Crossroads Bylaws

Following our disconnect with The Weslyan Church, our leadership team has just finished the process of authoring and submitting our Bylaws to the State of Michigan. For anyone with time to kill and a twisted mind that find such things interesting, let me know what you think.
-----------------------------------------------
CROSSROADS CHURCH OF IONIA, MICHIGAN
STATEMENT OF FAITH, VALUES AND BYLAWS
ESTABLISHED August 1, 2005


Table of Contents
1. ARTICLE I- Preamble (P. 1)
2. ARTICLE II- Statement of Purpose (P. 1)
3. ARTICLE III- Statement of Values (P. 3)
4. ARTICLE IV- Statement of Faith (P. 4)
5. ARTICLE V- Government (P. 12)
6. ARTICLE VI- Church Legal Officers (P. 12)
7. ARTICLE VII- Finance (P. 12)
8. ARTICLE VIII- Officers and/or Staff of Crossroads (P. 13)
9. ARTICLE IX- Church Membership (P. 20)
10. ARTICLE X- Church Business (P. 22)
11. ARTICLE XI- Church Disciple (P. 25)
12. ARTICLE XII- The Ordinances of the Church (P. 25)
13. ARTICLE XIII- Amendments (P. 26)
14. ARTICLE XIV- Dissolution of the Corporation (P. 26)
ARTICLE I: PREAMBLE
By the leading of the Holy Spirit, and to be consistent with the teachings of Jesus Christ, in order to constitute an independent, non-denominational, Bible believing church, we, the members of Crossroads, agree to the following Statement of Faith and Bylaws.
ARTICLE II: STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

In the last meeting with His disciples, prior to his agonizing death on the cross, Jesus…fully knowing the immediate future He was about to endure, prayed for them. He not only prayed for the twelve disciples, but ‘all those who would believe in him through their message.’ THIS INCLUDES US TODAY. Essentially, Jesus prayed for all those who believe in Him who attend Crossroads. Jesus specifically and intentionally prayed two things for us in John 17:20-26:

Jesus Prays for All Believers
20"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24"Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. 25"Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."

The fact that these things were on Jesus’ mind before he was tortured and crucified for us shows the importance and urgency of these purposes.

Purpose #1: Unity/connectedness/oneness with God (John 17:20-21)

Jesus tells us that ALL the teachings of the WHOLE BIBLE can be summed up in one command, found in Mark 12:29-30:


"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'

The ultimate focus of every Christian attending Crossroads is to seek after a relationship with God, nurture and develop it, and strive to love Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength.

To waiver from this “one thing” is to waiver from the very essence of our faith.

Purpose #2: Unity/connectedness/oneness with other believers (John 17:23)

The natural result of a heart that seeks unity and oneness with God is a heart that is unified and connected with fellow believers in Jesus Christ.

Jesus tells us that unity with fellow believers is absolutely essential. He tells us that the world’s understanding of God’s love depends upon our unity.

We will therefore strive to pursue unity with all we are.

While we acknowledge that there are many good and important things that scripture exhorts us to do, to make an exhaustive list of these things would be missing the very essence of Scripture. We contend that these things will consistently and naturally be fruit/by-products of living out the prayer of Jesus for us.

At Crossroads, therefore, we will strive to remain focused and diligent in the pursuit and attainment of these two purposes.
ARTICLE III: STATEMENT OF VALUES
1. We value the daily pursuit of truly loving God with all we are. Knowing, understanding, and obeying God must remain our highest purpose for living.

2. We value spiritual growth over comfort. Jesus tells us that the journey of following Him includes struggle. This struggle is not in vain, but leads to tremendous growth, maturity, and life in all its fullness.

3. We value the Bible. It is not just a “book”, but contains God’s truth to us personally. It is trustworthy and is a primary method that God uses to reveal His character to us. We will embrace even the “difficult” teachings. The Biblical way has never been to avoid tough subjects and ignore them, but to engage them fully, openly, with truth and love.

4. We value reaching out to those who Jesus reached out to: the confused, the emotionally hardened, and the spiritually unaware, all of whom desperately need to experience the love of Christ.

5. We value genuine Christian community and strive to be a place where every person has an opportunity to find meaningful relationships. This will only happen as we strive to be humble and transparent with each other. Our unity will be achieved through sharing our struggles, and pursuing Jesus together.

6. We value obedience to God’s plan for Crossroads. Although reliance on traditional standards of financial or personal security may lead to perceived success, in truth, it is more dangerous to create solutions on our own than to rely on God. Growth in the areas of finance, attendance, and accumulation of assets can all happen apart from God and are not necessarily evidence of His blessing. When God asks us to take an illogical step we must respond in obedience rather than trust in logic and comfort.

7. We value identifying and purging Crossroads of commonly found Christian cultural “non essentials” (i.e.- formal dress, knowing “Christian terminology”, meaningless rituals/methodology, etc.). These “non-essentials” are barriers to spiritual growth, and keep us from loving people as Jesus did.

8. We value following Biblical mandates for conflict resolution. While confrontation is not sought or celebrated, when it happens we will follow the Biblical process for addressing the matter, with restoration as our desired outcome.

9. We value servant-leadership. The life of Jesus reveals a model of leadership that is not expressed through power and position, but through service and humility. A servant-leader cheerfully benefits others at their own expense.

10. We value every follower of Jesus understanding that they have an important role to play in His body. The nurturing of spiritual growth in others, as well as the day to day operations of the body of believers everywhere, is not just the responsibility of a select few, but the responsibility of everyone who claims to follow Jesus.
ARTICLE IV: STATEMENT OF FAITH
1. Faith in the Holy Trinity
We believe in the one living and true God, both holy and loving, eternal, unlimited in power, wisdom, and goodness, the Creator and Preserver of all things. Within this unity there are three persons of one essential nature, power and eternity — the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Gen. 1:1; 17:1; Ex. 3:13-15; 33:20; Deut. 6:4; Ps. 90:2; Isa. 40:28-29; Matt. 3:16-17; 28:19; John 1:1-2; 4:24; 16:13; 17:3; Acts 5:3-4; 17:24-25; 1 Cor. 8:4, 6; Eph. 2:18; Phil. 2:6; Col. 1:16-17; 1 Tim. 1:17; Heb. 1:8; 1 John 5:20
2. The Father
We believe the Father is the Source of all that exists, whether of matter or spirit. With the Son and the Holy Spirit, He made man, male and female, in His image. By intention He relates to people as Father, thereby forever declaring His goodwill toward them. In love, He both seeks and receives repentant sinners.
Ps. 68:5; Isa. 64:8; Matt. 7:11; John 3:17; Rom. 8:15; 1 Peter 1:17.

