STATEMENT OF FAITH AND BYLAWS

THE BYLAWS OF GRACE KOREAN CHURCH AT NORWALK
Amended and Adopted July 5, 2015

ARTICLE I Name

The name of our church shall be Grace Korean Church at Norwalk dba Grace Ministries International.

ARTICLE II Statement of Faith

God We believe that it is the testimony of both Testaments and of the Christian Church that God is both One and Triune. The Biblical revelation testifies that there is only one God, and that He is eternally existent in Three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Jesus Christ We believe that Jesus Christ is both true God and person who was conceived by Holy Spirit and born of Virgin Mary and because of his blood spilled for the sake of unworthy, the sinners may become holy. He, as stated in the Bible, resurrected from dead, now stands next to the throne of God, will return to as promised.

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

The Scripture We affirm that the Bible containing the Old and New Testaments is alone the only infallible inspired Word of God, and that its authority is ultimate and final and eternal. It cannot be added to, subtracted from, or superseded in any regard. The Bible is the source of all doctrine, instruction, correction and reproof. It contains all that is needed for guidance in godliness and practical Christian conduct.

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

Salvation Salvation is given to us through Jesus Christ, whoever repents his sins and believes in Jesus Christ shall be born-again, be given salvation as gift and becomes a child of God.

Sanctification God commands us to be perfectly holy by being full of Holy Spirit, live our lives with purely, separated from sins and worldly things and serving others by being obedient to God’s will. This important command must be lived out by all believers.

Divine Healing Thorough Redemption of Jesus Christ, we believe the power of healing over our bodily illness. The Bible teaches us to prayer for those who are ill and that such healing power is a special privilege of the Church.
Church We believe that the true church comprises all who have been justified by God’s grace through faith alone in Christ alone. They are united by the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ, of which He is the Head. We believe that the churches, as witness of God, have an important responsibility of spreading Gospel to all nations of the world. The true church is manifest in local churches, whose membership should be composed only of believers. The Lord Jesus mandated two ordinances, baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which visibly and tangibly express the gospel. Though they are not the means of salvation, when celebrated by the church in genuine faith, these ordinances confirm and nourish the believer.

Resurrection We believe that both believers and sinners each have their resurrection; the believers will have resurrection of life and the sinners will have resurrection of judgment.

Second Coming We believe that the Second Coming of Jesus Christ is very near and that such return of Jesus Christ gives is our blessed hope, motivates the believer to godly living, sacrificial service and energetic mission.

Marriage We believe that marriage has been instituted by God. Grace Korean Church defines “marriage” as the exclusive covenantal union of one man and one woman in which such union is a lifetime commitment. A civil government’s sanction of a union will be recognized as a legitimate marriage by the church only to the extent that it is consistent with the definition of “marriage” found in these Articles.

Human Sexuality We believe that legitimate sexual relations are exercised solely within marriage. Hence, sexual relations outside of marriage (referred to in the New Testament as “porneia”-‐-‐ πορνεια) including but not limited to, adultery, premarital sex, homosexuality, and pedophilia are inconsistent with the teachings of the Bible and the Church. Further, lascivious conduct, transgender behavior, and the creation, distribution or viewing of pornography, are incompatible with the biblical witness.

Qualifications We believe that every minister, board member, member, or employee, shall affirm their agreement with the Articles of Faith and shall conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent therewith. This shall be a pre-requisite and continual condition, for holding these positions.

ARTICLE III Operation Policy

Our church shall be operated by our members.
We are independent entity and therefore shall not be interfered by other entities.
Our church will cooperate with other churches with the same faith and beliefs.

ARTICLE IV Purpose

To worship God
We follow teaching and life of Christ in Christian fellowship.
To be a witness for Christ to the ends of the earth.

ARTICLE V Organization

The head of this church is Jesus Christ and to achieve the above purpose, shall have an organization and employees in accordance with the addendum.

ARTICLE VI Sacrament

Baptismal and communion services shall be held on a regular basis.

ARTICLE VI I Incorporation

The church shall be incorporated according to the California laws.

ARTICLE VIII Amendments

1. A request to amend the Bylaws can be made with written requests by a majority of members or by Board of Elders.
2. A notice of proposed amendment shall be provided to the members no less than two weeks prior to the General Assembly of Members and it shall be adopted with approval of 2/3 majority of the members present at the General Assembly of Members.

ADDENDUM

Article 1 Members.

