THE CONSTITUTION OF THE
LIVING WATER CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF JACKSONVILLE, INC.
 

Article 1
As believers in Christ, associated to maintain public worship, provide religious instruction, and
promote the Kingdom of God according to the Scriptures, this Church is organized as the Living Water Christian Church of Jacksonville, Inc., July 9, 2015. This Church is a local autonomy and is not connected with any state or national ecclesiastical, religious or quasi religious organization or corporation.

Article 2

The Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer of the Board of Elders shall serve in
their respective capacities as the following corporate officers: President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. 

THE BY-LAWS OF THE
LIVING WATER CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF JACKSONVILLE, INC.

Article 1
Membership
Section 1.1. Anyone may become a member after having made a public confession that they
believe in Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of God, accept Him as their Savior, and accept
the Bible as the rule of their faith and action. Moreover, the person shall have been duly
immersed or, having previously submitted to the above, met the criteria of Living Water
Christian Church as set by the Board of Elders and received the right hand of fellowship by a
Minister or an authorized representative of Living Water Christian Church.
Section 1.2. All members shall be considered active members who are supporting this Church by attendance in meetings of worship at least once a month, for the previous six months unless physically unable to attend.
Section 1.3. Only active members may vote in congregational meetings.

Article 2
Elders
Section 2.1. There shall be no fewer than five nor more than fifteen Elders. Elders shall be elected at the regular Annual Congregational Meeting of the Church as prescribed in Article 6, Section 6.3. In case of a vacancy, the Board of Elders, with a recommendation from the Nominating Committee, may fill such a vacancy until the first Annual Congregational Meeting following the vacancy when an Elder shall be elected in regular form.
Section 2.2. Elders’ duties involve protecting, feeding, leading, governing and shepherding the flock. (1 Timothy 3:1-7, 5:17; Titus 1:7; 1 Peter 5:1—3; and Acts 20:28.) Elders are responsible for the total doctrinal, financial, and functional welfare of the Church, including but not limited to oversight of material used for teaching, to certify scriptural qualifications of those teaching and to work for the general spiritual welfare of the Church. They shall approve the annual Church budget and submit it to the congregation for approval at the Annual Congregational Meeting.
Section 2.3. An Elder must avoid the use of alcoholic beverages and not encourage others to drink. This means social drinking, drinking with business clients, personally hosting cocktail parties and the encouragement of same, are not acceptable. Taking God’s name in vain and the use of curse words is strictly forbidden.
Section 2.4. From and after the first Annual Congregational meeting at which Elders are elected, any active male member of the Church who has been a member for at least one year, having met the scriptural qualifications as stated in 1 Timothy 3:1—7 and Titus 1:5—9, may be considered eligible for election to the role of Elder.
Section 2.5. Any candidate to serve on the Board of Elders must make known to the Nominating Committee before his name is presented to the congregation, that he will uphold the Constitution and By-Laws of Living Water Christian Church. He must also acknowledge his belief, agreement, and promise to uphold the requirements as set forth by the Nominating Committee which requirements shall include those referred to in this Article 2.
Section 2.6. For the purpose of church governance and leadership, a person is only considered an Elder for the period of time he is serving on the Board of Elders.

Article 3
Deacons
Section 3.1. Deacons shall be elected at the regular Annual Congregational Meeting of the Church as prescribed in Article 6, Section 6.3. In case of a vacancy, the Board of Elders, with a recommendation from the Nominating Committee, may fill such a vacancy until the first Annual Congregational Meeting following a vacancy when a Deacon shall be elected in regular form. The Board of Elders will appoint the initial Deacons.
Section 3.2. It shall be the duty of Deacons to assist the Elders and to provide for the general welfare of the Church as approved by the Board of Elders.
Section 3.3. A Deacon must avoid excessive use of alcoholic beverages and not encourage others to drink. This means social drinking, drinking with business clients, and personally hosting cocktail parties are discouraged. Taking God’s name in vain and the use of curse words is strictly forbidden.
Section 3.4. Any active member of the Church who has been a member for at least one year, having met the scriptural qualifications as stated in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 and Acts 6:3, may be considered eligible for election to the role of Deacon.
Section 3.5. Any candidate for Deacon must make known to the Nomination Committee before their name is presented to the congregation, that they will uphold the Constitution and By-Laws of Living Water Christian Church. They must acknowledge their belief, agreement, and promise to uphold the requirements as set forth by the Nominating Committee which requirements shall include those referred to in this Article 3.