3. The Son of God
We believe in Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, truly God and truly man. He died on the cross and was buried, to be a sacrifice both for original sin and for all human transgressions, and to reconcile us to God. Christ rose bodily from the dead, and ascended into heaven, and there intercedes for us at the Father’s right hand until He returns to judge all humanity at the last day.
Ps. 16:8-10; Matt. 1:21, 23; 11:27; 16:28; 27:62-66; 28:5-9, 1617; Mark 10:45; 15; 16:6-7; Luke 1:27, 31, 35; 24:4-8, 23; John 1:1, 14, 18; 3:16-17; 20:26-29; 21; Acts 1:2-3; 2:24-31; 4:12; 10:40; Rom. 5:10, 18; 8:34; 14:9; 1 Cor. 15:3-8, 14; 2 Cor. 5:18-19; Gal. 1:4; 2:20; 4:4-5; Eph. 5:2; 1 Tim. 1:15; Heb 2:17; 7:27; 9:14, 28; 10:12; 13:20; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 John 2:2; 4:14.

4. The Holy Spirit
We believe in the Holy Spirit who proceeds from the Father and the Son, and is of the same essential nature, majesty, and glory, as the Father and the Son, truly and eternally God. He is the Administrator of grace to all, and is particularly the effective Agent in conviction for sin, in regeneration, in sanctification, and in glorification. He is ever present, assuring, preserving, guiding, and enabling the believer.
Job 33:4; Matt. 28:19; John 4:24; 14:16-17; 15:26; 16:13-15; Acts 5:3-4; Rom. 8:9; 2 Cor. 3:17; Gal. 4:6.

5. The Authority of Scripture
We believe that the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testament combined constitute the Holy Bible. No books may be added or deleted. The Holy Bible is the inspired and inerrant (that is, without error or failure of basic contents and meaning in the original manuscripts) written Word of God. The Holy Bible contains all the necessary truth to lead man (humankind) to salvation. Ultimately, we believe whatever the Bible teaches on any subject. It is the final authority in all matters pertaining to personal conduct and doctrine. Whatever requirements of humankind that cannot be found and proved in the context of the whole of scripture will not be required of the members of Crossroads.

The canonical books of the Old Testament are:

Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges,
Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles,
Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, The Song of
Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos,
Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah
and Malachi.

The canonical books of the New Testament are:

Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians,
Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude and Revelation.
Ps. 19:7; Matt. 5:17-19; 22:37-40; Luke 24:27, 44; John 1:45; 5:46; 17:17; Acts 17:2, 11; Rom. 1:2; 15:4, 8; 16:26; 2 Cor. 1:20; Gal. 1:8; Eph. 2:15-16; 1 Tim. 2:5; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; Heb. 4:12; 10:1; 11:39; James 1:21; 1 Peter 1:23; 2 Peter 1:19-21; 1 John 2:3-7; Rev. 22:18-19.

6. Salvation
We believe that Jesus Christ, the living Son of God, was given by God as a perfect sacrifice for the sin of all humanity. Christ died on the cross to pay the price for sin (disobedience). This provided the possibility for humanity to have a restored relationship with God. It is only through the shed blood of Jesus on the cross that we can receive forgiveness of our sins. Salvation is a free gift from God, through Jesus’ death. It must be received through personal belief and faith in Jesus Christ, and accompanied by repentance and a sincere desire and commitment to live life fully for the purposes of God.
John 1:12-13, 29; 3:16; Acts 2:38-39; 17:30; 1 Cor. 5:7; Eph. 2:8-10;5:2; Heb. 9:22; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; 2:24.

7. God’s Purpose for Humanity
We believe that the two great commandments which require us to love the Lord our God with all the heart, and our neighbors as ourselves, summarize the divine law as it is revealed in the Scriptures. They are the perfect measure and norm of human duty, both for the ordering and directing of families and nations, and all other social bodies, and for individual acts, by which we are required to acknowledge God as our only Supreme Ruler, and all persons as created by Him, equal in all natural rights. Therefore all persons should so order all their individual, social and political acts as to give to God entire and absolute obedience, and to assure to all the enjoyment of every natural right, as well as to promote the fulfillment of each in the possession and exercise of such rights.
Lev. 19:18, 34; Deut. 1:16-17; Job 31:13-14; Jer. 21:12; 22:3; Micah 6:8; Matt. 5:44-48; 7:12; Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:27-29, 35; John 13:34-35; Acts 10:34-35; 17:26; Rom. 12:9; 13:1, 7-8, 10; Gal. 5:14; 6:10; Titus 3:1; James 2:8; 1 Peter 2:17; 1 John 2:5; 4:12-13; 2 John 6.

8. Marriage and the Family
We believe that every person is created in the image of God, that human sexuality reflects that image in terms of intimate love, communication, fellowship, subordination of the self to the larger whole, and fulfillment. God’s Word makes use of the marriage relationship as the supreme metaphor for His relationship with His covenant people and for revealing the truth that that relationship is of one God with one people.

Therefore God’s plan for human sexuality is that it is to be expressed only in a monogamous lifelong relationship between one man and one woman within the framework of marriage. This is the only relationship which is divinely designed for the birth and rearing of children and is a covenant union made in the sight of God, taking priority over every other human relationship.
Gen. 1:27-28; 2:18, 20, 23-24; Isa. 54:4-8; 62:5b; Jer. 3:14; Ezek. 16:3ff.; Hosea 2; Mal. 2:14; Matt. 19:4-6; Mark 10:9; John 2:1-2, 11; 1 Cor. 9:5; Eph. 5:23-32; 1 Tim. 5:14; Heb. 13:4; Rev. 19:7-8.

9. Personal Choice
We believe that humanity’s creation in the image of God included ability to choose between right and wrong. Thus individuals were made morally responsible for their choices. But since the fall of Adam, people are unable in their own strength to do the right. This is due to original sin, which is not simply the following of Adam’s example, but rather the corruption of the nature of each mortal, and is reproduced naturally in Adam’s descendants. Because of it, humans are very far gone from original righteousness, and by nature are continually inclined to evil. They cannot of themselves even call upon God or exercise faith for salvation. But through Jesus Christ the prevenient grace of God makes possible what humans in self effort cannot do. It is bestowed freely upon all, enabling all who will to turn and be saved.
Gen. 6:5; 8:21; Deut. 30:19; Josh. 24:15; 1 Kings 20:40; Ps. 51:5; Isa. 64:6; Jer. 17:9; Mark 7:21-23; Luke 16:15; John 7:17; Rom. 3:10-12; 5:12-21; 1 Cor. 15:22; Eph. 2:1-3; 1 Tim. 2:5; Titus 3:5; Heb. 11:6; Rev. 22:17.

