Contents

  • Constitution Preamble
  • Article 1: Name
  • Article 2: Purpose
  • Article 3: Membership
    • 3.1 Requirements
    • 3.2 Process
    • 3.3 Membership Classes
    • 3.4 Membership Expectations
  • Article 4: Ministers, Officers & Staff
    • Section 1: Ministers
      • 4.1.1 Number:
      • 4.1.2 Term:
      • 4.1.3 Eligibility:
      • 4.1.4 Duties:
      • 4.1.5 Vacancies:
    • Section 2: Elected Officers
      • 4.2.1 Number:
      • 4.2.3 Eligibility:
      • 4.2.4 Duties Of Elders:
      • 4.2.5 Duties Of Deacons:
      • 4.2.6 Duties Of Deaconesses:
      • 4.2.7 Duties Of Trustees:
      • 4.2.8 Nominating Committee:
      • 4.2.9 Nomination:
      • 4.2.10 Election:
      • 4.2.11 Vacancies:
    • Section 3: Appointed Officers
      • 4.3.1 Number:
      • 4.3.2 Term:
      • 4.3.3 Eligibility:
      • 4.3.4 Duties Of Bible School Officers:
      • 4.3.5 Duties Of Junior Deacons:
      • 4.3.6 Duties Of Junior Deaconesses:
      • 4.3.7 Duties Of Emeritus Officers:
      • 4.3.8 Selection Of Appointed Officers:
    • Section 4: Church Staff
      • 4.4.1 Number:
      • 4.4.2 Term:
      • 4.4.3 Duties Of Secretary, Organist, Chancel Choir Director and Custodian:
      • 4.4.4 Duties Of Treasurer And Assistant Treasurer:
      • 4.4.5 Duties Of Financial Secretary And Assistant Financial Secretary:
      • 4.4.6 Vacancies:
  • Article 5: Church Board and Officers of the Church Board
    • 5.1 Members:
    • 5.2 Duties:
    • 5.3 Regular Meetings:
    • 5.4 Special Meetings:
    • 5.5 Quorum and Voting:
    • 5.6 Order Of Business:
    • 5.7 Officers:
    • 5.8 Term:
    • 5.9 Duties Of The Chairperson And Vice-chairperson:
    • 5.10 Duties Of The Secretary And Assistant Secretary:
    • 5.11 Vacancies:
  • Article 6: Ministry Teams and Committees
    • 6.1 Ministry teams:
    • 6.2 Number:
    • 6.3 Ministry Team Composition:
    • 6.4 Ministry Team Guidelines:
    • 6.5 Audit Committee Duties :
    • 6.6 Budget Committee Duties:
  • Article 7: Congregational Meetings
    • 7.1 Annual Meeting:
    • 7.2 Special Meetings:
    • 7.3 Quorum And Voting At Congregational Meetings:
  • Article 8: General Provisions
    • 8.1 Parliamentary Authority:

Constitution Preamble

Desiring to uphold, promote, and illuminate the fundamental principles of our faith and to protect equally the rights and privileges of the individual church member as well as the freedom of action of this body, this constitution is established. Having placed our faith solely in the Lord Jesus Christ for our salvation and following the way taught by Him, we therefore organize ourselves together as a body of baptized believers in Jesus Christ, adopting for our government, the following Constitution and Bylaws. We hereby revoke all previous constitutions and bylaws and action contrary to this Constitution as of November 19, 2023.

Article 1: Name

This congregation will be known as the First Church of Christ of Altoona.

Article 2: Purpose

The First Church of Christ is a self-governing, nondenominational New Testament church. Our purpose is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. We exist to help people fall in love with Jesus by our worship, service, fellowship, discipleship, and evangelism and to provide an authentic Christian community where people can experience Christ's love and grace, the power of prayer, and the truth of the Bible.

Article 3: Membership

3.1 Requirements

Persons desiring membership need only to make known that they have or are desirous of fulfilling the following requirements laid down in the New Testament for membership in this church, that is:

  • Faith in Jesus Christ as the Divine Son of God,
  • Repentance of one's sins resulting in a desire to do God's will,
  • Public confession of one's Faith in Jesus as the Christ
  • Baptism (immersion) in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

3.2 Process

An individual who is saved becomes a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13) and is united to Christ and the other members of the body in this way, therefore being qualified to become a member of a local expression of that body.

To become a member of a church an individual must formally commit to an identifiable, local body of followers who have joined together for specific, divinely ordained purposes.

