LCI Constitution and Bylaws
updated February 3, 2025
LifeChurch
International, Inc.
Constitution and Bylaws
Revised: February 5, 2025
Table of Contents
Constitution…………………………………………………………………….……… 4
Preamble
Mission Statement
The Purpose
Article I: The Corporation…………………………………………………………… 5
Section 1: Name
Section 2: Location
Section 3: Non-Profit Status
Article Il: Affiliation…………………………………………………………………… 5
Section 1: Denomination
Article III: Members…………………………………………………………….…….. 6
Section 1: Eligibility
Section 2: Membership Renewal
Section 3: Obligations
Section 4: Admission
Section 5: Disciplinary Action
Article IV: Board of Directors……………………………………………………….. 8
Section 1: General Powers
Section 2: Number, Tenure, and Qualifications
Section 3: Vacancies
Section 4: Compensation
Section 5: Deadlock
Article V: Meetings……………………………………………………………..…….. 8
Section 1: Regular Meetings
Section 2: Special Meetings
Section 3: Notice
Section 4: Quorum
Section 5: Manner of Acting
Section 6: Action without a Meeting
Article VI: Officers…………………………………………………………………….. 10
Section 1: Number
Section 2: Election and Term
Section 3: Eligibility
Section 4: Removal
Section 5: President
Section 6: Trustees
Section 7: Secretary
Section 8: Treasurer
Section 9: Vice-President
Section 10: Finance Committee
Section 11: Salaries
Section 12: Dismissal of Officers
Article VII: Indemnity.………………………………………………………………… 14
Article VIII: Contracts, Loans, Checks, and Deposits………………………….. 15
Section 1: Contracts
Section 2: Loans
Section 3: Checks, Drafts, etc.
Section 4: Deposits
Article IX: Fiscal Year…………………………………………………………..…….. 15
Article X: Amendments……………………………………………………..……….. 16
Article XI: Ratification………………………………………………………….…….. 16
CONSTITUTION
Preamble
In order to establish our work on a more efficient and permanent basis, we, the members of LifeChurch International, Inc. do hereby establish the Constitution and By-Laws of our Local Church Government. Furthermore we affirm our belief that God's people should be scrupulously set in order, and that it is needful for them to be efficiently organized to successfully carry on the gospel work and properly handle their business affairs.
Mission Statement
Our Mission is to be relevant to the spiritual needs of our community while maintaining strict adherence to Scripture and leading of the Holy Spirit in all aspects of daily living, while delivering the powerful message of the Gospel to all who will receive the truth.
Purpose
A house divided against itself cannot stand. The main purpose of this Constitution and Bylaws is to provide provisions to govern the Corporation, according to the Scriptures, so that we may advance in our God-given directives. (See Titus 1:5, 1 Corinthians 12:28.) Our aim is to be the loving and caring church body for our local community and fulfill the global mission mandated in Scriptures to help our world receive the Gospel.
Our corporate purposes are to:
- Establish and maintain a place of worship.
- Unite a people of like faith in loving fellowship together (Hebrews 13:1).
- Meet together for worship, fellowship, and to receive spiritual instruction (John 4:24, Acts 2:42, Ephesians 4:11-16).
- Evangelize our world (home and abroad) with the Biblical directives of salvation (John 1:29, Acts 1:8, Acts 2:38).
- Provide guidelines of Christian conduct, based upon the Word of God (Titus 2:1-12).
Article I: The Corporation
Section 1: Name
The name of this assembly shall be known as LifeChurch International, Inc.("Corporation"), a non-profit organization incorporated with the State of Arizona operating in accordance to the definition of a church.
Section 2: Location
The principal office of the Corporation in the State of Arizona, shall be located at 16831 S Greenfield Road, Gilbert, AZ. The Corporation may have such other offices, either within or without the State of Arizona, as the Board of Directors may designate or as the operation of the Corporation may require from time to time.
The registered office of the Corporation, required by the Arizona Nonprofit Corporation Act to be maintained in the State of Arizona may be, but need not be, identical with the principal office in the State of Arizona, and the Board of Directors may change the address of the registered office from time to time.