10. The Atonement
We believe that Christ’s offering of himself, once and for all, through His sufferings and meritorious death on the cross, provides the perfect redemption and atonement for the sins of the whole world, both original and actual. There is no other ground of salvation from sin but that alone. This atonement is sufficient for every individual of Adam’s race. It is unconditionally effective in the salvation of those mentally incompetent from birth, of those converted persons who have become mentally incompetent, and of children under the age of accountability. But it is effective for the salvation of those who reach the age of accountability only when they repent and exercise faith in Christ.
Isa. 52:13-53:12; Luke 24:46-47; John 3:16; Acts 3:18; 4:12; Rom. 3:20, 24-26; 5:8-11, 13, 18-20; 7:7; 8:34; 1 Cor. 6:11; 15:22; Gal. 2:16; 3:2-3; Eph. 1:7; 2:13, 16; 1 Tim. 2:5-6; Heb. 7:23-27; 9:11-15, 24-28; 10:14; 1 John 2:2; 4:10.

11. Repentance and Faith
We believe that for men and women to appropriate what God’s
prevenient grace has made possible, they must voluntarily respond in repentance and faith. The ability comes from God, but the act is the individual’s.
Repentance is prompted by the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit.
It involves a willful change of mind that renounces sin and longs for righteousness, a godly sorrow for and a confession of past sins, proper restitution for wrongdoings, and a resolution to reform the life. Repentance is the precondition for saving faith, and without it saving faith is impossible.
Faith, in turn, is the only condition of salvation. It begins in the agreement of the mind and the consent of the will to the truth of the gospel, but issues in a complete reliance by the whole person in the saving ability of Jesus Christ and a complete trusting of oneself to Him as Savior and Lord. Saving faith is expressed in a public acknowledgment of His Lordship and identification with His church.
Mark 1:15; Luke 5:32; 13:3; 24:47; John 3:16; 17:20; 20:31; Acts 5:31; 10:43; 11:18; 16:31; 20:21; 26:20; Rom. 1:16; 2:4; 10:8-10, 17; Gal. 3:26; Eph. 2:8; 4:4-6; Phil. 3:9; 2 Thess. 2:13; 2 Tim. 2:25; Heb. 11:6; 12:2; 1 Peter 1:9; 2 Peter 3:9.

12. Justification, Regeneration and Adoption
We believe that when one repents of personal sin and believes on the Lord Jesus Christ, that at the same moment that person is justified, regenerated, adopted into the family of God, and assured of personal salvation through the witness of the Spirit.

We believe that we are accounted righteous before God only on the basis of the merit of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, being justified by faith alone, and not on the basis of our own works.

We believe that regeneration is that work of the Holy Spirit by which the pardoned sinner becomes a child of God. This new life is received through faith in Jesus Christ, and by it the regenerate are delivered from the power of sin which reigns over all the unregenerate, so that they love God and through grace serve Him with the will and affections of the heart, receiving the Spirit of Adoption.
Justification: Hab. 2:4; Acts 13:38-39; 15:11; 16:31; Rom. 1:17; 3:28; 4:2-5; 5:1-2; Gal. 3:6-14; Eph. 2:8-9; Phil 3:9; Heb. 10:38. Regeneration: John 1:12-13; 3:3, 5-8; 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 3:26; Eph. 2:5, 10, 19; 4:24; Col. 3:10; Titus 3:5; James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:3-4; 2 Peter 1:4; 1 John 3:1. Adoption: Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:5, 7; Eph. 1:5.Witness of the Spirit: Rom. 8:16-17; Gal. 4:6; 1 John 2:3; 3:14, 18-19.

13. Good Works
We believe that although good works cannot save us from our sins
or from God’s judgment, they are the fruit of faith and follow after regeneration.
Therefore they are pleasing and acceptable to God in Christ, and by them a
living faith may be as evidently known as a tree is discerned by its fruit.
Matt. 5:16; 7:16-20; John 15:8; Rom 3:20; 4:2, 4, 6; Gal. 2:16; 5:6; Eph. 2:10; Phil. 1:11; Col. 1:10; 1 Thess. 1:3; Titus 2:14; 3:5; James 2:18, 22; 1 Peter 2:9, 12.

14. Sin After Regeneration
We believe that after we have experienced regeneration, it is possible to make a willful choice of disobedience that will separate us from God, for in this life there is no such height or strength of holiness from which it is impossible to fall. But by the grace of God one who has fallen into sin may by true repentance and faith find forgiveness and restoration. God will never remove His love for us or the opportunity for forgiveness, but we can choose to walk away from Him.
Mal. 3:7; Matt. 18:21-22; John 15:4-6; 1 Tim. 4:1, 16; Heb. 10:35-39; 1 John 1:9; 2:1, 24-25.

15. Sanctification
We believe that sanctification is the work of God and power of the Holy Spirit acting as a catalyst in the life of the believer in order to produce a growing commitment, dedication and heart purity before God. Sanctification begins when a person is saved, continues throughout life and is the will of God for all believers. We are sanctified progressively by the Word of God as the desire to live for self decreases and the desire to live totally for the Will of God increases.
Deut. 30:6; Ps. 130:8; Isa. 6:1-6; Ezek. 36:25-29; Matt. 5:8, 48; Luke 1:74-75; 3:16-17; 24:49; John 3:30 ; John 17:1-26; Acts 1:4-5, 8; 2:1-4; 15:8-9; 26:18; Rom. 8:3-4; 1 Cor. 1:2; 6:11; 2 Cor. 7:1; Eph. 4:13, 24; 5:25-27; 1 Thess. 3:10, 12-13; 4:3, 78; 5:23-24; 2 Thess. 2:13; Titus 2:11-14; Heb. 10:14; 12:14; 13:12; James 3:17-18; 4:8; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Peter 1:4; 1 John 1:7,
9; 3:8-9; 4:17-18; Jude 24.