These purposes include:

  • Receiving instruction from God’s Word (1 Tim. 4:13; 2 Tim. 4:2)
  • Serving and edifying one another through the proper use of spiritual gifts (Rom. 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12:4-31; 1 Pet. 4:10-11, 1 Tim. 4:14)
  • Participating in the ordinances of communion and baptism (Luke 22:19; Acts 2:38-42)
  • Proclaiming the gospel to those who are lost (Matt. 28:18-20).
  • Caring for those who are in need. (Act 20:35, Pro 19:17, Mat 25:35-40, Gal 6:2, Deu 15:11, Mat 5:42, Pro 14:31, Luke 6:38, Pro 22:9, Heb 13:16, Luke 12:33-34, 1John 3:17-18, Psalm 82:4)
  • Fellowship with other members (Heb10:24-25, Acts 2:42, 2 Corinthians 6:14-17, 1 John 1:5-7, Phi 1:5, Eph 5:30, Acts 4:32, Rom 12:1)
  • Worship God biblically as He is revealed in Scripture (Heb 12:28, Luke 18:9-14, John 4:24, 1Cor 10:31)
  • Prayer (Mat 6:5-8, Heb 4:16, 1Ths 5:16-18, Phi 4:6-7, 1John 5:14-15, Mat 6:9-13, Mark 11:24)

When one becomes a member of a church, he submits himself to the care and the authority of the biblically qualified elders that God has placed in that assembly.

3.3 Membership Classes

The elders shall establish and maintain a course of instruction that introduces prospective members to the rights and responsibilities associated with belonging to a body of believers and creating a vision of growth in spiritual maturity from salvation through the course of life as a follower of Jesus.

3.4 Membership Expectations

Individuals who become members of First Church of Christ also become members of the local church, the expression of the body of Christ. Individually we can do nothing – but together (as the body), we can change the world.

The expectations of church membership listed below are in no way intended as an addition to the biblical obligations of a believer. Rather, this section serves as an accessible, yet non-exhaustive explanation of what the Scriptures teach about the obedience that faith produces.

Members of First Church are expected to:

  • Submit to the authority of the Scriptures as the final arbiter on all issues (Psalm 119; 2 Tim. 3:14–17; 2 Pet.1:19–21).
  • Pursue the Lord Jesus Christ through regular Bible reading, prayer, fellowship, and practice of spiritual disciplines (Luke 18:1; Acts 17:11; 1 Cor. 9:24–27; Eph. 5:1–21; 1 Thess. 5:12–22).
  • Follow the command and example of Jesus by participating in the ordinances prescribed to His Church:
    • Being baptized after accepting Christ as Savior.
    • Regularly remembering and celebrating the person and work of Christ through communion.
  • Regularly participate in the life of First Church by attending weekly services, engaging in gospel-centered community, and serving those within and outside of this church (Acts 2:42–47; Heb.10:23–25; Titus 3:14).
  • Steward the resources God has given, including time, talents, spiritual gifts, and finances. This includes regular financial giving, service, and participation in community that is sacrificial, cheerful, and voluntary (Matt. 25:14–30; Rom. 12:1–2; 2 Cor. 8–9; 1 Pet. 4:10–11).
  • By God’s grace through the power of the Holy Spirit, walk in holiness in all areas of life as an act of worship to Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 1:13–16, 4:1–3).
  • Take seriously the responsibility of Christian freedom, especially actions or situations that could present a stumbling block to another (1 Cor. 8:1–13).
  • Submit to the elders and other appointed leaders of the church and diligently strive for unity and peace within the church (Eph. 4:1–3; Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet.5:5).
  • Do the following should they leave the church for righteous reasons:
    • Notify the appropriate staff member.
    • Seek another church to carry out my biblical responsibilities as a believer.

Article 4: Ministers, Officers & Staff

Section 1: Ministers

4.1.1 Number:

The number of ministers will be determined by the elders and approved by the church board. The senior minister will have oversight of all other ministers.

4.1.2 Term:

The minister will be selected for an indefinite term, which may be terminated by the minister or 51% of the votes cast at a duly called congregational meeting. The executive committee, in consultation with the elders and treasurer, will set forth a written contract with the minister stipulating duties, salary, vacation, housing, retirement, terms of separation and other items deemed necessary by both parties. Such contract will be reviewed and/or adjusted for the ensuing year by December 31.