Article 4
Ministers
Section 4.1. Each Minister shall be in agreement with the doctrinal position of and become a member of Living Water Christian Church. Furthermore, each Minister must believe without reservation in the full and final inspiration of the Bible to the extent that it is to him the infallible Word of God and therefore the all-sufficient rule of faith and practice. Each minister must believe unreservedly in the Deity and Supreme Authority of Christ, and must believe and accept without mental reservation Article 1 of the Constitution, and Article 1, Section 1.1 of the By-Laws.
Section 4.2. It shall be the duty of each Minister to have at heart the welfare of the congregation in every respect. They shall be charged to guide and promote the work of the Church and provide leadership and direction in the areas of ministry under their responsibility. Each minister shall visit non-members, members, and minister especially to the sick and distressed. Assistance and support of the congregation and especially the Elders and Deacons may be solicited.
Section 4.3. The compensation of each Minister and other church employees shall be such as is agreed upon by the Board of Elders with budget approval by the Finance Committee.
Section 4.4. The Senior Minister shall be responsible to the Board of Elders for the performance of the duties of his office and the character of his doctrinal teachings. All other ministers and church employees shall be under the authority of the Senior Minister for the performance of the duties of their respective offices.

Article 5
Board of Elders
Section 5.1. All duly elected Elders shall comprise the Board of Elders and shall meet periodically as such for the transaction of business pertaining to the welfare of the congregation. The Board of Elders shall be the official Church Board of Living Water Christian Church. The Senior Minister shall be an ex-officio member of the Board of Elders.

Section 5.2. The Board of Elders shall organize themselves and set regular meeting schedules near the beginning of each calendar year. The presence of two-thirds of the voting members of the Board of Elders shall constitute a quorum.
Section 5.3. It is hereby provided that when an Elder shall have been absent from two successive regular meetings of the Board of Elders, without having given satisfactory reason therefore, he shall be notified by the Chairman of the Elders. If such Elder is absent at the regular meeting following such notice, or has not sent a satisfactory reply to the Chairman, the position held by him may be declared vacant, and the Elders may immediately fill such a vacancy as herein provided. The Board of Elders shall determine by vote if reasons given are satisfactory.
Section 5.4. No member of the Board of Elders may hold the same office within the Board of Elders (Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer) for more than two consecutive years.
Section 5.5. At a Church service during the first month of the Church year, having been recommended by the Senior Minister and approved by the Board of Elders, a service for the ordination of all newly elected Elders and Deacons shall be held.
Section 5.6. All newly elected Elders shall assume their respective duties at the next regular Elders’ meeting after being elected, however, without voting power until the first day of the next Church year.
Section 5.7. At the regular Elders' meeting following the Annual Congregational Meeting each year, the Elders shall organize, electing from their number a Chairman, a Vice Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer. These officers shall assume their duties on the first day of the next Church year. The Church year shall begin on January 1 of each year.
Section 5.8. The duties of the Chairman shall be to preside at all congregational meetings of the Church. He shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Elders, appoint all committees as
provided in the By-Laws, unless otherwise ordered by the Board of Elders, call all special meetings of the Board of Elders when in his judgment the urgency of the matter demands, or at the request of one-third of the members of the Board of Elders. The Board of Elders must be notified by electronic mail, regular mail, phone, or personally. However, regarding non-urgent matters, at least seven days notice must be given before such time of the special meetings. He shall present for adoption a schedule of regular Board of Elders’ meetings at the first Board of Elders’ meeting during the first month of the new Church year. He shall be an ex-officio member of all committees having full voting power. The Chairman will also be the president of the Church.
Section 5.9. It shall be the duty of the Vice-Chairman to preside at all duly called meetings in the absence of the Chairman and to assist in any way consistent with his abilities as requested by the Chairman. He shall be an ex-officio member of all committees having full voting power. The Vice-Chairman will also be the vice-president of the Church.
Section 5.10. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to note the Elders present at all regular and special meetings, to keep the minutes of the Board of Elders’ meetings, and to perform such other duties as required of him by the Board of Elders, not inconsistent with the position of Secretary. The Secretary is to notify the Chairman of the Elders with the names of those in violation of Article 5, Section 5.3 of the By-Laws. The Secretary shall preside in the absence of the Chairman and Vice Chairman.
Section 5.11. At least one member of the Board of Elders will serve as a representative on the Finance Committee.
Section 5.12. Each Elder is expected to assume the responsibilities, as agreed upon by the Board of Elders along with faithful attendance at the Board of Elders’ meetings.
Section 5.13. An Emeritus position is an honorary one without voting privileges.

