The Council of Elders shall organize itself however it determines to be best in order to accomplish the mission of the church. The elders shall be equal in authority but may be specialized in function. All decisions of the elders shall be reached after prayerful consideration by unanimous vote in a spirit of humility, with each elder regarding one another before himself. The Council of Elders shall annually select its Chairman and Vice-Chairman from among its lay elders. The Council of Elders shall be composed of men only.

Subject to the limitations of this Constitution and By-Laws and of pertinent restrictions of state and federal law, all the activities and affairs of the Redeemer Bible Church shall be exercised by or under the direction of the elders. Without prejudice to such general powers, but subject to the same limitations, it is hereby expressly declared that the elders shall have the following powers in addition to any others enumerated in this Constitution and By-Laws: (1) To select and remove as described in this Constitution and By-Laws all officers, agents, pastors, staff and employees of the church, and to prescribe such duties for them consistent with the Bible, law and/or this Constitution and By-Laws, as they may deem best. (2) To generally conduct, manage and control the activities and affairs of the church and to make such rules and regulations consistent with the Bible, law and/or this Constitution and By-Laws, as they may deem best. (3) To establish policies and practices for the church consistent with the purposes of this church. (4) To make such disbursements from the funds and properties of Redeemer Bible Church as are required to fulfill the purposes of this church. (5) To carry on a business in which it may legally engage and apply any such proceeds that result from the business as they see fit.

Since the Church should endeavor to recognize all the men whom the Holy Spirit has endowed with the requisite graces, gifts and sanctified desire, the number of elders shall not be fixed. The Scripture teaches that normally there should be a plurality of elders in each local assembly (Acts 14:23, 16:4, 20:17; Titus 1:5; Jam 5:14). Therefore, theChurch should endeavor to discover and formally recognize all the men whom the Holy Spirit has called, but only such men.

A majority of the active eldership shall be composed of church members not in the regular pay of the church. No elder shall hold the office of deacon during his tenure.

Each elder must possess the qualifications described in 1Tim 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9.  He shall be . . .

1 ovre,getai, be eager for, long for, desire, aspire to, reach for, evpiqumei/, long for, desire; covet – 1Tim 3:1

• One who desires the office.  A man must first have a great desire to serve the church as an overseer.
  

2 avne,gklhtoj, beyond reproach, without fault, not called to account, unreprovable, irreproachable, blameless –Titus 1:6.  avnepi,lhmpton, above reproach – 1Tim 3:2

• Blameless; above reproach.  Accusations against him are baseless and there are no hidden sins.
  

3 mia/j gunaiko.j avnh,r, literally – "with one wife husband" i.e., a husband with a wife, the husband of one wife – Titus 1:6.  mia/j gunaiko.j a;ndra, a one woman man – 1Tim 3:2

• The husband of one wife; a one-woman man.  He has single-minded dedication to his wife.
  

4 tou/ ivdi,ou oi;kou kalw/j proi?sta,menon, in one's own house he is a leader, has authority over, manages; cares for, gives help; engages in – 1Tim 3:4

• One who rules his own house well and with dignity.  Those in his house are submitted to his leadership and he manages and cares for all his household.
  

5 te,kna e;conta evn u`potagh/|, his children are kept in; obedience, submission, subordination, subjection, meta. pa,shj semno,thtoj, with all; seriousness, gravity, proper conduct, respectability – 1Tim 3:4

• One who keeps his children in order.  His children are obedient to him and behave properly.
  

6 te,kna e;cwn, having children, pista,, faithful, trustworthy, reliable; believing; sure, true, unfailing – Titus 1:6

• One whose children are faithful.  His children are faithful to his leadership.
  

7 te,kna e;cwn, having children, mh. evn kathgori,a|, not accused of, avswti,aj, dissipation, reckless living, wastefulness

h' avnupo,takta, disorderly, disobedient; outside of control, not made subject, not subject to rule, unruly – Titus 1:6

• One whose children do not live in a rebellious, disorderly, lawless way.  His children are not accused of rebellion to him nor the laws of society.
  

8 evgkrath/, self-controlled, master of self – Titus 1:8.  nhfa,lion, temperate, sober – 1Tim 3:2

• Self-controlled, temperate, sober.  He has mastered his appetites and desires.
  

9 sw,frona, sensible, sound mind, sane – 1Tim 3:2 & Titus 1:8

• Sensible, sane, of sound mind.  He is in his right mind.
  