Section 3: Non-Profit Status
The Board shall conduct all corporate acts in accordance with the Arizona Nonprofit Corporation Act ("Act"), as amended, with all state and federal laws and regulations which may be necessary to obtain tax-exempt status under applicable state and federal law, and in compliance tor all exemptions afforded to a church. The Bylaws shall be maintained at the Corporation's principle office in Arizona as required by the Act.
The Corporation shall fully comply with all applicable anti-discrimination laws, rules, and regulations. In particular, it shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, or age in its education policies, admission policies, scholarship and benevolence programs, other school administered programs, or the provision of any rights or privileges to members, volunteers, or employees.
In the event of the dissolution of the Corporation, distribution of assets shall be made in accordance with the provisions of the Act. In no event shall assets be directly or indirectly distributed to, or inure to the benefit of any member, former member, director, former director, officer, or former officer of the Corporation.
Article II: Affiliation
Section 1: Denomination
LifeChurch International, Inc. is a member of the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) organization where affiliated ministers pay membership dues. We believe accountability is important and being part of a larger church body provides such opportunity and direction from the Superintendent of UPCI or local Presbyter at the discretion of the President or Board of Directors.
Article III: Members
The Corporation shall have members.
Section 1: Eligibility
- Three levels of membership are offered. Following are the eligibility requirements for each level of membership
- Attending Members are present at several services or events per year and consider LifeChurch to be their church home. They look to the Lead Pastor of LifeChurch as their pastor.
- Participating Members regularly attend LifeChurch and have committed to the Lead Pastor their intention to make this church their home. They are committed to the ministry at LifeChurch and financially support the operation of the church through their giving.
- Voting Members not only have pledged their support to the ministry of LifeChurch, but they have accepted the teaching of the Apostolic doctrine as set forth in the Articles of Faith of the United Pentecostal Church International. Principally this shall consist of repentance, baptism by immersion in water in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, receiving the Holy Ghost with the initial sign of speaking in other tongues.
- To be a voting member one must be at least sixteen years of age, meet the eligibility and qualifications for members, and be listed on the current Membership Roll.
Section 2: Membership Renewal
The membership shall be renewed annually following the official business meeting thereby maintaining a current roll of present and active members. Members, who have moved, transferred, or otherwise become ineligible or inactive shall not have their membership renewed. The registration for voting membership is closed on December 31 of each year until after the official business meeting of the following year.
Section 3: Obligations
As a voting member of the Corporation, each one must accept the following obligations:
- To conduct one's self everywhere as a Christian; with all honesty, morality, and integrity.
- To endeavor to manifest a loving spirit and gracious fellowship toward all of God's people.
- To be diligent in church attendance (Hebrews 10:25).
- To support the work of the Corporation with prayer and finances, according to the Scriptures. This shall include paying tithes and giving of offerings (Malachi 3:10, 1 Corinthians 16:2).
- To maintain family and personal devotion.
- To abide by the Bylaws of the Corporation as prescribed in this form of local church government (Hebrews 13:17, Titus 2:1-8).
- To abstain from all forms of substance abuse, specifically alcoholic beverages, illicit drugs, and tobacco in any form (2 Corinthians 7:1).
- To avoid ungodly and profane amusements or associations that may be detrimental to a Christian and bring reproach upon the name of Christ.
- To secure, in case of moving, a letter of membership from the former church, and unite with another church of the same faith as soon as possible.
Section 4: Admission
- All who are eligible and accept the foregoing obligations shall become Voting Members of the Corporation by registering their name and address with the corporate directory, and signing the annual membership renewal application as outlined in Section 2.
- No person being a member of another church in our affiliate organization(s) shall be received as a member of this Corporation without a letter of recommendation, a letter of membership, a release, a fellowship card from their former church, or a personal recommendation from their former pastor. In the event that such documentation or recommendation cannot be obtained, an individual moving into this Corporation from any other church may be received as a member only after a time of proving, meeting the qualifications of the Articles of Faith, and assuming the obligations as set forth above in Section 3.
- No person desiring to withdraw his or her membership shall be refused a letter of membership unless proven guilty of misconduct by confession or conviction.
Section 5: Disciplinary Action
- Any member failing or refusing after the first and second admonitions to keep the obligations and abide by the rules of the Corporation may be automatically suspended, or he or she may be dealt with according to the following methods (2 Thessalonians 3:6).
