ARTICLE I – NAME AND ORGANIZATION

Section 1.1 – Name

The name of this organization is Anchor242 Church, hereafter referred to as “the Church.”

Section 1.2 – Organization and Nonprofit Status

Anchor242 is organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. No part of the net earnings of the Church shall be to the benefit of any private individual. The Church shall not carry on any activities not permitted under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE

The Church exists to glorify God, edify the saints, and evangelize the world by proclaiming the gospel, making disciples, worshiping together, and engaging in charitable and educational ministry in accordance with Holy Scripture (Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:42–47).

ARTICLE III – STATEMENT OF FAITH

The Church holds to a Statement of Faith that is available online. This Statement of Faith is based on the historic teachings of the Christian faith and grounded in classical Christian theology. The full statement shall be adopted and maintained by the Board of Elders and may be amended with a three-fourths (¾) vote of the legal members (as defined in Article VI). Furthermore, when human government contradicts our Statement of Faith, doctrine, or doctrinal practices, we must obey God rather than men, submitting only to His higher authority (Acts 5:29).

ARTICLE IV – SOVEREIGNTY AND FELLOWSHIP OF THE LOCAL CHURCH

We believe in the independence of the local church with full freedom of deliberation, decision, and deportment under God. This church is to be completely autonomous and self-governing and will not affiliate with any organization which seeks to exercise control over the local church (Acts 6:3-6; Acts 15:22; 1 Corinthians 5:12-13; 2 Corinthians 1:24). 

This church desires the fellowship of all evangelical churches and Christian groups and will cooperate with them to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Romans 16:1-5; Philippians 1:5; 1 Corinthians 1:9; Hebrews 10:24-25).

ARTICLE V – MEMBERSHIP

Section 5.1 – Legal Members

The legal members of the Church are the Senior Pastor and all current members of the Board of Elders. These individuals constitute the corporate membership for governance, legal decisions, and fiduciary responsibility.

Section 5.2 – Congregation

The church congregation consists of individuals who have received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-13, Ephesians 2:8-10), and desire a closer relationship with God through the Holy Scripture and the Holy Spirit. Membership is open to believers who agree with our Statement of Faith, our Acts 2:42 Ministry Model (Acts 2:42–47), and the purpose of this church as outlined in Article II. Congregational members do not hold corporate voting rights and are not legal members for civil or IRS purposes.

ARTICLE VI – GOVERNANCE

Section 6.1 – Governing Body

The Church is governed by the Board of Elders that is led by the Senior Pastor. The Board of Elders acts as the board of directors under state law and IRS regulations.

Section 6.2 – Composition of the Board of Elders

The Board of Elders shall consist of the Senior Pastor and not fewer than three (3) additional elders, for a minimum of four (4) members.

Section 6.3 – Authority and Responsibilities

The Church is led by the Pastor who acts as the Chief Executive Officer, and held accountable by the Elders who act as Trustees. The Elders shall be qualified men, called to oversee by precept and example (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9). All authority shall be exercised in submission to the Lordship of Christ and the guidance of His Word (Colossians 1:18; 2 Timothy 3:16–17). The Board of Elders has full authority over all matters of doctrine, discipline, mission, vision, legal obligations, and operations of the Church.

Section 6.4 – Quorum and Voting

A quorum shall consist of a majority of elders, including the Senior Pastor. All decisions require a simple majority unless otherwise specified in these bylaws.

Section 6.5 – Meetings

The Board of Elders shall meet no less than once a quarter. The expectation is that the Board of Elders meet as needed. Meetings may be in person or by video/audio conferencing.

Section 6.6 – Removal

Any elder, including the Senior Pastor, may be removed with cause by a majority vote of the remaining Board of Elders. In accordance with biblical instruction, accusations against an elder must be supported by two or more witnesses (1 Timothy 5:19–20).

ARTICLE VII – OFFICERS

Section 7.1 – Church Officers

The officers of the Church may or may not be members of the Board of Elders and may include:

●Vice President – Assists the Lead Pastor in ministry, assumes pastoral leadership when
necessary.
●Treasurer – Manages financial records, reporting, and oversight of assets.
●Secretary – Maintains minutes of meetings and all required corporate records.

Officers shall meet the biblical qualifications as described in 1 Timothy 3:1–13; Titus 1:5–9.

Section 7.2 – Appointment and Removal

Officers shall be nominated by the Senior Pastor and approved by the Board of Elders. Officers
serve at the discretion of the Board of Elders. Officers may be removed by a majority vote of the
Board of Elders.

ARTICLE VIII – FINANCIAL POLICIES

Section 8.1 – Use of Funds

No part of the Church’s net earnings shall inure to the benefit of any private individual. All Church funds shall be used solely to accomplish the Church’s exempt religious purposes.

Section 8.2 – Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the Church shall be January 1 to December 31 of each calendar year.

Section 8.3 – Financial Oversight

The Treasurer shall present financial statements at regular meetings of the Board of Elders. An
annual budget shall be adopted by the Board of Elders.

ARTICLE IX – AMENDMENTS

These bylaws may be amended by a majority vote of the legal members (Senior Pastor and Elders) at a duly called meeting, provided that written notice and the proposed amendment language have been provided at least two (2) weeks in advance.

ARTICLE X – DISSOLUTION

Upon the dissolution of Anchor242, the Board of Elders shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all liabilities, distribute all remaining assets to one or more nonprofit religious organizations organized and operated exclusively for religious purposes and recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. No assets shall be distributed to any individual.

ARTICLE XI – PRIVATE INUREMENT AND POLITICAL ACTIVITY

This Church recognizes that carrying on propaganda or attempting to influence legislation as a substantial part of its activities, or participating in or intervening in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office, could violate its tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Therefore, the Church will seek to remain in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations governing tax-exempt organizations (Romans 13:1–7; 1 Peter 2:13–17).

However, the Church shall not be deterred by fear or opposition from speaking the truth in love on moral, ethical, and cultural issues that are clearly addressed in Scripture and relevant to its doctrinal convictions. The Church reserves the right to teach, preach, and communicate its beliefs on such matters without compromise. Furthermore, the Church shall encourage its members to engage in civic responsibilities, including voting, in a manner consistent with biblical convictions and the Church’s Statement of Faith (Acts 5:29; Matthew 5:13–16; Ephesians 5:11; Acts 20:27; 2 Timothy 4:2; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Proverbs 14:34).

ARTICLE XII – INDEMNIFICATION OF PASTOR, BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Church shall indemnify and hold harmless each member of the Board of Elders, each officer, and the Pastor (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties”) against any and all liabilities, claims, damages, judgments, fines, settlements, and expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees) incurred in connection with any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative, arising out of or related to their good faith service to the Church in such capacity.

This indemnification shall not apply in cases of gross negligence, willful misconduct, or knowing violation of the law. The Church may advance expenses as incurred, subject to an undertaking to repay such amounts if it is ultimately determined that the Indemnified Party is not entitled to indemnification. This provision shall survive the termination of service for acts undertaken during the period of service.