10 ko,smion, well behaved, respectable; befitting, modest, orderly, decent – 1Tim 3:2

• Well behaved, orderly, decent.  He is known for his good behavior.
  

11 filo,xenon, hospitable, loving strangers – 1Tim 3:2 & Titus 1:8

• Given to hospitality.  He is hospitable to friends and strangers alike.
  

12 evpieikh/, gentle, forbearing, considerate, equitable, fair, moderate, seemly, fitting – 1Tim 3:3

• Forbearing, considerate, moderate, gentle.  He is attentive and understanding with others.
  

13 a;macon, peaceful, abstaining from fighting, non-combatant, not contentious – 1Tim 3:3

• Peaceful.  He seeks peace and is not easily provoked.
  

14 mh., not, ovrgi,lon, quick-tempered, inclined to anger, passionate – Titus 1:7

mh., not, plh,kthn, a quick-tempered or violent man, a striker, a brawler – 1Tim 3:3 & Titus 1:7

• Not quick-tempered, inclined to anger, pugnacious nor violent.  He is not known for being a violent, fighting man.
  

15 fila,gaqon, loving what is good, loving goodness – Titus 1:8

• Loves goodness and what is good.  He loves people of good character and things of good quality.
  

16 kalh.n, good, marturi,an, testimony, witness, evidence; reputation with those outside the church – 1Tim 3:7

• Has a good reputation with those outside the Church.  His good character is consistent in every area of life and recognized even by unbelievers.
  

17 di,kaion, upright, righteous, good; just, right – Titus 1:8

• Just, fair, righteous.  He makes fair and impartial judgments based on righteousness.
  

18 o[sion, holy, devout, pious, righteous, religiously right – Titus 1:8

• Holy, devout, pious.  He strives to avoid sin and live righteously.
  

19 didaktiko,n, able to teach, apt at teaching – 1Tim 3:2

• Apt to teach.  He has a demonstrated ability to teach well.
  

20 dunato.j, able to, strong, mighty, powerful, parakalei/n, call for, summon, entreat, evoke, beg, urge; encourage, speak words of encouragement; request, ask, appeal, to; console, comfort, cheer up, didaskali,a|, what is taught, teaching, doctrine, instruction, u`giainou,sh|, sound, healthy, correct, well-grounded – Titus 1:9

• Able to persuasively teach correct biblical doctrine.  He is able to teach, exhort and persuade believers according to accurate and sound biblical doctrine.
  

21 avntile,gontaj, contradict, object to, oppose, resist, evle,gcein, show (him his) fault/error, convict of fault/error, convince of fault/error; show something up for what it is; prove guilty, condemn; rebuke, reprove – Titus 1:9

• Able to refute false teaching.  He is able to first recognize an then biblically refute unbiblical teaching.

22 avnteco,menon tou/ kata. th.n didach.n pistou/ lo,gou, loyal to the teaching of the faithful word – Titus 1:9

KJV, Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught; NAS, holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching; ESV, He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught

• One who holds firmly to the faithful word as taught in the bible.  He is loyal to the word of God and sound theology.
  

23 mh., not, pa,roinon, drunkard, given to strong drink – 1Tim 3:3 & Titus 1:7

• Not a drunkard or given to drink.  He is neither a habitual nor excessive drinker of alcohol.
  

24 mh., not, aivscrokerdh/, greedy for material gain – Titus 1:7.

avfila,rguron, not greedy for money, without love of money – 1Tim 3:3

• Not greedy or covetous; not a lover of money; not fond of sordid gain.  He does not pursue materialistic accumulation of wealth and possessions.
  

25 mh., not, neo,futon, recently converted, novice – 1Tim 3:6

• Not a new convert; not a novice.  He has been a Christian long enough for his godly character to be evident to all.
  

26 mh., not, auvqa,dh, arrogant, self-willed, self-pleasing – Titus 1:7 

• Not arrogant or self-willed.  He is humble and prefers others before himself.

All nominees for the office of elder shall be examined by the elders according to the qualifications for elders found in 1Tim 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9 as listed in this Constitution and By-Laws.

If the elders know of a reason why a nominee is not qualified they shall meet privately with him, explain their position regarding his lack of qualification(s) and remove him from the list of nominees.

The elders shall then inquire whether the remaining nominees desire to serve the Church as an elder.  A list of those that desire the office shall then be posted in alphabetical order for four (4) consecutive weeks.