Article 6
Elections
Section 6.1. A Senior Minister may be called by a three-fourths vote of the active membership present in any duly called Congregational Meeting provided the following prescribed procedure has been carried out. In the event of a vacancy in the pulpit, the Chairman of the Elders shall appoint a Pulpit Committee consisting of a minimum of five members, three of whom must be Elders. The Pulpit Committee members shall fully acquaint themselves with the man to be considered, and after unanimous approval, recommend his name to the Elders. The man's name may not be presented to the Church for its approval until his name has been approved by at least a three- fourths majority of the Board of Elders. After said candidate has preached one or more sermons, the Board of Elders is to again reach a three-fourths favorable majority before his name is presented to the congregation for approval. Only one candidate shall be presented to the congregation at a time. The Senior Minister's services may be terminated in the following manner: If resignation is initiated on his part, he shall in writing, present his resignation to the Board of Elders. Upon approval of three-fourths or more of the Eldership, it shall then be read to the congregation. If resignation of the minister is not initiated by him, at least a three-fourths majority of the Eldership must recommend his removal whereupon he shall be asked to resign or be terminated. A statement as to the actions of the Board of Elders shall then be read to the congregation by the Chairman of the Elders. The congregation shall not vote on the departure of a minister. The Senior Minister's services may be terminated on a thirty day notice by either the Board of Elders or the Minister. This thirty day period may be lengthened or shortened by mutual agreement. The thirty day notice begins on the date of the Board of Elders’ final vote.
Section 6.2. The procedures to call, employ, terminate, or replace a Minister, other than the Senior Minister, or any employee of the Church shall be the responsibility of the Senior Minister. The Senior Minister may, but is not required, seek guidance from the Board of Elders.
Section 6.3. Elders and Deacons shall be elected by a three-fourths or more secret ballot vote of the active members of the Church present at the regular Annual Congregation Meeting provided they have been examined and recommended by the Nominating Committee and have received a majority vote of the Board of Elders at a regular or special meeting thereof. The Board of Elders may make mid-year appointments that must be affirmed by the Congregation at the next Annual Congregation Meeting.
Section 6.4. Any person occupying the position of Elder Emeritus, shall be elected by a two-thirds majority vote of the active membership present at the Annual Congregational Meeting provided he has been examined and received a majority vote of the Board of Elders at a regular or special meeting thereof.
Section 6.5. If a man has been ordained as an Elder or Deacon of the Living Water Christian Church, and is re-elected, it will not be necessary for him to be ordained again.
Section 6.6. No member of the Board of Elders shall serve longer than six years in succession at which time he shall rotate off for no less than one year. Elders, when their term of office expires, shall be ineligible to serve as an Elder for a period of no less than one-year. Regardless, each current member of the Board of Elders shall be evaluated annually for fulfilling expectations to the Board of Elders. An Elder having become ineligible due to rotation or an unacceptable evaluation may not again be on the Board of Elders until recommended by the Nominating Committee as required for all nominees.
Section 6.7. No deacon shall serve longer than three years in succession at which time he shall rotate off for no less than one year. Deacons, when their term of office expires, shall be ineligible to serve as a Deacon for a period of no less than one-year. Regardless, each current Deacon shall be evaluated for his service to the church. A Deacon having become ineligible due to rotation or an unacceptable evaluation may not again be considered until recommended by the Nominating Committee as required for all nominees.

Article 7
Annual Congregational Meeting of the Church
Section 7.1. There shall be held each year, a general meeting of the members of the Church, which shall be known as the regular Annual Congregational Meeting of the Living Water Christian Church, Inc. of Jacksonville, Florida, for the election of Elders and Deacons, approval of the Church budget, and to transact such other business as may legally come before it. The exact date of the above is to be published or announced at every worship service during the four weeks, prior to the meeting.
Section 7.2. It is hereby provided that the number of active members of the Church present at the regular Annual Congregational Meeting shall be considered a quorum.
Section 7.3. Special meetings of the Church Congregation for the transaction of urgent or unusual business may be called by a majority vote of the Board of Elders. All business transacted at such meeting shall be binding and have the same force as if transacted at a regular Annual Congregational Meeting. The exact date and the purpose of the meeting shall be published in the Church Bulletin and announced from the pulpit at every worship service during the four weeks prior to the meeting. No other business may be considered aside from that stated in the call. For those eligible to vote in Annual or special meetings, see Article 1, Sections 1.2 and 1.3.
Section 7.4. All congregational meetings shall be presided over by the Chairman of the Elders, and in his absence or inability to act, the Vice Chairman shall act. In the absence of both, the Secretary of the Elders shall preside. In the absence of all three, a presiding officer shall be elected by a majority vote of the Elders present.