4.1.3 Eligibility:

The minister will not be selected without first confirming his faith in the divine inspiration of the Bible; the Deity and supreme authority of Christ; the Virgin Birth; the miracles of the Scriptures; the death, burial and bodily resurrection of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; the necessity for faith in Christ, repentance for sins, confession of Christ and baptism by immersion as requisites for becoming a Christian; and the effectiveness of prayer. He will confirm his faith in the reality of both a future reward in heaven for the obedient and faithful, and a future condemnation in the real hell for the disobedient. He will be committed to the task of bringing about the unity of God's people on the basis of restoring the New Testament church in its ordinances and doctrines.

4.1.4 Duties:

The minister will serve the Lord Jesus Christ and promote the spiritual growth and welfare of His Church. The minister will perform the normal pastoral duties generally pertaining to the ministry and other duties as determined by the elders. As general and spiritual administrator, the senior minister will be ex-officio member of the church board, all organized groups, auxiliaries and ministry teams. A written report will be given at each regular church board meeting.

4.1.5 Vacancies:

A pulpit search committee consisting of two elders, two deacons and two congregational members will be appointed by the chairperson of the church board. After a thorough review of all applicants, the search committee will recommend to the elders the applicant best qualified to minister to this congregation. Upon approval by 75% of the elders, the elders will recommend the applicant to the church board. Upon approval by 75% of those voting at a duly called church board meeting, the church board will recommend the applicant to the congregation. Upon approval by 75% of those voting at a duly called congregational meeting a call will be extended to the minister.

Section 2: Elected Officers

4.2.1 Number:

The number of elders, deacons and deaconesses for the ensuing year will be determined by the elders, based upon the needs of the congregation. Approximately 1/3 of the elders, deacons and deaconesses will be elected annually. There will be five trustees, as stated in the 'Charter of Incorporation'.

4.2.2 Term:

Elders, deacons and deaconesses will normally serve a term of three years or until successors are elected; one and two year terms may be used to balance the number elected annually. Trustees will serve a term of one year or until successors are elected, as stated in the 'Charter of Incorporation'. Terms will begin January 1.

4.2.3 Eligibility:

All nominees will be members of the congregation for a minimum of one year prior to the election, unless waived by the elders. Elected officers will be selected in light of scripture qualifications set forth in I Timothy 3:1-13. Trustees will be at least 25 years of age. Nominees will not serve more than two consecutive terms, unless waived by the elders.

4.2.4 Duties Of Elders:

The elders are the spiritual shepherds of the church and have general supervision of all the interests of the congregation as set forth in Acts 20:28. The elders will serve the Lord Jesus Christ and promote the spiritual growth and welfare of His Church; give oversight to the members with respect to regular attendance at the Lord's Supper; visit the sick; pursue the revitalization of the inactives; be concerned for the morally delinquent and spiritually indifferent; give prayerful attention to policies enabling the church to fulfill its purpose; serve at the Lord's Table; provide counsel and advice in the business affairs and program activities of the church; provide direction to ministry teams and regularly attend elders and church board meetings. They will also perform other duties deemed necessary by the senior minister and/or chairperson of the church board and/or chairperson of the elders. The elders can authorize executive actions for emergency situations without church board approval. It is for the elders to set the example in spiritual attainment, evangelistic fervor, educational development, and the stewardship of time, talents and wealth. The elders will elect their own officers for the ensuing year, after the annual congregational meeting and prior to January 1. A written report will be given at each regular church board meeting.

4.2.5 Duties Of Deacons:

The deacons will cooperate with the elders and ministers in helping the church fulfill its purpose by assisting with all activities of the congregation. The deacons will serve the Lord Jesus Christ and promote the spiritual growth and welfare of His Church; distribute the Lord's Supper; assist in greeting and ushering; receive the offering; assist in special financial and visitation projects; aid in the preparation of baptismal services; provide counsel and advice in the business affairs and program activities of the church by volunteering to serve on ministry teams in accordance with their individual desire and abilities. Additional duties, if deemed necessary, may be assigned by the senior minister and/or the chairperson of the church board and/or the chairperson of the deacons. The deacons will elect their own officers for the ensuing year, after the annual congregational meeting and prior to January 1. A written report will be given at each regular church board meeting.