Anyone knowing a reason why a nominee may not be qualified for the eldership shall privately and in person inform the elders of their concern(s) regarding a nominee's lack of qualification(s).  The elders will then carefully examine the person bringing the concern, the concern itself and the nominee.  If the concern is found to be accurate the nominee will be removed from the list of nominees.

The remaining nominees are elder candidates and shall be given oversight in areas corresponding to their giftedness and desires and be carefully observed by the elders.  If, during this examination, a candidate is found to not be qualified the elders shall explain their position regarding his lack of qualification(s) and remove him from the list of candidates.

If, after this period of examination, the elders are convinced of the individual’s calling to the office he will be considered approved for the eldership.  The final list of candidates approved by the elders shall be posted at least two weeks prior to a congregational meeting of the church members.  At this meeting the church members will have the opportunity to express whether they believe the elder candidate(s) is/are call to elder ministry.

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Upon initial approval by the elders of a man to the office of elder as described in the section titled “Candidacy, Examination and Recognition of Elders”, the church members in good standing shall express if they affirm or not the candidate’s recognition as an elder.  This query is not about whether the man is qualified to be an elder.  That determination will have been made during the candidacy, examination and recognition phase.  This query is a statement by the congregation of whether they will accept ministry from the man and follow his leadership.  If a candidate does not receive at least 90% affirmation from the congregation then the candidate shall not be recognized as an elder and he shall not be a member of the Council of Elders.  A man who has not been confirmed by the congregation may be nominated again and then repeat the candidacy, examination, recognition and confirmation process.

Every two years each elder, including all pastors and elders paid by the church, shall be re-confirmed by a vote of affirmation of the church members in good standing.  This vote is not about whether the man is qualified to be an elder.  That determination will have been made during the candidacy, examination and recognition phase.  This vote is a statement by the congregation of whether they will continue to accept ministry from the man and follow his leadership.  If an elder does not receive at least 90% affirmation from the congregation then the elder and his ministry will be placed under review by the rest of the elders.

An elder being under review will consist of: The elder may or may not be required by the rest of the elders to cease ministering and serving as an elder while he is under review.  The review will take no more than three months.  After the review the elders will report their findings to the congregation at a regular meeting of the congregation or a meeting called for this purpose.  If a man is found by the elders to be unqualified to serve as an elder he shall immediately be removed from the Council of Elders.  If a man is found to be qualified to serve as an elder he shall continue in that ministry.  The congregation will be able to ask questions at the meeting and the elders are to answer as appropriate.

A man may continue in the office of elder as long as he remains qualified, able and willing to serve.

Voluntary Resignation 

An elder may resign his office if he finds he is no longer able to discharge his duties with a good conscience.

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Non-culpable Incompetence

In cases where the elders determine that another elder is no longer competent to fulfill the duties of his office, by reason of infirmities not of themselves culpable, they shall explain their concerns to him and seek his resignation.  If said elder does not agree with the assessment of the remaining elders, the elder will continue in office until the eldership reaches unanimity on the matter.

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Negligence

An elder, pastor or minister may fail to fulfill his ministry as defined and directed by the Council of Elders.  Knowledge of such negligence may be brought before the full Council of Elders by any two elders or any two members of the church in good standing.  If the elders, after review as described in the section of this Constitution and By-Laws titled “Ongoing Confirmation to the Office of Elder”, believes the elder, pastor or minister to be negligent in his duties then the elder and/or vocational call of the pastor or minister may be terminated as described in the section of this Constitution and By-Laws titled “Ongoing Confirmation to the Office of Elder”.

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Grievance

Where a grievance exists against an elder, pastor, or minister, either due to his preaching or teaching contrary to the beliefs of the church or to alleged conduct on his part unfitting an elder, minister, or deacon, such grievance may be brought before the full Council of Elders by any two members of the church in good standing.  If the elders, after review as described in the section of this Constitution and By-Laws titled “Ongoing Confirmation to the Office of Elder”, believe the grievance to be true and substantial then the elder and/or vocational call of the Pastor or Minister may be terminated as described in the section of this Constitution and By-Laws titled “Ongoing Confirmation to the Office of Elder”.

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Church Discipline

An elder may be removed from office by church discipline as described in this Constitution and By-Laws.