Article 8
Indemnification of Officers and Directors
Section 8.1. The Church will, to the fullest extent permitted or required by the Florida Non-Profit Act (the “Act”), as amended (but in the case of an amendment, only to the extent the amendment permits or requires the Church to provide broader indemnification rights), indemnify its Officers and Directors against any and all Liabilities, and advance any and all reasonable Expenses, incurred in any Proceeding to which an Officer or Director is a Party because he or she is or was an Officer or Director of the Church. The rights to indemnification will not be considered exclusive of any other rights to indemnification against Liabilities or the advancement of Expenses to which an Officer or Director may be entitled under any written agreement, Board resolution, law, or otherwise. The Church may, but will not be required to, supplement the foregoing rights to indemnification against Liabilities and advancement of Expenses by the purchase of insurance on behalf of any one or more of its Officers and Directors, whether or not the Church would be obligated to indemnify or advance Expenses to an Officer or Director. For purposes of this Article, the terms “Officers” and “Directors” includes former officers and directors and any officers and directors who are or were serving at the request of the Church as officers, directors, employees, or agents of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, including, without limitation, any employee benefit plan (other than in the capacity as agents separately retained and compensated for the provision of goods or services to the enterprise, including, without limitations, attorneys-at-law, accountants, and financial consultants). All other capitalized terms used in this article and not otherwise defined in the Bylaws will have the meaning set forth in Section 607.0850, Florida Statutes, as applicable for non-profit corporations under to Section 617.0831 of the Act. Any indemnification hereunder is subject to limitations, if any, imposed by the private foundation “self-dealing” provisions of Section 4941 of the Internal Revenue Code as amended. The provisions of this Article are intended solely for the benefit of the indemnified parties, their heirs, and personal representatives and will not create any rights in favor of third parties. No amendment to or repeal of this Article will diminish the rights of indemnification provided for prior to an amendment or repeal.

Article 9
Duality and Conflict of Interest
Section 9.1. In consideration that Board of Elders Membership carries with it a requirement of loyalty and fidelity to the Church, it is the responsibility of the Elders, collectively and individually, to govern the Church’s affairs honestly and economically, exercising their best care, skill and judgment for the benefit of the Church. The possibility of any duality of interest or possible conflict of interest can be best handled through full disclosure of any interest together with non-involvement in any vote in which the interest is involved, therefore:
(a) Any duality of interest or possible conflict of interest on the part of any Elder should be disclosed to the other Elders and made a matter of record, either through an annual procedure or when the interest becomes a matter of Board of Elders action.
(b) Any Elder having a duality of interest or possible conflict of interest on any matter should not vote nor use his personal influence on the matter. The minutes of the meeting should reflect that a disclosure was made, the recusal from voting, and the quorum situation.
(c) The foregoing requirements should not be construed as preventing the Elder from briefly stating his position in the matter, nor from answering pertinent questions of other Elders since his knowledge may be of great assistance.

Article 10
Miscellaneous Items of Importance
Section 10.1. No smoking shall be permitted in any part of the Church Building at any time.
Section 10.2. All organizations of this Church shall be under the jurisdiction of the Elders. Each may have a constitution, which constitution and any amendment or revision of the same must be approved by the Elders. It shall furthermore be understood that every action taken by the organization shall be subject to the approval or revision of the Elders.
Section 10.3. The Finance Committee will be organized as such to represent the congregation. Members will be selected based on ability and desire and there shall be no fewer than 5 and no more than 15 members at any given time. At least one member of the Board of Elders will be represented on the Finance Committee. The Treasurer will serve as the Chairman of the Finance Committee of the Church and will serve as the Treasurer of the Church. The Treasurer will be selected by the Board of Elders.
Section 10.4. All amusements, entertainment, socials, picnics, and similar activities shall be conducted in a manner devoid of offense and in accord with the highest Christian standards. All forms of gambling, lewd or suggestive dancing, and intoxicating substances are barred from all connection with any function of the Church.
Section 10.5. All members of this Church should be willing to share generously and grow toward tithing and beyond in the matter of personal finances. The leaders of the Church must lead the way with their example.
Section 10.6. Income necessary to operate the Church through its budget is to be generated from voluntary contributions of members and persons supporting the Church through regular and special offerings. Any other methods of raising monies in the name of the Church, or any of its related organizations, shall be approved by the Finance Committee.
Section 10.7. Guidelines, for the sale of merchandise and exchange of money on the Church property shall be established and approved by the Board of Elders.
Section 10.8. Freedom of Missionary preference is limited to those missions, individuals, organizations, etc. that teach and believe those things contained in Article 1 of the Constitution; Article 1, Section 1.1; and Article 4, Section 4.1 of the By-Laws.
Section 10.9. The rules contained in Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised, will govern the Church in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the Articles and Bylaws of the Church.
Section .10.10. In all matters the Church shall be governed by the Bible as interpreted by the Board of Elders.
Section 10.11. Any requested amendment to Constitution and By-laws or Living Water Christian Church, Inc. must be submitted to the Elders in writing. The Elders will review and upon approval will submit the amendment to the Congregation at the congregational meeting for acceptance. Any amendment that does not meet approval of the Elders will be taken back to the person requesting the amendment for discussion.
Approved on August 6, 2015
________________________________
Jim Bird, Secretary