- If any member of this church be overtaken in a fault, he or she shall be dealt with according to Galatians 6:1 and James 5:19-20.
- Any grievance arising between individual members of this Corporation shall be dealt with according to Matthew 18:15-18. Should the accused be found guilty by the church, he or she may be dis-fellowshipped from the membership roll unless he or she truly repents and makes public confession.
Article IV: Board of Directors
Section 1: General Powers
The Board of Directors shall manage the affairs of the Corporation.
Section 2: Number, Tenure, and Qualifications
The number of Directors of the Corporation shall be three or as determined by resolution of the Board of Directors from time to time. The Directors shall hold office until their successors shall have been elected and qualified by the Board of Directors. The Directors need not be residents of the State of Arizona and need not be employees of the Corporation.
Section 3: Vacancies
Any vacancy occurring in the Board of Directors may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining Directors though less than a quorum of the Board of Directors, or by direct appointment by the President/CEO. A Director elected to fill a vacancy shall be elected for the unexpired term of his or her predecessor in office. Any Directorship to be filled by election by the Board of Directors shall continue for a term of office only until the next election of Directors.
Section 4: Compensation
By resolution of the Board of Directors, each Director may be paid his or her expenses, if any, of attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors, and may be paid a stated salary as Director or a fixed sum for attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors or both. No such payment shall preclude any Director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.
Section 5: Deadlock
In the event that an equal number of votes are cast for adoption or rejection of any proposal before the Board of Directors, a Director who is also the President/CEO of the Corporation, or such other person as may be named by the Board from time to time, may cast a vote in the decision to break the tie.
Article V: Meetings
Section 1: Regular Meetings
A regular meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held with reasonable notice to the Directors on the first day of March of each year beginning the year 2016 or at such other time as fixed by the Board. The Board of Directors may provide, by resolution, the time and place, either within or without the State of Arizona, for the holding of additional regular meetings without other notice than such resolution.
Section 2: Special Meetings
Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by or at the request of the President or a majority of the Directors. The person or persons authorized to call special meetings of the Board of Directors may fix any place, either within or without the State of Arizona, as the place for holding any special meeting of the Board of Directors called by them.
Section 3: Notice
Notice of any meeting shall be given at least four days previously thereto by written notice delivered personally or mailed to each Director at his or her business address, or by email to their respective email address. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail, so addressed, with postage thereon prepaid. If notice be given by email, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when the electronic read receipt is delivered to the sender. Any Director may waive notice of any meeting. The attendance of a Director at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where a Director attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors need be specified in the notice or waiver of notice of such meeting.
Section 4: Quorum
A majority of the number of Directors fixed by Article V Section 2 shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Directors, but if less than such majority is present at a meeting, a majority of the Directors present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice.
Section 5: Manner of Acting
The act of the majority of the Directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors.
Section 6: Action without a Meeting
Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board of Directors at a meeting may be taken without a meeting if consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by all of the Directors.
Article VI: Officers
Section 1: Number
The Officers of the Corporation shall be a President, Vice-President, and Secretary-Treasurer. Non Corporate-level Officers include the Executive Pastor(s), and the church Trustees, appointed by the President and ratified by the membership. The three Corporate-level Officers: Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer, are synonymous to the President, Vice-President, and Secretary-Treasurer respectively. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person, except the office of President. The office of the President shall be held by the Lead Pastor. The office of the Vice-President may be held by the Church Administrator.
The Board of Trustees will consist of three Directors appointed by the President and ratified by the voting membership.
Section 2: Election and Term
The Officers of the Corporation appointed annually by the President. If the appointment and ratification of Officers shall not be held at such meeting, such election shall be held as soon thereafter as conveniently may be. Each Officer shall hold office until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and shall have qualified or until his or her death or until he or she shall resign or shall have been removed in the manner hereinafter provided.
Section 3: Eligibility
- Lead Pastor: Must be in good standing with the United Pentecostal Church International; must have a recommendation from the District Superintendent or Presbyter of their home district.
- Other Officers: Must be members in good standing fulfilling their membership obligations and have proven themselves faithful.
Section 4: Removal
Any Officer or Agent may be removed by action of the Board of Directors by two-thirds vote whenever in its judgment the best interests of the Corporation will be served thereby, but such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed. Election or appointment of an Officer or agent shall not of itself create contract rights.
