a profession of faith, completion of a membership course, and a signing of the membership covenant, the person will be considered a member of Four Corners Church. Consistent with their walk of faith and commitment to this local body of Christ, all members are expected to exhibit the following:
a. A willingness to submit to the authority of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
b. A desire to share in the ministry of this local church family by using the spiritual gift(s) God has given (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)
c. A willingness to submit to the leadership and authority of the Elders of this local body as they submit to God and the authority of Scripture (Hebrews 13:17)
d. Regular attendance at the worship services of Four Corners Church unless providentially hindered (Hebrews 10:24-25)
e. A familiarity with the contents of Four Corners Church Doctrinal Statement, Constitution, and By-Laws and not to promote doctrine or practice contrary to them.
SECTION 2 TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
Members may be removed from membership at their own request by informing the Elder Board of their intention to withdraw and the reasons for their withdrawal. If a member requests to withdraw because of specific problems or disappointments with the church, the Elder Board shall attempt to resolve those matters so that the member may remain in the church and enjoy greater fruitfulness and personal spiritual growth. If the Elder Board is unable to resolve those matters, it shall offer to assist the member in locating a church of like faith and practice that can respond more effectively to his/her gifts and needs. If it appears to the Elder Board that a member has requested removal merely to avoid church discipline, that request shall not be granted until the disciplinary process has been properly concluded (see Matthew 18:12-20; By-Laws Article III). Members may also be removed from membership by the Elder Board when they persistently, over an extended period of time, and without adequate reason, absent themselves from the stated services of the church; unite with another church; or are removed from the community for persistent impenitence (See the supporting documents regarding Shepherding Guidelines).
SECTION 3 PRIVILEGES
Each member shall have the privilege of pastoral oversight. Only members may be Elders, Deacons, teachers, or serve in any ministry leadership position. Pastoral involvement and church ministries including weddings, funerals, counseling, use of equipment and facilities, and financial aid are privileges reserved for members. Exceptions must be approved by the Elder Board. Membership in this church does not afford the members with any property, contractual, or civil rights based on principles of democratic government. Although the general public is invited to all of the church’s worship services, the church property remains private property. An Elder (or in his absence, an individual designated by the Elder Board) has the authority to suspend or revoke the right of any person, including a member, to enter or remain on church property. If after being notified of such a suspension or revocation, the person enters or remains on church property, the person may, in the discretion of an Elder (or in his absence, an individual designated by the Elder Board), be treated as a trespasser. A member can expect open and transparent communications from Four Corners leadership including applicable financial documentation in regards to church budget and financial standing.
Unless otherwise determined by the Elders, Four Corners Church will gather/meet each Sunday for public worship service. Throughout the week there may be smaller group meetings for specific purposes such as: Gospel Community Groups, discipling, service events, youth activities, etc. There may be periodic membership meetings held by the Elder Board for the conduct of business associated with Four Corners. Unless there are special circumstances that require otherwise, the Elder Board will make information of the time and place public at least one week before the meeting. These meetings shall be conducted and monitored by an Elder or Deacon. Other meetings may be called by the Elders with limited attendance to address issues not appropriate for public exposure, extended times of prayer, and mutual shepherding.
Application of church discipline shall be consistent with the Biblical approach outlined in Matthew 18:15-18. As such, it is to be exercised against offenders who profess to be Christians. The Elders oversee the disciplinary process described below (See the supporting documents regarding Shepherding Guidelines).
SECTION 1 OFFENSES ADDRESSED
Church discipline is exercised in response to unrepentance in a professing Christian. The presence of unrepentance is more significant than the commission of any specific sin. However, for reference, general categories of offenses in Scripture that may result in church discipline include but are not limited to:
a. Divisiveness (Titus 3:9-11; Romans 16:17-18; Hebrews 13:17)
b. Scandalous immorality (1 Corinthians 5:9-11; 6:9-10; Exodus 20:12-17)
c. Rejecting the essential doctrines of the Christian faith (1 Timothy 1:19-20; 6:3-5; 2 John 9-11)
SECTION 2 PROCESS OF DISCIPLINE
Discipline in the church takes place regularly and informally as Christians are discipled by one another and conformed into the image of Christ. In this sense, Christians are always under a form of discipline because discipleship is discipline. At times, however, when more formal measures are necessary, we look to Matthew 18:15-20 where Jesus outlines a four-step process of discipline in the church. In accordance with the overall purpose of church discipline, the goal of each step is an individual’s repentance of sin and restoration to the body. However, when it is determined that the offender refuses genuine repentance, the process progresses to the following step. These steps do not identify a rigid process, for each case of discipline will be unique. Rather, these steps outlined by Jesus provide the necessary principles and trajectory for the church to practice appropriate discipline.