4.2.6 Duties Of Deaconesses:

The deaconesses will cooperate with the elders and ministers in helping the church fulfill its purpose by assisting with all activities of the congregation. The deaconesses will promote the growth and welfare of the congregation; will be responsible for the preparation and care of the Lord's Supper; minister to families in times of sickness or bereavement; assist in special financial and visitation projects; be generally responsible for hospitality and flowers; aid in the preparation of baptismal services; provide counsel and advice in the business affairs and program activities of the church by volunteering to serve on ministry teams in accordance with their individual desires and abilities. Additional duties, if deemed necessary, may be assigned by the senior minister and/or the chairperson of the church board and/or the chairperson of the deaconesses. The deaconesses will elect their own officers for the ensuing year, after the annual congregational meeting and prior to January 1. A written report will be given at each regular church board meeting.

4.2.7 Duties Of Trustees:

The trustees will act as legal agents of the church in all matters as required by local, state and federal laws; have the custody and control of all tangible property of the congregation; have custody of all deeds, papers and documents and will secure the same in an appropriate and safe place in the name of the church, and separate from their own; take such actions as instructed by duly adopted resolutions of the church board and/or congregation; sign no papers, instruments or documents of any character on behalf of the church without first being duly authorized by the church board and/or congregation; authorize the expenditure of funds for emergency repairs of church property without church board approval. The trustees will elect their own officers for the ensuing year, after the annual congregational meeting and prior to January 1. A written report will be given at each regular church board meeting.

4.2.8 Nominating Committee:

The elders and ministers will comprise the nominating committee with the chairperson of the elders acting as committee chairperson.

4.2.9 Nomination:

Between September 15 and October 15 any church member may submit to the nominating committee, in writing, the names of persons to be considered for office. The nominating committee will prayerfully consider the qualifications of all nominees and verify their desire to serve responsibly. The ballot will be submitted at a closed meeting of the elders during the first week of November and made available to the congregation at least one week prior to the annual congregational meeting.

4.2.10 Election:

Election of officers will be by secret ballot at the annual congregational meeting.

4.2.11 Vacancies:

Vacancies in any elected office will be filled by appointment by the chairperson of the church board, in consultation with the elders and ministers, and with church board approval. The appointee will serve the balance of the original term.

Section 3: Appointed Officers

4.3.1 Number:

Bible school officers will include a superintendent, assistant superintendent, and secretary. The need for additional Bible school officers will be determined by the education ministry team. The number of junior deacons and junior deaconesses will be determined by the elders. Emeritus officers will be selected on an individual basis.

4.3.2 Term:

Bible school officers, junior deacons, and junior deaconesses will serve a term of one year beginning January 1, unless otherwise directed by the chairperson of the church board. Emeritus officers will serve, upon appointment, until called to be with their Lord.

4.3.3 Eligibility:

Bible school officers will be members of the congregation for a minimum of one year prior to the appointment, unless waived by the elders. Junior deacons and junior deaconesses will be members of the congregation for a minimum of one year prior to the appointment and at least 16 years of age.

4.3.4 Duties Of Bible School Officers:

The Bible school superintendents will serve as the team leaders of the education ministry team. They will enlist and provide training for new teachers; provide guidance, direction, and ideas for all teachers and classes. The Bible school secretary will maintain a record of Bible school attendance and offering and post the same at a place provided; assist the Bible school superintendents in the ordering and delivery of study materials.

4.3.5 Duties Of Junior Deacons:

The junior deacons will cooperate with the elders, ministers, and deacons in helping the church fulfill its purpose by assisting the deacons with all of their duties.

4.3.6 Duties Of Junior Deaconesses:

The junior deaconesses will cooperate with the elders, ministers, and deaconesses in helping the church fulfill its purpose by assisting the deaconesses with all of their duties.

4.3.7 Duties Of Emeritus Officers:

The emeritus officers will continue to cooperate with the elders and ministers in helping the church fulfill its purpose.

4.3.8 Selection Of Appointed Officers:

Junior deacons and junior deaconesses will be appointed by the chairperson elect of the church board, with the approval of the elders and ministers, prior to January 1 for the ensuing year. Emeritus officers will be selected by the elders and ministers.

Section 4: Church Staff

4.4.1 Number:

Church staff may include, but not be limited to; secretary, organist, chancel choir director, custodian, treasurer, assistant treasurer, financial secretary, assistant financial secretary, librarian, and other staff as determined by the church board.

4.4.2 Term:

Church staff will serve an indefinite term, which may be terminated by either the individual or the church board. The executive committee, in consultation with the elders and ministers, will set forth written job descriptions stipulating duties of church staff. Church staff may receive remuneration for their services, providing a written contract is set forth by the executive committee, in consultation with the elders, ministers, and treasurer, stipulating duties, salaries, and other items deemed necessary by both parties. Such contracts will be reviewed and/or adjusted for the ensuing year by December 15.