A vacancy in any Office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification or otherwise, may be filled by appointment by the President for the unexpired portion of the term.
Section 5: President
- The duties of the President shall be:
- To preach and teach the Word as God gives the ability.
- To visit and pray for the sick. The sick shall call for prayer when needed (James 5:14).
- To encourage the weak.
- To reprove and warn the unruly (Thessalonians 5:14, 2 Timothy 4:1-2).
- To give advice as needed, and be ready to every good work.
- The President's authority shall be as follows:
- The President shall have the oversight and superintendence of all interests of the church and of all departments of its work, both spiritual and temporal, and is responsible for the guardianship of all that are committed to his/her trust (1 Peter 5:2-3).
- The President should be consulted in regard to all business of any importance pertaining to the spiritual, moral, and material affairs of the church.
- The President shall call for and preside over all business and church Trustee meetings, and shall appoint committees when needed.
- The President shall have the oversight of all business and financial affairs including receipts and disbursements.
- The President's authority shall be as follows:
- The President may determine the amount received as salary from the resources of the ministerial tithes with the responsibility of stewardship for the tithes received and in consultation with the Finance Committee.
- In the event of a resignation of President (a vacancy in the Pastorate) the following shall apply:
- The President must give the church thirty days prior notice. By mutual agreement the time may be changed.
- After the President notifies the Corporation of the decision to resign, there shall be no changes made in the membership roll, or Officers.
- As long as the President is in good standing with the organization he the President shall retain the oversight of the Corporation until his the successor shall be duly elected.
- In case of a vacancy in the Pastorate where the President is not available or otherwise ineligible to retain the oversight, the church Treasurer shall immediately notify the District Superintendent of such a vacancy, and under his direction, call a business meeting, over which the District Superintendent or the Sectional Presbyter, whom he may authorize, shall preside, to choose a President or transact any other necessary business; however, be it understood that they may only invite the proposed President to speak and the decision as to who shall become the new President shall be decided by a majority vote of members present and qualified to vote (Article II Section 1.2), and that by secret ballot. All other business transacted during a vacancy, shall be endorsed by a majority vote of the members present and qualified to vote.
- In case of alleged misconduct, the President shall be reported to the Sectional Presbyter, who in turn shall notify the District Superintendent. Together they shall take action according to the procedures established by the United Pentecostal Church International affiliate church. The alleged misconduct may also be reported directly to the District Superintendent if necessary.
Section 6: Trustees
- The Board of Trustees shall be a Board of three rotating members who shall be appointed by the President and ratified by the Corporation for a term of three years, with one term expiring each year.
- Their duties shall be:
- To hold all property belonging to the Corporation in trust for the Corporation.
- To make all legal acquirements and transactions which the Corporation shall dictate and look after all repairs and improvements as directed by the Corporation.
- To work in harmony with the Lead Pastor.
Section 7: Secretary
- The Secretary shall be appointed by the President and ratified by the church for a term of one year. The Secretary and Treasurer can be the same Officer.
- The duties of the Secretary shall be to:
- Preserve records and keep the minutes of the proceedings of the Board of Directors in one or more books provided for that purpose.
- Receive and care for the funds of the Corporation.
- Make disbursements and keep an accurate record of all such transactions.
- Hold the books open for inspection by the Voting Members of the Corporation.
- See that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws or as required by law.
- Be custodian of the corporate records and of the seal of the Corporation, if any.
- Perform all duties incident to the Office of Secretary and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him/her by the President or by the Board of Directors.
Section 8: Treasurer
- The Treasurer shall be appointed by the President and ratified by the church for a term of one year. The Treasurer and Secretary can be the same Officer.
- The duties of the Treasurer shall be to:
- Have charge and custody of and be responsible for all funds and securities of the Corporation.
- Receive and give receipts for monies due and payable to the Corporation from any source whatsoever, and deposit all such monies in the name of the Corporation in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as shall be selected in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws.
- Perform all of the duties as from time to time may be assigned to him/her by the President or by the Board of Directors. If required by the Board of Directors, the Treasurer shall give a bond for the faithful discharge of his or her duties in such sum and with such surety or sureties as the Board of Directors shall determine.