16. The Gifts of the Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit has given spiritual gifts to all believers for the purpose of building up the body of Christ and bringing glory to God. The gifts are to be exercised in love and emphasize the need for unity. The Holy Spirit himself is to be desired more than any gift that the Spirit might give. The relative value of the gifts of the Spirit is to be tested by their value in the church body and not by the ecstasy produced in the ones receiving them.
Luke 11:13; 24:49; Acts 1:4; 2:38-39; 8:19-20; 10:45; 11:17; Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:1-14:40; Eph. 4:7-8, 11-16; Heb. 2:4; 13:20-21; 1 Peter 4:8-11.

17. The Church
We believe that the Christian church is the entire body of believers in Jesus Christ, who is the founder and only Head of the church. The church includes both those believers who have gone to be with the Lord and those who remain on the earth, having renounced the world, the flesh and the devil, and having dedicated themselves to the work which Christ committed unto His church until He comes. The church on earth is to preach the pure Word of God, properly administer the sacraments according to Christ’s instructions, and live in obedience to all that Christ commands. A local church is a body of believers formally organized on gospel principles, meeting regularly for the purposes of evangelism, nurture, fellowship and worship.
Matt. 16:18; 18:17; Acts 2:41-47; 9:31; 11:22; 12:5; 14:23; 15:22; 20:28; 1 Cor. 1:2; 12:28; 16:1; 2 Cor. 1:1; Gal. 1:2; Eph. 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:9-10, 21; 5:22-33; Col. 1:18, 24; 1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:15; Heb. 12:23; James 5:14.

18. The Sacraments: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
We believe that water baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the sacraments of the church commanded by Christ and ordained as a means of grace when received through faith. They are tokens of our profession of Christian faith and signs of God’s gracious ministry toward us. By them, He works within us to quicken, strengthen and confirm our faith.

We believe that water baptism is a sacrament of the church, commanded by our Lord and administered to believers. It is a symbol of the new covenant of grace and signifies acceptance of the benefits of the atonement of Jesus
Christ. By means of this sacrament, believers declare their faith in Jesus
Christ as Savior.
Matt. 3:13-17; 28:19; Mark 1:9-11; John 3:5, 22, 26; 4:1-2; Acts 2:38-39, 41; 8:12-17, 36-38; 9:18; 16:15, 33; 18:8; 19:5; 22:16; Rom 2:28-29; 4:11; 6:3-4; 1 Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:27-29; Col. 2:11-12; Titus 3:5.

We believe that the Lord’s Supper is a sacrament of our redemption by Christ’s death and of our hope in His victorious return, as well as a sign of the love that Christians have for each other. Church membership will not be a requirement to participate in the Lord’s Supper at Crossroads. Participants are to first examine their hearts as scripture requires. It is open to all who believe in Jesus and receive it humbly, with a proper spirit and by faith as a means through which God communicates grace to the heart.
Matt. 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19-20; John 6:48-58; 1 Cor. 5:7-8; 10:3-4, 16-17; 11:23-29.

19. The Second Coming of Christ
We believe that the certainty of the personal and imminent return of Christ inspires holy living and zeal for the evangelization of the world. At His return He will fulfill all prophecies made concerning His final and complete triumph over evil.
Job 19:25-27; Isa. 11:1-12; Zech. 14:1-11; Matt. 24:1-51; 25; 26:64; Mark 13:1-37; Luke 17:22-37; 21:5-36; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:6-11; 1 Cor. 1:7-8; 1 Thess. 1:10; 2:19; 3:13; 4:13-18; 5:1-11, 23; 2 Thess. 1:6-10; 2:1-12; Titus 2:11-14; Heb. 9:27-28; James 5:7-8; 2 Peter 3:1-14; 1 John 3:2-3; Rev. 1:7; 19:11-16; 22:6-7, 12, 20.

20. The Resurrection of the Dead
We believe in the bodily resurrection from the dead of all people- of the just unto the resurrection of life, and of the unjust unto the resurrection of damnation. The resurrection of the righteous dead will occur at Christ’s Second Coming, and the resurrection of the wicked will occur at a later time. The resurrection of Christ is the guarantee of the resurrection of those who are in Christ. The raised body will be a spiritual body, but the person will be whole and identifiable.
Job 19:25-27; Dan. 12:2; Matt. 22:30-32; 28:1-20; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 14:14; 24:1-53; John 5:28-29; 11:21-27; 20:1—21:25; Acts 1:3; Rom. 8:11; 1 Cor. 6:14; 15:1-58; 2 Cor. 4:14; 5:1-11; 1 Thess. 4:13-17; Rev. 20:4-6, 11-13.

21. The Judgment of All Persons
We believe that the Scriptures reveal God as the Judge of all and the acts of His judgment are based on His omniscience and eternal justice.
His administration of judgment will culminate in the final meeting of all persons before His throne of great majesty and power, where records will be examined and final rewards and punishments will be administered.
Eccl. 12:14; Matt. 10:15; 25:31-46; Luke 11:31-32; Acts 10:42; 17:31; Rom. 2:16; 14:10-12; 2 Cor. 5:10; 2 Tim. 4:1; Heb. 9:27; 2 Peter 3:7; Rev. 20:11-13.

22. Destiny
We believe that the Scriptures clearly teach that there is a conscious personal existence after death. The final destiny of each person is determined by
God’s grace and that person’s response evidenced inevitably by a moral character which results from that individual’s personal and volitional choices and not from any arbitrary decree of God. Heaven with its eternal glory and the blessedness of Christ’s presence is the final abode of those who choose the salvation which God provides through Jesus Christ, but hell with its everlasting misery and separation from God is the final abode of those who neglect this great salvation.
Dan. 12:2; Matt. 25:34-46; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 13:3; John 8:21-23; 14:2-3; 2 Cor. 5:6, 8, 10; Heb. 2:1-3; 9:27-28; 10:26-31; Rev. 20:14-15; 21:1-22:5, 14-15.

23. Worship and Language
We believe in the miraculous use of languages and the interpretation of languages in its biblical and historical setting. But it is contrary to the Word of God to teach that speaking in an unknown tongue or the gift of tongues is the evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit or entire sanctification. Therefore, only a language readily understood by the congregation is to be used in public worship.

