A Change to be Considered: Northpoint EFC Constitution
To modify our Constitution to clarify our rules for calling a pastor.

The Issue: An inconsistency between the requirements of our Constitution (the church bylaws) and our actual practices has been identified. Here is the specific text, extracted from the Constitution as it was drafted and approved in 1979:

ARTICLE VIII

Church Leadership and Boards

2. Qualifications

A. Pastor(s) – The Pastor(s) shall be a minister licensed by the Evangelical Free Church of America, who is sympathetic and cooperative with said denomination, and who subscribes to this Constitution and the statement of faith herein. Also, the Pastor(s) shall meet the scriptural qualifications of Elders referenced below.

Since 1993, we have not required any pastor to be licensed by the EFCA. After considering this issue, the Elders are recommending that we amend our Constitution to insert the “or” between the first two clauses, while retaining all other elements:

Proposed Revision:  Change the word “and” in the clause above to “or” to allow for either qualification, as below:

2. Qualifications

A. Pastor(s) – The Pastor(s) shall be a minister licensed by the Evangelical Free Church of America or who is sympathetic and cooperative with said denomination, and who subscribes to this Constitution and the statement of faith herein. Also, the Pastor(s) shall meet the scriptural qualifications of Elders referenced below.

We want to make it clear that we are fully committed to our membership in the Evangelical Free Church of America and remaining an EFCA congregation. Yet our history has shown that what is most important is a pastor’s support and cooperation with the EFCA, and even more, his commitment to Biblical preaching, the primacy of the Gospel and the care for God’s people. These qualities are what should be reflected in our ministry, our teaching and the documents that inform our fellowship.

The Process to Amend: In order to amend the Constitution of Northpoint EFC, the following steps (from Article XVII) must be taken:

• The proposed amendment must be presented in written form and discussed at a quarterly business meeting at least three months prior to the time of its adoption; this will occur on July 26; no action need be taken at this meeting.
• The amendment must be mailed to all members at least two weeks before the meeting at which action will be taken; this will occur in September in anticipation of voting in October.
• After the three month discussion period, the amendment can be approved at a quarterly business meeting by a 2/3 majority of members present; this will take place at a quarterly meeting in late October/early November.
• Voting to be done by closed ballot.

Respectfully,

The Northpoint EFC Elder Board