Step One: Individual Admonition (Matthew 18:15)
Much individual admonition takes place informally via normal Christian discipleship, as noted above. The majority of church discipline will be resolved in this initial step of individual admonition. Here, an individual believer is to go to a sinning brother privately and confront him in a spirit of humility and gentleness. This confrontation involves clearly exposing his sin so that he is aware of it and calling him to repentance. If the sinning brother repents in response to the private confrontation, that brother is forgiven and restored. Step Two: Admonition by a Few (Matthew 18:16)
If the offender does not respond to individual admonition, the next step is to bring the matter to a small group of believers in order to confront him/her again. The reason for this, Jesus says, is so that “every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses” (v.16). The presence of additional witnesses is a protection for the one being approached and the one who is approaching. Often, elders will become involved in this step. While this step broadens the circle of those who are aware of the discipline, a controlling principle is that the circle should remain as small as possible. Ideally, the added rebuke of the small group of believers will result in the repentance of the offending individual. If so, the individual is forgiven and restored, and the matter is dropped. Step Three: Whole Church Admonition (Matthew 18:17a)
If the offender does not demonstrate genuine repentance after the admonition of a few, Jesus directs the matter to be brought before the church membership. The elders must be involved before proceeding to this step as they will oversee the communication of the situation to the body as a whole. The elders will avoid carrying out the third and fourth steps of church discipline until they are confident that the erring believer has truly sinned, or is continuing to sin, and that he/she has refused to repent when appropriately confronted.
The matter will be brought before the church at a regularly scheduled Member’s Meeting. The individual’s sin and refusal to repent will be made known publicly to the body and the congregation will be instructed to aggressively pursue the sinning individual to plead with him/her to repent. Ideally, the pursuit and pleading of the whole body will draw the individual to repentance. If so, the individual is forgiven and restored, and the congregation will be made aware at a subsequent Member’s Meeting.
Step Four: Removal from the Body (Matthew 18:17b)
If the offender does not demonstrate genuine repentance after the admonition of the whole church, the individual is to be removed from the body, or excommunicated. Given the individual’s embrace of sin and refusal to repent, the church cannot continue to affirm his/her salvation and must remove the individual from the body. Jesus says, “let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector” (v.17b). The term “Gentile” was primarily used of non-Jews who held to their traditional paganism and had no part in the covenant, worship, or social life of the Jews. A “tax collector” was an outcast from the Jews, having become a traitor by choice. Jesus’ direction is not for the church to treat the individual badly. It simply means that when a professing believer refuses to repent, the church is to treat him as if he were outside the fellowship.
This means that the persistently unrepentant individual is to be treated like an unbeliever, not a brother. However, this does not exclude all contact. For example, in most cases he/she would still be welcome to attend worship services. Also, when there is an opportunity to admonish him/her and plead for repentance, the opportunity should be taken. In fact, such opportunities should be sought. But the contact should be for the purpose of admonishment and restoration and no other.
While extreme, this must all be done in humble love and never in a spirit of self-righteous superiority (2 Thess. 3:15). The purpose of excommunication is three-fold. It is to protect the purity of the church (1 Cor. 5:6), warn the assembly of the seriousness of sin (1 Tim. 5:20), and awaken the individual to the seriousness of unrepentance. By persisting in unrepentance, excommunication is the path the individual chooses for him/herself. If the individual is truly a Christian, God will not cast him/her away, but may allow him/her to sink deeper into sin before drawing to repentance.
Ideally, this significant final step of discipline will draw the individual to repentance. If so, the individual will be forgiven and restored to the body, and the congregation will be made aware at a subsequent Member’s Meeting.
On Repentance
Once the elders become involved in a discipline process, they will be responsible to determine an individual’s lack of repentance before progressing to subsequent steps of church discipline. It may require time to discern genuine repentance in an individual, thus the timing of progression through the process is variable. Where repentance is genuine, it should be evident through verbal testimony and external actions that the individual desires to obey God’s Word and forsake his/her sinful habits and patterns. In all steps, upon genuine repentance as determined by the elders, the individual will be forgiven and restored to the body, and the congregation will be made aware at a subsequent Member’s Meeting. Charges Against an Elder
Any charges against an elder must be supported by two or more witnesses (1 Timothy 5:19) as well as provided in writing to a deacon or an elder, who will then take the charge to the elder board. The elder board, excluding the elder in question, will then follow the above discipline process.