We believe that the use of an ecstatic prayer language has no clear scriptural sanction or any pattern of established historical usage in the Church; therefore, the use of such a prayer language shall not be promoted among us.
Acts 8:14-17; 1 Cor. 12:1—14:40; Gal. 5:22-24

24. Divine Healing
We believe that through the redemptive work of Christ, provision has been made for man’s physical healing. It is still God’s desire to heal His people. Physical healing may be received by God’s children on the basis of the conditions set forth in the Bible and also consistent with God’s perfect Will.
James 5:14-16
CROSSROADS BYLAWS
ARTICLE V: GOVERNMENT
Crossroads shall be an independent body of baptized believers who exercise their right to conduct its own affairs. The government of Crossroads shall be vested in its assembled membership, through its duly elected or appointed officers and pastoral staff, and shall never be subject to the control of any other ecclesiastical body. No denomination or associational representatives shall ever sit in judgment over its affairs. Crossroads may fellowship and cooperate with other churches or other organizations when such shall be wholly in accordance with the Scriptures and the purposes stated in ARTICLE II.
Article VI: CHURCH LEGAL OFFICERS
The legal officers, president and trustees, shall sign all deeds, notes, mortgages, leases and other documents of every character and description, for and on behalf of Crossroads; they shall manage, direct, and carry on the business of Crossroads; and remain subject to the decisions of the Board of Elders.
The office of President shall at all times be filled by the Senior Pastor. Two members of the Board of Elders shall be elected each church year by the Board of Elders to serve in the capacity of Trustee.
ARTICLE VII: FINANCE
A. Scriptural giving is an expression of love for the Lord Jesus Christ; therefore, the church shall be sustained by voluntary and free-will offerings, uninfluenced by any consideration of worldly or other material reward. The members are responsible to bring their offerings into the general treasury of the church (1 Corinthians 16:2) (2 Cor 9:6-8.).
B. Christian missions supported by the church shall be through the annual budget process and/or through periodic special offerings.
C. The centrality of offerings for financial support shall not preclude the elders from deriving income for the church from interest on monies deposited in savings accounts, fees for use, or other prudent short-term investments, as may be deemed appropriate.
D. The elders are responsible for the administration of the annual budget. In matters of emergency or ministry related needs, they may exceed the budget. They shall report such expenditures to the congregation at the earliest opportunity.
E. In connection with Crossroads ability to conduct its own affairs, it shall have the right to borrow money for such real estate and/or property as may be necessary to properly carry out the mission and objectives of Crossroads. This will be the responsibility of the Board of Elders (Article VIII Section 4). Realizing that carrying undue debt can be a hindrance to carrying out the mission of Crossroads, and that life does not consist in the abundance of possessions (Luke 12:15), and that love for “things” over God is evidence of idolatry, the Board of Elders will exercise discipline and caution in considering and managing the debt of Crossroads.
ARTICLE VIII: OFFICERS AND/OR STAFF OF CROSSROADS
SECTION 1. ORDINATION AND CREDENTIALING OF PASTORS
It shall be within the power of this church to ordain in to Christian ministry those men or women whom God has called and equipped. Crossroads shall have authority to issue proper credentials by unanimous vote of the Board of Elders or of the official membership of the church.
SECTION 2. THE SENIOR PASTOR
The pastor is a spiritual leader of Crossroads, and as such, is entrusted primarily with the spiritual welfare of this church (Eph 4:7-13).
A. SCRIPTURAL RECOGNITION OF THE PASTORAL POSITION - It is the obligation of Crossroads to recognize the position of the pastor as an undershepherd of Christ (1 Pet 5:2) and to acknowledge the importance of spiritual ministry (1 Thess 5:12; 1 Tim 5:17). The church will recognize the pastor as one who gives himself/herself "to prayer, and to the ministry of the Word" (Acts 6:2, 4). The senior pastor shall be recognized as the principal teaching elder.
B. DUTIES - It is the duty of the pastor to preach and teach the Word so as to bring the saints to maturity (Eph 4:11-13). Additionally, the pastor shall provide watchcare over the flock (Acts 20:28; Heb 13:17).
C. THE PASTOR AS AN EXAMPLE - The pastor shall be an example to the "flock of God" in carrying out the purposes of ARTICLE II of these bylaws (1 Pet 5:2-3).
D. RELATIONSHIP TO BOARDS AND COMMITTEES - The senior pastor is an elder of Crossroads and shall meet all the qualifications of that office. The pastor shall also have the right at any time to interact and vote on any and all committees of the church when necessary.
E. CALLING OF A PASTOR - Whenever the office of senior pastor becomes vacant by reason of death, resignation, retirement, or dismissal, the Board of Elders shall, without delay, begin the following procedure for securing a new senior pastor:
1. A search committee shall be formed by the elders, composed of no less than five and no more than seven members, at least three being elders. One of the elders shall serve as chairman.
2. The search committee shall, in a Spirit-led and prayerful manner, conduct a search for God's person to fill the position of senior pastor.
3. After the search, the search committee shall make a recommendation of one person to the Board of Elders, who shall then be interviewed. Upon approval, the Board of Elders shall arrange for that person to preach as many times as it feels necessary. The Board of Elders, upon unanimous agreement, shall then make a recommendation to the congregation for the calling of this candidate as senior pastor or continue the search process.
4. General meetings between the candidate and members of the congregation shall be arranged prior to voting by the membership. These meetings shall be conducted in a question and answer format with the search committee chairman moderating. The active voting membership of the church shall be notified two weeks in advance from the pulpit of a called business meeting to vote for the pastoral candidate. Approval of 75% of the active voting members present shall be necessary for calling a senior pastor. The voting shall be by secret ballot.
5. If the senior pastor has not been previously ordained, the vote of calling shall, when accepted, constitute approval for licensing and acceptance into church membership for the pastor and their spouse (if applicable).
6. The senior pastor shall serve for an indeterminate length of time.
F. SUSPENSION/TERMINATION OF A PASTOR
1. Should the senior pastor cease to meet the scriptural qualifications as outlined in ARTICLE VIII, SECTION 4, A, or their relations with the Board of Elders or congregation becomes strained to the point that remaining would cause harm and discord in the body, the Board of Elders, with 75% of the board in agreement, shall ask him/her to resign.
2. Should the senior pastor refuse to resign, the Board of Elders shall immediately suspend him/her with pay and arrange for a business meeting. The meeting shall be held no later than fourteen days after commencement of the suspension. All active voting members shall be notified in writing and by a church announcement of the meeting. In the meeting, the board chairman shall present the board's statement regarding the reasons for dismissal. The senior pastor shall be afforded an equitable opportunity to respond. A 75% vote of the active voting members present shall be sufficient to approve the dismissal. If a 75% vote for dismissal is not reached, then the senior pastor shall have the suspension lifted and he may immediately resume service.
a. A suspended pastor may not preach from the pulpit or teach any type of class. The suspended pastor shall also refrain from contacting members of the church in a manner that creates friction or generates support for his position.
b. The elders shall also refrain from communicating with members of the church in a manner that creates friction or generates support for their position.
c. Should the situation warrant, the board may request another respected pastor or spiritual leader to assist in counsel and mediation; however, all decisions in the matter shall be handled by the members of Crossroads.
SECTION 3. ASSOCIATE PASTORAL STAFF
A. The Board of Elders may hire or terminate associate pastors on behalf of Crossroads. Such decisions shall be consistent with biblical requirements, current congregational needs, and agreement of God’s leading.
B. An associate pastor shall be an example to the "flock of God" in carrying out the purposes of ARTICLE II of these bylaws (1 Pet 5:2-3).
C. At the time of employment, the associate pastor shall be licensed as a minister of the gospel and, after one year, may also request to be ordained.
SECTION 4. INTERIM PASTOR
During a period in which there is no senior pastor, the Board of Elders may appoint an interim pastor to carry the load of preaching, counseling and other ecclesiastical duties. The interim pastor may attend all meetings but cannot vote. The day-to-day functions and operations of the church shall normally be supplied by the existing staff or a qualified elder.
SECTION 5. ELDERS
As churches were established in faith, elders were appointed. The elder was given the responsibility for oversight of the spiritual growth of a particular church body. At Crossroads, the position of elder is a spiritual office of great commitment and responsibility.