1. Definition of Members – The members shall mean a person who has been admitted as a member in accordance with the addendum and have been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
2. Qualification and Admission – An adult over the age of 21 who has applied to be a member of this church and acceptance of such application by the Board of Elders and qualified under the below categories
  1. A person who has been baptized in this church;
  2. A person who has been baptized in other church but transferred to this church and agrees to follow the Statement of Faith of this church; or
  3. A person who was previous member of this church.
3. Members’ Duty – A member must try to improve his or her faith, abide in all regulations and decisions adopted by the Board of Elders, attend regular services, spread Gospel, serve in church ministries, and participate in fellowship with other members.
4. Member’s Rights – A member has right to participate in each department and take a vote in the General Assembly of Members..
5. Termination of Members – Termination of membership by the Board of Elders shall occur for one of the following reasons:
  1. He or she neglected to perform the duty of member without a reason;
  2. By death or has transferred to other church; or
  3. By determination of Board of Elders.

Article 2 Employees

1.Definition of Employee – Our church shall have position of Pastor, Assistant Pastors, Elders, Deaconess and Deacons.

2.Qualification for Senior Pastor

A . Requirements as written in: 1 Timothy 3: 1-7, Titus 1:5-9, 1 Peter 5: 1-4, 2 Timothy 2:15, 4:1-5

B. An ordained pastor who agrees with the statement of faith of this church; and

C. The retirement age of the senior pastor is 70 provided that it may be postponed with a
resolution from the Board of Elders

3. Responsibilities of Senior Pastor

As a spiritual leader of the church, He shall lead regular and special services;
Shall be a chairman of Board of Elders and General Assembly of Members;
Shall be a Chief Executive Officer of the church; and
Shall teach research, discipline, care for, and bless all members of the church.

4. Hiring Process for Senior Pastor

The Board of Elders shall select 5 elders to the hiring committee. The hiring committee shall select 1 candidate who shall be recommended for a vote of approval in the General Assembly of Members. The approval shall take in the form of 2/3 of majority of vote by the members present in the General Assembly of Members.
The General Assembly of Members to select a new senior pastor shall require a two weeks notice and the notice shall clearly indicate its purpose of such meeting.
The Board of Elders may appoint a temporary senior pastor until a permanent one is appointed but the period cannot be more than 16 weeks; provided that such period can be extended up to one year with a resolution of the Board of Elders.

5. Resignation of Senior Pastor

The Senior Pastor must notify the Board of Elders in writing at least six month prior to resignation.
There must be at least one month of grace period in considering such resignation.
If the church would request a resignation of the Senior Pastor for a valid reason, the Board of Elders shall adopt a resolution and the General Assembly of Members shall approve such resolution with a vote of 2/3 majority of the members present at that such meeting.

6. Paid Employees

The church can employ paid employees under a separate policy.
A paid employee will be hired based upon a recommendation by Senior Pastor and approved by the Board of Elders.
A paid employee’s employment period is one year but can be renewed annually.
A retirement age of an employee shall be set at 65 years of age but can be extended at the church’s discretion.

7. Board of Elders (Executive Elders)

Qualification:
1. Age: Between 45 years to 60 years old.
2. Will be selected from Hyupdong Elders or Ordained Deacons
3. Who has honorably served as Hyupdong Elder or Ordained Deacon for more than 5 years
4. Who has served 1 year or longer as Senior Elder
5. Regularly attends all weekly and special services and practices tithing
6. A member of the church who has been baptized
7. Who has completed all of the required courses for leadership (Grace Encounter, One to One Discipleship, Old Testaments, New Testaments, GTD, Grace Freedom, Finding Your Gifts, Biblical Financial Stewardship, Evangelism Explosion, Law and Gospel, Mission School, Assistant Cell Group Leader Seminar, Leadership Training, One to One Discipleship Leader Training, Intercessory Prayer Seminar).
8. Whenever the church deem necessary, Executive Elder will be selected as some one who has faithfully served in a group or ministry group and recommended by the Board of Elders and approved by 2/3 of majority vote by members presented at a General Assembly of Members.
In case an Executive Elder is retained by the church as a paid employee, then such person shall resigned from the Board of Elders.
Once term is over or retired due to age limitation, such Executive Elder shall become a Senior Elder.
Duty:
1. Assist Senior Pastor all aspects of Church matters;
2. Shall become a member of Board of Elders;
3. Shall diligently serve in the areas of sacrament ceremonies and educating members.