- Create annual end of year giving statements to church parishioners at the beginning of each calendar year.
Section 9: Vice-President
- The Vice-President shall be appointed by the President and approved by the Board of Directors. The Office of the Vice-President may be held by the Church Administrator.
- Duties of the Vice-President shall be to:
- Support the President – Assist the President with church operations and serve as an advisor in matters of administration and ministry as needed by the President.
- Statutory Agent - Vice-President shall serve as the Statutory Agent for the Corporation with the Arizona Corporation Commission, and will submit the Annual Report required by Corporations Division of Arizona.
- Administrative Oversight – Oversee the church administrative functions as needed including but not limited to facility operations, maintenance and care of church properties, ensuring all necessary repairs and improvements are completed in a timely and cost-effective manner.
- Policy and Compliance – Implement church administrative policies and standard operating procedures approved by the President. Ensuring the church align with legal and denominational guidelines, maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Financial Coordination – Work with the President and Treasurer to manage financial operations, including budgeting, expense tracking, and financial reporting as necessary. Work with the Finance Committee to provide input on financial matters and administrative planning.
- Staff and Volunteer Assistance – Provide leadership and oversight as directed by the President for church staff and volunteers, ensuring operational efficiency and ministry effectiveness.
- Perform Other Duties as Assigned – Carry out additional duties as assigned by the President or Board of Directors to support the church’s ministry and administrative needs.
Section 10: Finance Committee
- A Finance Committee, chaired by the President, and consisting of the Executive Pastor(s), Secretary/Treasurer, Vice President, and one or more other yearly appointments to be ratified by the voting members of the Corporation.
- The purpose of the Finance Committee shall be to provide direction in the administration of church finances, and to act in an advisory capacity to the President, and to define the administrative benefits package.
- The Finance Committee will also review and approve other payroll packages for church personnel annually.
Section 11: Salaries
The salaries of the Officers shall be fixed from time to time by the Finance Committee and no Officer shall be prevented from receiving such salary by reason of the fact that he or she is also a Director of the Corporation.
Section 12: Dismissal of Officers
- Any Officer in any department of the church manifesting a lack of interest and failing to attend services a reasonable amount of time, except for illness, must be removed from office.
Article VII: Indemnity
The Corporation shall indemnify any Director or Officer or former Director or Officer of the Corporation against all expenses actually and reasonably incurred by them in connection with the settlement or defense of any action, suit of proceeding, civil or criminal, in which he or she is involved or made a party by reason of being or having been such Director or Officer. This indemnity, however, shall not extend to matters as to which such person shall be adjudged in such action, suit or proceeding, civil or criminal, to be liable for negligence or misconduct in performance of duty to the Corporation. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of other rights to which any Director or Officer may be entitled as a matter of law.
Article VIII: Contracts, Loans, Checks, and Deposits
Section 1: Contracts
The Board of Directors may authorize any Officer or Officers, Agent or Agents, to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. The Board of Directors may pass resolutions from time to time which limit the authority of persons to act on behalf of the Corporation.
Section 2: Loans
No loans shall be contracted on behalf of the Corporation and no evidences of indebtedness shall be issued in its name unless authorized by a resolution of the Board of Directors. Such authority may be general or confined to a specific instance.
Section 3: Checks, Drafts, etc.
All checks, drafts, or other orders for the payment of money, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers, agent or agents of the Corporation and in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors. All checks, drafts, or other orders for the payment of money, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the Corporation in excess of $10,000 shall be signed by two or more such officer or officers, agent or agents of the Corporation and in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors.
Section 4: Deposits
All funds of the Corporation not otherwise employed shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the Corporation in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as the Board of Directors may select.
Article IX: Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the Corporation shall begin on the first day of January and end on the thirty first day of December in each year.
Article X: Amendments
These Bylaws may be altered, amended, or repealed, and the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting may propose amendments and/or new Bylaws, all which must be ratified by majority vote of members at the annual business meeting.
Article XI: Ratification
Record of Adoption
LifeChurch International, Inc., a non-profit Corporation acting in accordance to a church in Gilbert, Arizona has met in a duly called business meeting with a quorum of Board of Directors and members present and caused to be adopted the foregoing form of local church government on November 6, 2015.