A. QUALIFICATIONS - The qualifications for elders are found in 1 Tim 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9 and 1 Pet 5:1-3.
1Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer,[a] he desires a noble task. 2Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. 5(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) 6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap. (1 Timothy 3:1-7)
5The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint[a] elders in every town, as I directed you. 6An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. 7Since an overseer[b] is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 8Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9He 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. (Titus 1:5-9)
1To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. (1 Pet 5:1-3)
B. OFFICERS OF THE BOARD OF ELDERS - At the first regular elder board meeting following the annual meeting, the elders shall elect from their members the officers: a vice-chairman; a church secretary; and a church treasurer. The senior pastor shall assume the position as chairman of the board. In the event that the position of senior pastor is vacant, the vice chairman shall assume the interim role as chairman.
1. The chairman or a designated board member shall moderate at all board and church business meetings. The vice-chairman shall assume the responsibilities of the chairman in his absence. The church secretary shall be responsible to insure that minutes of the Board of Elders meetings, church business meetings and all official correspondence are recorded and kept on file. Such records shall be produced upon request of the moderator at the meetings of the board or a business meeting. The church secretary shall maintain a register of the membership and shall be responsible to give proper notice to the congregation of all church business meetings. The church treasurer shall manage all financial matters at the direction of the elder board and shall make monthly financial reports. In addition, the treasurer shall prepare a financial report for the annual business meetings. Proper records and books providing the timely financial maintenance of all assets, liabilities and equities shall be available for auditing or inspection at any reasonable time by active voting church members or other persons approved by the Board of Elders. An annual financial audit will be performed by an independent auditor in coordination with the church treasurer. Deacons will assist in handling the weekly offerings- counting, recording, and bank deposit. Treasurer shall not assist in the direct handling of the weekly offerings.
2. Elders shall be selected from men or women within the membership who have been faithful in their membership to the church (ARTICLE IX, SECTION 3) for at least one year (except for the senior pastor). The Board of Elders may make exception for the one year stipulation in unique situations (i.e.- Crossroads first election following the establishment of it’s first members).
3. The Board of Elders shall consist of a minimum of three members. If a time comes when there are less than three elders, the church members shall meet within six months to consider options for the future of Crossroads. These options should include, but not be limited to:
a. Examination of the assembly for qualified elders who are not currently serving
b. Allowing elders from an assembly which is like-minded in matters of doctrine and practice to serve temporarily at Crossroads
c. Merger with another assembly which is like-minded in matters of doctrine and practice
d. Dissolution (ARTICLE XIV)
C. DUTIES
1. Elders are called by God to serve as shepherds of the local church (Acts 20:28). They are to be devoted primarily to prayer and the ministry of the Word of God (Acts 6:4). Thus, the duties of an elder include: teaching Biblical truth to the church (1 Tim 5:17), protecting it from the error of false doctrine (Tit 1:9), leading and managing it with the attitude of a servant (1 Pet 5:1-3), and tending to the needs of its members (James 5:14).
2. Other servants entrusted with work in support of the services and spiritual life of Crossroads will be appointed, hired or terminated by the Board of Elders as needed. These individuals may receive financial remuneration for services rendered. The senior pastor shall be responsible for oversight of all paid staff.
D. SELECTION OF ELDERS
1. The existing elders shall appoint a nominating team consisting of two to three elders and two members of the congregation at large. Each year, the number of elders will be determined by the Board of Elders. The Senior Pastor shall be the chairman of the nominating team and shall serve in addition to those appointed.
2. Church members will be informed of the selection process and provided teaching regarding the biblical qualifications for elders and their scriptural role. With these in mind, members of the congregation will be asked to prayerfully submit names of Crossroads members to the nominating team for consideration as elders.
3. Persons whose names are submitted shall be informed and urged to engage in a personal, self-appraisal of their qualifications as compared to the scriptural requirements. Any person may withdraw their name at that point if they do not aspire to the position or do not believe they are qualified.
4. The nominating committee shall review the names of nominees and conduct interviews with each. Interviews should engage in tremendous honesty and depth of dialogue and questioning in both directions between the nominee and the nominating team. The nominating committee shall make final recommendations to the Board of Elders. Nominees will be recommended based upon their spiritual qualifications as well as their gifts and experiences that may assist in specific roles. Those nominees who have not withdrawn themselves from consideration and who have not been recommended shall be informed by the nominating committee.
5. Those prospective elders that have been recommended for appointment will be presented to the members of the church. The members will have 30 days to show cause why any prospective elder would not be qualified to serve. Any member with cause for concern related to a prospective elder must first express his concern directly with the prospective elder. If the concern is not resolved, it should then be brought to the Board of Elders for consideration.
6. Following the 30 day period, prospective elders will be presented to the members of the church for election and a time of dedication. Election will consist of a 75% vote of active voting members present either “affirm” or “not affirm” those recommended by the nominating committee.
7. The elder selection process is to occur annually, and allow enough time for the process to be carried out prayerfully with integrity, allowing elders to be confirmed prior to the beginning of each church fiscal year (January 1- December 31)
E. RESIGNATION OF AN ELDER - An elder who feels that he can no longer fulfill his responsibilities may at any time resign from his office after giving written notice to the senior pastor and board chairman.
F. TERM OF OFFICE OF AN ELECTED ELDER - The term of office shall be three years on a rotating basis in order that the terms of approximately one third shall expire each year. If an elder desires to serve for another three years, they must be approved by the nominating committee and the Board of Elders and be reelected.
G. REMOVAL OF AN ELECTED ELDER - An elder, (1) who no longer meets the scriptural and personal qualifications for the office, or (2) whose relationship with the congregation or the board makes his effective functioning impossible or hampers the work of Christ in the church, shall be asked to resign with a 75% vote of the remainder of the board. Should that member refuse to resign, the matter shall be taken to the congregation in the same manner as described for the senior pastor in ARTICLE VIII, SECTION 1, F, 2.
H. RELATIONSHIP TO STAFF- Staff members may be requested to serve on the Board of Elders at the discretion of the Board of Elders. Being staff does not confer automatic membership on this Board.
SECTION 6. DEACONS
A deacon is someone appointed to a special ministry of service by the Board of Elders. The congregation is encouraged to provide input. These deacons shall provide spiritual and/or physical help to the church as necessary. Only active voting members of Crossroads may serve in this capacity. The term of office of a deacon shall be three years.
A. QUALIFICATIONS - The qualifications for deacons and are given in 1 Tim 3:8-13.
8Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. 11In the same way, their wives[a] are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. 12A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 3:8-13)
B. INSTALLATION - The deacons are installed at a public meeting of the church. This installation ceremony needs to express the severity of the biblical responsibility of the acceptance of this position.
C. RESIGNATION OF A DEACON – A Deacon who feels that he can no longer fulfill his responsibilities may at any time resign from his office after giving written notice to the senior pastor and board chairman.
D. REMOVAL - If necessary, a deacon may resign from the position with written notice to the Board of Elders. A Deacon, (1) who no longer meets the scriptural and personal qualifications for the office, or (2) whose relationship with the congregation or the board makes his effective functioning impossible or hampers the work of Christ in the church, shall be asked to resign with a 75% vote of the of the Board of Elders. Should that member refuse to resign, the matter shall be taken to the congregation in the same manner as described for the senior pastor in ARTICLE VIII, SECTION 1, F, 2.
ARTICLE IX: CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1. REQUIREMENTS - A prospective member shall:
Declare faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior. (See ARTICLE IV, Statement of Faith, Section 6- Salvation)
Be baptized after becoming a Christian (Acts 8:35-38)
Declare agreement with Crossroads Statement of Purpose, Statement of Values and Statement of Faith (Articles II, III and IV)
There shall be no specific age requirement for membership. Each prospective member will be considered based upon their spiritual maturity.
Be committed to serve at Crossroads using his or her spiritual gifts, natural abilities and financial resources (1 Pet 4:10-11; 2 Cor 9:7-8)
Be accountable to other believers and the Board of Elders (Eph 5:21; Heb 10:24-25, 13:17)
Declare support for the “Church Universal” through whatever means possible.
Agree to operate within by the bylaws and practices of Crossroads.
SECTION 2. PROCESS
Anyone desiring to become a member shall:
A. Receive written membership information produced by the Board of Elders for personal review.
B. Complete membership curriculum as determined by the Board of Elders
C. Meet with representative(s) of the Board of Elders to review membership information, ask and answer questions.
D. Receive approving unanimous vote for membership by the Board of Elders.
Board of Elders shall:
A. Maintain a list of members for review, prayer, reflection, and approval. Review of members list shall occur at least annually.
B. Maintain membership curriculum/information.
B. Appoint representatives to hold membership classes or meet individually with candidates for interview.
C. Vote on prospective membership candidates.
E. Welcomed new members into the fellowship at the earliest opportune worship service.
SECTION 3. CONDUCT
Members are to:
A. Pursue and attain unity/connectedness/oneness with God and other believers (ARTICLE II)
B. Use their spiritual gift(s) for the common good of the congregation (1 Cor 12:7)
C. Give voluntarily and proportionately of their financial resources, recognizing the tithe as the minimum biblical standard of giving (Malachi 3:10, Deut. 12:6, 1 Cor 16:2; 2 Cor 9:6-9).
D. Strive to live a life consistent with Scripture (Eph 4:1)
SECTION 4. CATEGORIES OF MEMBERSHIP
Categories of membership are:
A. Active: One whose "conduct" is consistent with ARTICLE IX, SECTION 3. The privilege of voting is given to active members.
B. Non-active: The Board of Elders may transfer active members to non-active status (and vice versa) as needed. Examples of non-active members: Those physically unable to attend worship services for three months or individuals out of town due to education, military or job related obligations.
SECTION 5. TERMINATION
Grounds for termination shall be:
A. Death
B. Unrepentant sin, i.e., church discipline (ARTICLE XI)
C. Consistent neglect of one’s church relationship
D. Joining another church body
E. Written request
A non-attending member shall be contacted by an Elder. Based on the elder’s recommendation the Board of Elders may terminated the individuals’ membership.
ARTICLE X: CHURCH BUSINESS
SECTION 1. ORDER OF BUSINESS MEETINGS
The Bible shall govern the conduct and decisions of all business meetings. These Bylaws shall also be followed. Robert's Rules of Order, as last revised, may be consulted to assist the flow of meetings. All meetings are to be conducted in an orderly way (1 Cor 14:40) with all participants demonstrating Christ-likeness in their attitudes and actions (Eph 4:25-32; Phil 2:1-8). A meeting that falls short of these standards may be suspended for up to two weeks by the moderator to allow all participants time for prayer and self-examination (Gal 5:13-15).
A. THE MODERATOR - The moderator for all business meetings is the chairman of the Board of Elders or a designated board member.
B. MOTIONS FROM THE FLOOR - A member of Crossroads may make a "motion from the floor" if it is related to an item that is on the meeting's agenda. Upon a second, the motion shall be discussed and voted upon by the active voting membership present. Nothing in this article precludes consideration of new business in its proper order.
C. QUORUM - A quorum for the transaction of business meetings shall consist of the collective number of those in attendance at any business meeting whereby the congregation has been duly notified in advance (announcement two Sundays prior to the day of the meeting).
D. MAJORITY - Unless otherwise noted, a majority vote for a single office or for a proposition is 75% of the active voting members present.
SECTION 2. THE ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
The church membership shall have an annual business meeting on a date set by the Board of Elders. The annual meeting shall be held no later than the first full week of November. The church operational budget and term of officers shall be from January 1st through December 31th.
SECTION 3. A CALLED BUSINESS MEETING
A. A business meeting may be called at any time at the request of the Board of Elders. The specific matters to be considered shall be announced on two Sundays prior to the day of the meeting. In case of emergency, the two-Sunday notice may be waived with the unanimous approval of the Board of Elders.
B. Any ten voting members may petition the Board of Elders to request a called business meeting of the church. The Board of Elders must then do so within twenty days upon receiving the petition to address the issues raised. The agenda of such a meeting shall be conducted as all other business meetings with the board chairman or other designated board member moderating.
SECTION 4. ELDER BOARD MEETINGS
The board shall meet on a regularly scheduled basis and upon the call of any board member. The Board of Elders should strive for unity and seriously consider setting aside any decision which is not unanimous.
SECTION 5. CHURCH PROPERTIES
A. The Board of Elders holds in trust all church properties. It is responsible for negotiating loans, drawing up contracts, and arranging financial transactions in the name of Crossroads. Its duties are to oversee all financial and temporal affairs.
B. The Board of Elders shall ensure that the church buildings and grounds are maintained, being careful to delegate as much of this responsibility to the deacons as possible.
C. Sale or encumbrance of church properties:
1. With the exception of item 2 immediately below, the Board of Elders shall not sell, mortgage, or otherwise encumber the real estate of this church without the consent of a 75% majority of the active voting members of Crossroads present at a called business meeting. Two weeks' notice, stating the business transactions under consideration, shall be given prior to such a meeting.
2. Additional pieces of real or capital property, not part of the ongoing ministry of the church, such as gifts to the church of stocks, bonds or real property, may be sold at the discretion of the board.
D. With the approval of the Board of Elders, the church may make its facilities available to other churches, ministries, individuals or organizations. Rent or fees for such usage may be charged or waived at the discretion of the Board of Elders.
SECTION 6. DETERMINATION OF SALARIES, JOB DESCRIPTIONS AND CONDUCT
The Board of Elders shall determine the salary to be paid for each employee. Employees of Crossroads who are board members will have opportunity to provided input regarding salary decisions, but are not permitted to participate in the voting process. When deemed appropriate the Board of Elders may choose to exclude the employee from a portion of the discussion or during the vote. The Board of Elders will determine the job descriptions for all church staff. All employees shall abide by the same standards of conduct as members of Crossroads.
SECTION 7. BUSINESS REPORTS
At the annual business meeting, the Board of Elders shall present a written report summarizing the transactions of the year. This report shall be a condensed financial report, prepared with the assistance of the church treasurer. Copies of the report shall be given to individual members. The Board of Elders shall also make a report of its transactions when requested by the membership as described in ARTICLE VIII, SECTION 4, B, 1.
SECTION 8. CHURCH POLICIES
The Board of Elders shall formulate policies and establish practices as needed. Such policies and practices shall be consistent with scriptural principles. Anyone in a teaching, speaking or leadership position, including pulpit supply, must be a church member, unless authorized by the Board of Elders.
SECTION 9. COMMITTEES, MINISTRIES AND AUXILIARY ORGANIZATIONS
Committees, ministries and auxiliary organizations that are in keeping with the purpose statement of Crossroads may be formed with the consent of the Board of Elders. Such committees, ministries and auxiliary organizations will be responsible to the Board of Elders. (Examples could include: Soup Kitchens, Addiction Ministries, Support Groups, etc.)
ARTICLE XI: CHURCH DISCIPLINE
SECTION 1. THE STEPS OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE
Scripture indicates some latitude in how matters of church discipline are to be handled. Where possible the pattern taught by Jesus in Matt 18:15-17 shall be followed with the intent of restoring the sinning brother or sister. If there is no repentance, the elders may remove that individual from membership and/or ask the individual to temporarily remove themselves from the fellowship. 1 Cor 5; 2 Cor 2:6-8; Gal 6:1; 1 Tim 1:20; Rom 16:17; Gal 1:9
ARTICLE XII: THE ORDINANCES OF THE CHURCH
SECTION 1. THE SACRAMENTS: BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S SUPPER
We believe that water baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the sacraments of the church commanded by Christ. They are tokens of our profession of Christian faith and signs of God’s gracious ministry toward us. By them, He works within us to strengthen and confirm our faith.