8. Senior Elder

Qualification
Who has served on a Board of Elders for 5 years.
Senior Elder shall serve on as a head of ministries as required by the Church.

9. Honorary Elder

Qualifications
Age: Between 65 years and 75 years or younger
Selected from Ordained Deacons, Honorary Ordained Deacons, Hyupdong Ordained Deacons (Who has served as Ordained Deacons for 5 years or longer)
Who registered and attended the church for 20 years or longer; provided that, the Board of Elders can waive the requirements on a special case.
Regularly attends all weekly and special services and practices tithing
A member of the church who has been baptized
Who has completed all of the required courses for leadership (Grace Encounter, One to One Discipleship, Old Testaments, New Testaments, GTD, Grace Freedom, Finding Your Gifts, Biblical Financial Stewardship, Evangelism Explosion, Law and Gospel, Mission School, Assistant Cell Group Leader Seminar, Leadership Training, One to One Discipleship Leader Training, Intercessory Prayer Seminar).
Whenever the church deem necessary, the Board of Elders may choose from someone who has faithfully served in a group or ministry group.

10. Ordained Deacons

1. Qualifications:
  1. Age: Between 40 years and 60 years or younger;
  2. Who faithfully served as a Deacon for 5 years;
  3. Who faithfully served as a Hyupdong Ordained Deacon for 3 years;
  4. Regularly attends all weekly and special services and practices tithing
  5. A member of the church who has been baptized
  6. Who has completed all of the required courses for leadership (Grace Encounter, One to One Discipleship, Old Testaments, New Testaments, GTD, Grace Freedom, Finding Your Gifts, Biblical Financial Stewardship, Evangelism Explosion, Law and Gospel, Mission School, Assistant Cell Group Leader Seminar, Leadership Training, One to One Discipleship Leader Training, Intercessory Prayer Seminar).
  7. Whenever the church deem necessary, the Board of Elders may choose from someone who has faithfully served in a group or ministry group.

Duties:
1. Shall serve on church ministries and other tasks assigned by the church.
2. Collect offerings and serving others;
3. Take initiative in fellowship with other members, assist the group pastor in visitation, take care of other members in need, and raise up others.

11. Honorary Ordained Deacons

Qualifications:
Age: 65 years or older
Have registered as a member and regularly attended the church for more than 10 years;
Regularly attends all weekly and special services and practices tithing;
A member of the church who has been baptized;
Who has completed all of the required courses for discipleship (Grace Encounter, One to One Discipleship, Old Testaments, New Testaments, GTD, Grace Freedom, Finding Your Gifts, Biblical Financial Stewardship, Evangelism Explosion, Law and Gospel, Christian Theology); and
Whenever the church deem necessary, Executive Elder will be selected as some one who has faithfully served in a group or ministry group.

12. Deaconess

1. Qualifications:
  1. Age: 50 years or older;
  2. Who has served as a deacon for 5 years or longer;
  3. Who has faithfully served a Hyupdong Deaconess for 3 years or longer;
  4. Regularly attends all weekly and special services and practices tithing;
  5. A member of the church who has been baptized;
  6. Who has completed all of the required courses for discipleship (Grace Encounter, One to One Discipleship, Old Testaments, New Testaments, GTD, Grace Freedom, Finding Your Gifts, Biblical Financial Stewardship, Evangelism Explosion, Law and Gospel, Christian Theology); and
  7. Whenever the church deem necessary, the Board of Elders may choose from someone who has faithfully served in a group or ministry group.

Duties: Served the church by praying, visiting and volunteering.

13. Honorary Deaconess

Qualifications:
Age: 65 years or older
Have registered as a member and regularly attended the church for more than 10 years;
Regularly attends all weekly and special services and practices tithing;
A member of the church who has been baptized;
Who has completed Grace Encounter; and
Whenever the church deem necessary, the Board of Elders may choose from someone who has faithfully served in a group or ministry group.

14. Hyupdong Elders, Hyupdong Ordained Deacons, and Hyupdong Deaconess

Qualifications:
1. Certificate of title from other church;
2. Who has registered as a member and regularly attended the church for 2 years or longer;
3. Regularly attends all weekly and special services and practices tithing;
4. A member of the church who has been baptized;
5. Who has completed all of the required courses for discipleship (Grace Encounter, One to One Discipleship, Old Testaments, New Testaments, GTD, Grace Freedom, Finding Your Gifts, Biblical Financial Stewardship, Evangelism Explosion, Law and Gospel, Christian Theology); and
6. Whenever the church deem necessary, the Board of Elders may choose from someone who has faithfully served in a group or ministry group.