4.4.3 Duties Of Secretary, Organist, Chancel Choir Director and Custodian:

The secretary, organist, chancel choir director, and custodian will be directly responsible to the senior minister and the chairperson of the church board. Duties are as defined in the written job description or contract. The contracts will be reviewed annually by the senior minister, elders, and treasurer.

4.4.4 Duties Of Treasurer And Assistant Treasurer:

The treasurer will disburse all funds of the church according to the authority designated by the church board; serve as a member of the stewardship and finance ministry team; a written report will be given at each regular church board meeting; promptly after the expiration of the church year, a written annual report will be given to the congregation and the financial records submitted to the audit committee. The church board will have the authority to impose upon the treasurer any restrictions deemed necessary. The assistant treasurer will, in the absence of the treasurer, be delegated the same authority and duties.

4.4.5 Duties Of Financial Secretary And Assistant Financial Secretary:

The financial secretary will receive and deposit all funds of the church and maintain individuals' tithe and offering records according to the authority designated by the church board. The church board will have the authority to impose upon the financial secretary any restrictions deemed necessary. The assistant financial secretary will, in the absence of the financial secretary, be delegated the same authority and duties.

4.4.6 Vacancies:

Church staff will be appointed or employed, in consultation with the elders, ministers, and treasurer, and with church board approval.

Article 5: Church Board and Officers of the Church Board

5.1 Members:

The church board will consist of the officers (elders, deacons, deaconesses, and trustees) and will include ministry team leaders and the ministers of the congregation.

5.2 Duties:

The normal business of the congregation will be transacted by the church board on behalf of the congregation. The obligation of church board members includes attending all church board meetings and willingly serving on ministry teams.

5.3 Regular Meetings:

The regular meetings of the church board will be held monthly, beginning in January. The day and hour will be set by the church board. The chairperson of the church board, in consultation with the senior minister and the elders, may cancel a meeting if it is determined that a regular meeting is unnecessary.

5.4 Special Meetings:

Special church board meetings may be called by the chairperson of the church board or by written request of a majority of the church board members, provided a general announcement detailing the date, time, and purpose of the meeting is made to church board members verbally or in print, prior to the special board meeting.

5.5 Quorum and Voting:

In a duly called church board meeting, any number of members will constitute a quorum. A simple majority vote of the quorum will be required to pass any motion, except as noted in Article 4, Section 1. There will be neither proxy nor absentee votes. In order for a board member to vote on any ensuing business, they must have attended the previous board meeting unless the board member has called the church office, in advance of the meeting, to inform the chairperson they cannot attend. A sign-in sheet will be provided prior to each meeting in order to verify attendance.

5.6 Order Of Business:

The suggested agenda for regular church board meetings will be:

  1. Call to order
  2. Scripture
  3. Approval of minutes
  4. Correspondence
  5. Reports
  6. Unfinished business
  7. New business
  8. Adjournment
  9. Prayer

5.7 Officers:

Officers will include chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary, assistant secretary, and will be selected from the elders.

5.8 Term:

Officers will serve a term of one year or until successors are elected. Terms will begin on January 1.

5.9 Duties Of The Chairperson And Vice-chairperson:

The chairperson of the church board will preside at all meetings of the church board and the congregation, maintaining order and directing its business; sign all legal documents authorized by the church board or congregation; be ex-officio member of all organized groups, auxiliaries, and ministry teams; perform such other duties as generally pertain to the chairperson of the board of directors of a corporation unless otherwise stated in this constitution. The vice-chairperson will, in the absence of the chairperson, be delegated the same authority and duties.

5.10 Duties Of The Secretary And Assistant Secretary:

The secretary will keep a complete record of the proceedings of all meetings of the church board and congregation, and issue such correspondence or notices of meetings as directed. The assistant secretary will, in the absence of the secretary, be delegated the same authority and duties.

5.11 Vacancies:

If the office of chairperson of the church board should be vacated, the vice-chairperson will assume the office and appoint a vice-chairperson, in consultation with the elders and ministers. Other vacancies will be filled by appointment by the chairperson of the church board, in consultation with the elders and ministers. The appointee will serve the balance of the original term.

Article 6: Ministry Teams and Committees

6.1 Ministry teams:

Ministry teams will play an active role in meeting the needs of the congregation and the community by providing avenues of service in accordance with the purpose of the church as stated in Article 2.

6.2 Number:

The number of ministry teams will not be limited and will be determined by the needs of the congregation and the community.