The Elder Board will take the responsibility of financial oversight and/or appoint qualified individuals to oversee the finances. (2 Timothy 6:9, 10; 1 Corinthians 16:3, 4) An established Deacon(s) may exercise oversight of all financial matters of the church, under Elder authority. A treasurer position shall be held by and/or assigned by the Elders to account for all Four Corners Church finances. The duties of the Treasurer are to:
a. Ensure that no expenditure exceeds its annual item allocation without Elder Board approval;
b. Minister closely with the Elder Board to ensure timely dispensing of funds when required for various needs of the body;
c. Oversee the maintaining of an accurate accounting of funds received and dispensed by the church;
d. Report the financial position of the church at the annual financial review;
e. Submit a preliminary budget for the next year to the Elder Board and/or Deacon Board;
f. Ensure written financial statements are available to the Elder Board for periodic review;
g. Recommend to the Elder / Deacon Boards policies and practices relating to financial management that are not explicitly covered by this Constitution and By-Laws.
An accountant position(s) shall be assigned to a Deacon(s) or other qualified individual(s) to provide financial protection and advice to the Elders. The duties of the accountant are to:
a. Oversee the counting and depositing of all funds received by the church;
b. Have complete access to the bank accounts, credit card accounts, and financial reports for Elder accountability purposes.
c. Advise the Elder board on proper and legal financial dealings when requested or otherwise.
Detailed descriptions of the procedures to be followed relative to the above responsibilities of treasurer and accountant are contained in the following sections.
SECTION 1 COLLECTIONS
After each gathering in which collections are received, the Treasurer, or his designee, (preferably a Deacon or a designated Bookkeeper) shall count the receipts and record these receipts. The Treasurer is responsible to ensure the deposit of any collections and to keep accurate records of each individual’s or family’s giving, if known.
SECTION 2 PAYMENTS
All payments or reimbursements must be approved by either a delegated Deacon or Elder who is not directly involved with the transaction. Benevolence payments must be approved by the Elder Board or appointed Deacon team prior to actual distribution(s).
SECTION 3 DESIGNATED GIVING
Designated gifts shall be permitted to be contributed only to the fund accounts established by the Treasurer or appointed Deacons and identified in Four Corners Church designated giving categories if such a designated category exists at the time the gift is received. The Treasurer or appointed Deacons have the ability to create designated giving categories at the request of a contributory, in accordance with these bylaws, and by approval from the elder board. Disbursement of funds from fund accounts shall be in accordance with the purpose of the fund account and under the supervision and full control of the Elders or those appointed by the Elders.
SECTION 4 MONTHLY PROCEDURES
A monthly church expense and budget report will be prepared by the Treasurer to be presented to the Elders so that it can be independently reviewed and verified that proper procedures were followed. Each employed staff member of Four Corners Church who requires expense reimbursement will submit an expense reimbursement report for review by the Treasurer. However, confidentiality of individual or family giving will be maintained.
SECTION 5 ANNUAL PROCEDURES
The Treasurer shall compile a new calendar year budget, based upon input from the Elders, the Deacons, and other ministry leaders. It shall be presented first to the Elder Board for approval. The fiscal year of the church shall begin January 1st and end December 31st.
SECTION 6 SALARY COMPENSATION
Salaries to be paid to non-Elder Four Corners Church staff may/shall be recommended by the Treasurer, and be approved by the Elder Board. Salaries to Elders on Four Corners Church Staff shall be recommended and approved by the Elder Board excluding the elder whose salary is being discussed.
POSITIONS OF LEADERSHIP
Elder Board
Lonnie Bell, Jr., Pastor
Trey Russell, Associate Pastor
Daniel Baily
Mark Grasso
Walt Sellers
Ken Speir
Deacons
Pete Benson
Jared Babb
Doug Cogburn
Will Daane
Adam Jarboe
Josh Ryden
Chris Smith
Stan Soulen
Craig Stefan
Josh Tidwell
Church Staff
Lonnie D. Bell, Jr. , Lead Pastor
Trey Russell, Associate Pastor
Allie Grimes, Children’s Ministry Director
Ashley Thompson, Children’s & Student Ministries Admin
Doug Cogburn, Admin Assistant
Jen Wilson, Communications
Official Organization
Four Corners Church, Inc.
1608 US Hwy 29 North, Newnan, GA 30263
501(c)3 as of June 10, 2008
EIN: 26-2577050, DLN: 17053135006029, GA Control #: 08050834 Officers
CEOs: Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.; Robert E Russell III; Ken Speir; Mark Grasso.
CFO: Walt Sellers