We believe that water baptism is a sacrament of the church, commanded by our Lord and administered to believers. It is a symbol of the new covenant of grace and signifies acceptance of the benefits of the atonement of Jesus
Christ. By means of this sacrament, believers declare their faith in Jesus
Christ as Savior.

We believe that the Lord’s Supper is a sacrament of our redemption by Christ’s death and of our hope in His victorious return, as well as a sign of the love that Christians have for each other. Church membership will not be a requirement to participate in the Lord’s Supper at Crossroads. Participants are to first examine their hearts as scripture requires. It is open to all who believe in Jesus and receive it humbly, with a proper spirit and by faith as a means through which God communicates grace to the heart.


ARTICLE XIII: AMENDMENTS
SECTION 1. METHOD OF AMENDMENT TO THE BYLAWS
A. A proposed change must be provided to the members at least two weeks in advance.
B. Within two weeks, an open forum shall be held for the congregation to discuss the proposed amendments.
C. The changes will be voted on by the active voting members at a business meeting.
D. Amendments to these bylaws must be approved by 75% of the active voting members present.
SECTION 2. METHOD OF AMENDMENT TO THE STATEMENT OF FAITH
Amendments or changes to the Statement of Faith must be affirmed by 90% of the active voting members present at a business meeting. The simple addition or clarification of Scripture references or the correction of grammar or misspelling shall not constitute an actual change to the Statement of Faith. The Board of Elders must notify the members of any changes.
SECTION 3. METHOD OF SUSPENSION
Remembering the words of our Lord that "the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27), it is likewise understood that these Bylaws were made to assist in conducting the affairs of Crossroads and not to hinder them. If found to be hindering, a portion of these Bylaws (except ARTICLE II), therefore, may be temporarily suspended for a business meeting by 50% plus one vote of the active voting members present. Any decisions made during a suspension of the rules must be reconfirmed by a majority vote no less than 14 days afterwards.
ARTICLE XIV: DISSOLUTION OF THE CORPORATION
The corporation may be dissolved by a vote of 75% of all active voting church members. Upon dissolution of the church corporation, the Board of Elders shall cause the assets of the church to be distributed by transfer of all assets to another not-for-profit corporation with a similar doctrinal statement and beliefs as Crossroads.