6.3 Ministry Team Composition:

Each team should consist of a team leader, who is a member of the church, and a core group of three to five persons. Team leaders will serve as a member of the church board.

6.4 Ministry Team Guidelines:

All ministry teams and team leaders will be approved by the elders. Potential teams must provide the elders with a purpose statement, goals/objectives, and the name of the team leader. All ministry teams are encouraged to submit a monthly written report to the elders and church board.

6.5 Audit Committee Duties:

The audit committee will make a complete and detailed audit of all financial records for the previous year and submit their findings to the church board no later than the second regular church board meeting following the close of the fiscal year.

6.6 Budget Committee Duties:

The budget committee, comprised of members of the finance ministry team, will prepare a budget for the ensuing year and present the same to the elders and church board for review prior to November 1. Upon the church board's recommendation, the proposed budget will be made available to the congregation at least one week prior to the annual congregational meeting.

Article 7: Congregational Meetings

7.1 Annual Meeting:

The annual congregational meeting(s) of the church will be held on the third Sunday in November, immediately following the morning worship service(s). The purpose of said meeting(s) will be the election of church officers, adoption of the proposed budget for the ensuing year, and any other business published in the bulletin and/or newsletter at least one week prior to the annual congregational meeting(s).

7.2 Special Meetings:

Special congregational meetings may be called, by the chairperson of the church board, or by written request of a majority of the church board members or by written request of 25 members of the congregation, provided the date, time, and purpose of said meeting is published in the bulletin and/or newsletter at least one week prior to the special congregational meeting.

7.3 Quorum And Voting At Congregational Meetings:

In a duly called congregational meeting, any number of active members will constitute a quorum. A simple majority vote of the quorum will be required to pass any motion, except as noted in Article 4: Section 1. There will be neither proxy nor absentee votes.

Article 8: General Provisions

8.1 Parliamentary Authority:

Actions of business meetings of this church will adhere to the latest revision of Robert's Rules of Order, allowing such adherence, as modified by this constitution and by-laws, will not become an undue burden to the church.

8.2 Church / Bible school Year:

The business, or fiscal, year of the church will be January 1 through December 31. The Bible school year, as set by the publishers of such materials, will be September 1 through August 31.

8.3 Liability Of Members And/Or Officers:

The personal property of any individual member or officer, or group of members or officers of this congregation, or any organization of the congregation, will not be subject for the payment of any debt incurred by this congregation.

8.4 Acquisition Of Materials, Supplies And Property:

Prior to the purchase of any material or supplies, a requisition will be submitted for approval to either the chairperson of the church board, chairperson of the elders, or the chairperson of the trustees. Authority for the approval of such requisitions will be limited to a normal and reasonable amount as provided for, in principal, in the budget except in the case of extreme emergencies. Request for expenditures above a normal and reasonable amount as provided for, in principal, in the budget will be referred to the stewardship and finance ministry team for approval. The acquisition, disposition, or transfer of any real estate will be brought to the congregation for approval upon the church board's recommendation.

8.5 Investments / Trust Funds:

The chairpersons of the church board, trustees, stewardship & finance ministry team and treasurer will share responsibility for the investment of any and all monies in excess of necessary liquid funds in a manner providing the best possible preservation of principal with a reasonable rate of interest.

8.6 Self-Governing:

This congregation will be self-governed such that no agency or any religious movement or group will at any time have any jurisdiction over any action or holdings of this congregation, nor will it have the right to interfere with the actions of this congregation, regarding the establishment of policies, or anything pertaining to the actions of this congregation.

8.7 Amendments:

This constitution and by-laws may be amended by the adoption of such amendments at a duly called congregational meeting.

This constitution and by-laws, having been adopted at a duly called congregation meeting on November 21, 1999, will become effective on the same, superseding any and all previous constitutions and/or by-laws.

8.31 Dissolution Clause:

If the First Church of Christ of Altoona were ever to cease to exist, and subsequently dissolve its Articles of Incorporation, after paying or making provisions for the payment of all the liabilities of the Church, then the remaining assets of the Church will be disposed of in such a way as to exclusively benefit either other Christian Churches and/or Churches of Christ, recognized as tax-exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS tax code. At no time, would any individuals, officers, employees, members and/or attendees of the Church be able to benefit or profit in any way from said dissolution.

This constitution and by-laws, having been amended at a duly called congregational meeting November 19, 2023, will become effective on the same, superseding any and all constitutions and/or by-laws.