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Implications of cessation and Termination

When a man leaves the office of elder he no longer retains the authority of an elder and may no longer continue in its functions, privileges and titles in relation to this church, other churches, and society at large.  All former elders will respect the sanctity of the trust previously given to them and they will maintain confidentiality in all matters as required by Scripture, this Constitution and By-Laws, the Creeds and Confession of Redeemer Bible Church and the judgment of the existing elders.  A former elder may again be considered for elder in the manner prescribed in this Constitution and By-Laws.

This list must not be considered as the only responsibilities that elders are accountable for. The obligation to “shepherd the flock of God” encompasses much more than any list can include. This starting point provides the basic direction, points of accountability and principles needed for an elder to fulfill his ministry.

Responsibilities of Elders Stated Positively, Elders are to;

1)  have the authority to delegate important tasks, Acts 6:1-6

2)  direct the congregation in important tasks, Acts 6:1-6

3)  initiate ministries within the church, Acts 6:1-6

4)  devote themselves to prayer, Acts 6:1-6

5)  devote themselves to the ministry of the Word, Acts 6:1-6

6)  lay their hands on individuals to commission them to ministry, Acts 6:1-6; 1Tim 4:14, 5:21-22

7)  be involved with and responsible for finances, Acts 11:28-30

8)  serve for the people in the church, Acts 14:23

9)  hear-out and judge doctrinal issues in the church, Acts 15:1-7

10)  check on the status and progress of other ministers, Acts 15:1-7, 21:17-19

11)  examine doctrinal issues, Acts 15:1-7

12)  discuss/debate doctrinal issues between themselves, Acts 15:1-7

13)  inform the church of their decisions concerning doctrinal issues, Acts 15:20-23 & 28

14)  involve the congregation in making some decisions, Acts 6:1-6, 15:20-23 & 28

15)  make decisions that are binding upon the church, Acts 15:20-23 & 28, 16:4

16)  be with the people, Acts 20:17-21, 28-31 & 35

17)  serve the Lord by serving the church with humility, Acts 20:17-21, 28-31 & 35

18)  declare to the church anything that is profitable for them, Acts 20:17-21, 28-31 & 35

19)  teach the people in public, Acts 20:17-21, 28-31 & 35; 1Thess 5:12; 1Tim 4:12-5:2

20)  teach the people in private, Acts 20:17-21, 28-31 & 35; 1Thess 5:12; 1Tim 4:12-5:2

21)  declare doctrines of the gospel, Acts 20:17-21, 28-31 & 35

22)  stand guard over their own life and doctrine, Acts 20:17-21, 28-31 & 35

23)  stand guard over the life and doctrine of the church, Acts 20:17-21, 28-31 & 35

24)  shepherd the church, Acts 20:17-21, 28-31 & 35; 1Pet 5:1-5

25)  be alert and watchful, Acts 20:17-21, 28-31 & 35

26)  remember the faithfulness of past elders and imitate them, Acts 20:17-21, 28-31 & 35

27)  be an example to the church, Acts 20:17-21, 28-31 & 35; 1Tim 4:12-5:2; Titus 2:7; 1Pet 5:1-5

28)  work hard, Acts 20:17-21, 28-31 & 35; 1Thess 5:12; 1Tim 5: 17 & 21-22

29)  help the weak, Acts 20:17-21, 28-31 & 35

30)  remember the words of Jesus, Acts 20:17-21, 28-31 & 35

31)  give rather than receive, Acts 20:17-21, 28-31 & 35

32)  resolve important issues on their own authority, Acts 21:17-25

33)  lead the congregation, Rom 12:8; Heb 13:7 & 17

34)  be careful and precise in how they go about their duties, 1Cor 3:1-11

35)  be seen as servants of God, 1Cor 4:1-2

36)  administrate the mysteries of God, 1Cor 4:1-2

37)  be trustworthy, 1Cor 4:1-2

38)  be in charge of and rule over the congregation, 1Thess 5:12; 1Tim 5:17

39)  fight for the faith, 1Tim 1:18-19, 6:10-14

40)  maintain faith, 1Tim 1:18-19

41)  have a clear conscience, 1Tim 1:18-19

42)  men who desire to serve in the office of elder, 1Tim 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9

43)  be blameless, above reproach, 1Tim 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9<

44)  be the husband of one wife, 1Tim 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9

45)  rule their own house well and with dignity, 1Tim 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9

46)  be self-controlled, temperate, sober, 1Tim 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9

47)  be sensible, sane, of sound mind, 1Tim 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9<

48)  be well behaved, orderly descent, 1Tim 3:1-7

49)  be given to hospitality, 1Tim 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9