15. Deacons

Qualifications
1. Age: 30 years or older;
2. Who has registered as a member and regularly attended the church for one year or longer;
3. Regularly attends all weekly and special services and practices tithing;
4. A member of the church who has been baptized; and
5. Who has completed all Grace Encounter.
Duties
1. Shall serve on church ministries and other tasks assigned by the church.
2. Collect offerings and serving others;
3. Take initiative in fellowship with other members, assist the group pastor in visitation, take care of other members in need, and raise up others.

* Explanation of Terminology (Selection of Church Leaders)

The years registered and attended means that the continued attendance without interruption of leaving for other church and have attended faithfully and regularly.
The age qualification for Executive Elder is based on the calendar year age who is younger than 60 years old. The candidate shall be nominated and approved by the Board of Elders and such candidate shall be put to vote of confidence by the General Assembly of Members and then ordained during the following anniversary service.
The candidates shall complete the required training and classes by December 31 of each calendar year; provided that, if only one is on-going and such class can be completed by the following May, then an exception will be made.

1. Number of Leaders
  1. The number of executive elders shall be 1 to 30 members; provided, however, the number shall be set by the Board of Elders.
  2. The number of Deaconess and Deacons will be set by the Board of Elders.
2. Leader selections
  1. The Board of Elders shall recommend a person to be an Executive Elder and then shall be approved by 2/3 of the majority votes at the General Assembly of Members.
  2. The approved Executive Elder shall be ordained after announcement by the chair of the General Assembly of Members.
  3. Deacons shall be selected by the Board of Elders and the tenure is for one year.

Article III Organization

The church shall be organized with the General Assembly of Members and the Board of Elders and other organization as necessary.
The General Assembly of Members: The members of this church shall have right to participation in the General Assembly of Members, which has the following powers:
1. Approval of Leaders
2. Reviewing and approval of annual budget and expenses
3. Reviewing and approval of major projects
4. Resolving any major aspects of church matters
The Board of Elders: The Board of Elders shall be composed of Senior Pastor, Ministry Leader (Pastoral and Administration Pastors), and Executive Elders and shall have following powers:
1. Overall matters of the church;
2. Approval of major projects or expenditures
3. Recommendation of leaders and deacons
4. Training and educating church leaders
5. Administering sacraments
When necessary, the church shall form various departments.
Dismissal of Church Leaders: Elders, Deacons, Ministry Heads, and Department Heads can be dismissed with 2/3 of the votes by the Board of Elders for the following reasons:
1. Who has intentionally failed to carry out the duties;
2. Who has interrupted the operation.

Article IV Services

Weekly Services and Special Services
1. The church shall offer weekly Sunday services;
2. The Board of Elders may decide to have various special services to enhance faith of members .
The General Assembly of Members: The General Assembly of Members shall me one time a year; provided that, if at the request of 1/3 of members of the General Assembly of Members, after posting two week notice, then a special General Assembly of Members can be convened.
Board of Elders: The Chair of Board of Elders or if 1/3 of the members of Board of Elders request, the Chair may convene a special meeting of the Board of Elders.

Article V Baptism

Baptismal Service: The baptism shall be done by full body baptism; provided however, under a special circumstance, sprinkle water baptism can be conducted.
1. A person who believes Jesus Christ as savior and affirms faith in the Christ may receive baptism.
2. A baptismal service will be conducted according to Senior Pastor’s order.
Holy Communion Service: Holy Communion will be carried out by Senior Pastor and assisted by assistant pastors and Elders.

Article VI Finance

Fiscal Year: The fiscal year of the church shall be a calendar year.
Financial Audit:
1. Auditor shall be selected by the General Assembly of Members and term shall be one year. The audit shall be done regularly or as requested by the Board of Elders.
2. The treasurer shall make a monthly financial report to the Board of Elders.
3. The treasurer shall submit audited financial documents to the Board of Elders.
Expenditures
1. All expenditures shall be carried out by the instruction of the Board of Elders.
2. Expenses shall be paid by checks.
Assets: All assets shall be managed in accordance with resolution of the General Assembly of Members and laws of the California.

Article VII Miscellaneous

Amendments: Amendments to the Addendum shall be made with 2/3 majority of the Board of Elders.
If there is any conflict in the By-laws and Addendum, it shall be resolved in accordance with customary rules of the church management.
N/A
This By-Laws and Addendum shall take effect once approved.