50)  be forbearing, considerate, moderate, gentle, 1Tim 3:1-7

51)  be peaceable, 1Tim 3:1-7

52)  be able to teach, 1Tim 3:1-7

53)  able to keep his children under control with dignity, 1Tim 3:1-7

54)  take care of the church, 1Tim 3:1-7

55)  have a good reputation with those outside the church, 1Tim 3:1-7

56)  discipline themselves with, in and for godliness, 1Tim 4:7

57)  be an example of proper speech to all believers, 1Tim 4:12-5:2

58)  be an example of proper conduct to all believers, 1Tim 4:12-5:2

59)  be an example of proper love to all believers, 1Tim 4:12-5:2

60)  be an example of proper faith to all believers, 1Tim 4:12-5:2

61)  be an example of proper purity to all believers, 1Tim 4:12-5:2

62)  read Scripture in public, 1Tim 4:12-5:2

63)  exhort believers, 1Tim 4:12-5:2

64)  take pains to be precise in living godly, 1Tim 4:12-5:2

65)  be absorbed in living godly and their duties, 1Tim 4:12-5:2

66)  be noticeably maturing in the faith, 1Tim 4:12-5:2

67)  examine their own teaching carefully, 1Tim 4:12-5:2

68)  examine their own lives carefully, 1Tim 4:12-5:2

69)  persevere in godly living, 1Tim 4:12-5:2

70)  treat all people properly according to their station, 1Tim 4:12-5:2

71)  be careful about laying on hands so they do not release an unqualified person on the church, 1Tim 5:21-22

72)  keep themselves free from sin, 1Tim 5:21-22

73)  flee from greed, 1Tim 6:10-14

74)  pursue righteousness, 1Tim 6:10-14

75)  pursue godliness, 1Tim 6:10-14

76)  pursue faith, 1Tim 6:10-14

77)  pursue love, 1Tim 6:10-14

78)  pursue perseverance, 1Tim 6:10-14

79)  pursue gentleness, 1Tim 6:10-14

80)  keep the commandment without fault, 1Tim 6:10-14

81)  guard the responsibilities entrusted to them, 1Tim 6:20

82)  avoid worldly chatter, 1Tim 6:20

83)  avoid empty chatter, 1Tim 6:20

84)  avoid false and apparently knowledgeable arguments, 1Tim 6:20

85)  diligently work to be approved by God, 2Tim 2:15

86)  accurately handle the Word of Truth, 2Tim 2:15

87)  preach the Word, 2Tim 4:1-2; Heb 13:7

88)  be ready at all times to fulfill your responsibilities, 2Tim 4:1-2

89)  reprove with patience and instruction, 2Tim 4:1-2

90)  rebuke with patience and instruction, 2Tim 4:1-2

91)  exhort with patience and instruction, 2Tim 4:1-2

92)  maintain order in the church, Titus 1:5-9

93)  have children who are faithful, Titus 1:5-9

94)  be God’s stewards, Titus 1:5-9

95)  love goodness and what is good, Titus 1:5-9

96)  be just, fair, righteous, Titus 1:5-9

97)  be holy, devout, pious, Titus 1:5-9

98)  hold firmly to the faithful word and teach it, Titus 1:5-9

99)  exhort the church in sound doctrine, Titus 1:5-9

100)  refute those who contradict sound doctrine, Titus 1:5-9

101)  speak in accordance with sound doctrine, Titus 2:1

102)  maintain purity in doctrine, Titus 2:7

103)  be dignified, Titus 2:7

104)  exercise authority when speaking, exhorting and reproving, Titus 2:15-3:2

105)  remind the congregation to be subject to their rulers, Titus 2:15-3:2

106)  remind the congregation to be subject to those in authority over them, Titus 2:15-3:2

107)  remind the congregation to be obedient, Titus 2:15-3:2

108)  remind the congregation to be ready to do good deeds, Titus 2:15-3:2

109)  remind the congregation to not speak evil of or malign anyone, Titus 2:15-3:2

110)  remind the congregation to be peaceable, Titus 2:15-3:2

111)  remind the congregation to be gentle, Titus 2:15-3:2

112)  remind the congregation to be considerate of all people, Titus 2:15-3:2

113)  cast out factious people in the church, Titus 3:10

114)  keep watch over the souls of believers, Heb 13:17

115)  give an account of their ministry to God, Heb 13:17

116)  pray for those in the church, Jam  5:14

117)  minister to those who are sick, Jam  5:14

118)  shepherd the flock of God, 1Pet 5:1-5

119)  exercise oversight of the church, 1Pet 5:1-5

120)  serve the church voluntarily, 1Pet 5:1-5

121)  be elders according to the will of God, 1Pet 5:1-5

122)  serve with eagerness, 1Pet 5:1-5

123)  be humble, 1Pet 5:1-5

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Responsibilities of Elders Stated Negatively, Elders must not;

1)  neglect the Word of God, Acts 6:1-6

2)  be an innovator in the basics of the faith, 1Cor 3:1-11

3)  be shaken [in their faith], 1Tim 1:18-19

4)  be a drunkard or given to drink, 1Tim 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9

5)  be greedy, covetous, a lover of money, or fond of sordid gain, 1Tim 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1Pet 5:1-5

6)  be quick-tempered, inclined to anger, pugnacious, nor violent, 1Tim 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9

7)  be a new convert, a novice, 1Tim 3:1-7

8)  fall into reproach, 1Tim 3:1-7

9)  fall into the snares of the devil, 1Tim 3:1-71

10)  be involved in worthless worldly rumors and fables, 1Tim 4:7

11)  neglect their spiritual gifts, 1Tim 4:12-5:2

12)  must not discriminate at all, 1Tim 5:21-22

13)  be ashamed, 2Tim 2:15

14)  be accused of dissipation, Titus 1:5-9

15)  be accused of rebellion, Titus 1:5-9

16)  be arrogant or self-willed, 1 Titus 1:5-9

17)  let anyone disregard them, Titus 2:15-3:2

18)  serve under compulsion, 1Pet 5:1-5

19)  serve for financial reasons, 1Pet 5:1-5

20)  think they are lords of the congregation, 1Pet 5:1-5

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After the examination period as an elder candidate the existing elders will then establish an ordination board consisting of the elders of this church and elders of churches with which we are like-minded.  The ordination board shall have no less than six (6) members.  At a time designated by the elders, the ordination candidate shall be examined according to biblical doctrine, biblical content and ministerial practice.  If the candidate fulfills the ordination requirements to the satisfaction of the ordination board he shall be presented to the church membership at a special meeting called by the elders.  This will be his official ordination.  Ordination shall be conferred for life, so long as the man continues to manifest the qualifications of the office of elder.  A man may serve as an elder while preparing for ordination.

The elders will issue a license to all elder candidates and may, at their discretion, issue licenses to men whom they perceive as called to ministry.  Licenses shall be valid for one (1) year.  The elders may revoke a license at any time.

The elders must meet at least once per quarter.  Meetings of the elders may be held at any location and may be conducted by means of electronic communication through which the elders may simultaneously hear each other.  Meetings of the elders may be held immediately upon notice. 

Any elder may call special meetings of the elders at any time.  Special meetings of the elders shall be held upon four (4) days’ written notice, or twenty-four (24) hour verbal notice.  If all elders are not notified then a special meeting shall not take place.  Notice shall be addressed or delivered to each elder in person or to such elder’s contact information contained in the records of the church or as may have been given to the church by the elder for such purpose of notice.

In cases of emergency where all the elders cannot meet together, be duly notified and are unable to give written consent of action, then at least three-fourths (3/4) of the elders must be in attendance and come to unanimity on any issues.

Any action required or permitted to be taken by the elders may be taken without a meeting if all elders individually or collectively consent in writing to a resolution to such action.  Such consent or consents shall have the same effect as a unanimous decision of the elders and shall be documented by attaching the signed resolution with the minutes of proceedings of the elders.  Electronic communication such as email, texting, etc. shall qualify as consent in writing.

Every elder shall have absolute right at any reasonable time to inspect all books, records and documents of every kind and to inspect the physical properties of the church and also of its subsidiary organizations, if any, of which such person is an elder, for a purpose reasonably related to such person’s interest as an elder.

Elders may require financial support in order to fulfill their pastoral responsibilities.  Although elders have a right to receive support from the church, they may waive the right and support themselves, 1 Cor 9:6-12; 1Tim 5:17-18.  The elders will determine the amount of compensation, but any person receiving support directly or indirectly from Redeemer Bible Church shall not be in a position to determine the nature or amount of said support.  If Redeemer Bible Church has only one elder then he shall call a meeting of all adults over twenty-one (21) years of age in the church who are members in good standing to assist in determining the amount of his financial support, if any.