SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS CHRISTIAN CHURCH
CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

CONSTITUTION

PREAMBLE

Trusting in God's grace and power and having chosen to follow Jesus of Nazareth, we are joined together as the Shepherd of the Hills Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Austin, Texas.
We are called to be servants in the world; to do the work of reconciliation; to stand for peace and justice; and, to bring relief from hunger, poverty, and all conditions which jeopardize the safety, dignity and well-being of our sisters and brothers in the human family.
We rejoice in the unity of the church and in the diversity of its members. We affirm that men and women of all races, ages, vocations, and points of view comprise together the body of Christ.
We pledge ourselves to mutual support and encouragement and to the nurture and renewal for the entire Christian community.
We resolve to place obedient discipleship above our concerns for comfort and security in whatever challenges life sets before us seeking prayer for guidance in these matters through a continuing examination of our witness and mission.

ARTICLE I. NAME

The name of this congregation shall be Shepherd of the Hills Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), affiliated with and an integral part of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada.

ARTICLE II. PURPOSE

The purpose of this congregation is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ in faithful response to God's will and purposes as revealed through Jesus Christ and the world; to seek in all persons a faith and commitment to Jesus Christ; to serve the community of which it is a part; to bring the gospel message to bear upon society; to sustain and be sustained by the general and regional manifestations of the Shepherd of the Hills Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); to work cooperatively with Christians in other communions; to seek the oneness of the body of Christ; and, in all ways to seek to make known the love of God.

ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP

The membership of this congregation, as a part of the whole family of God on earth, shall consist of the following: those who are now members of the congregation; those who shall unite with it by confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior-giving expression of their faith through baptism and commitment to Him; and, those who unite by transfer of membership, thereby reaffirming their faith and commitment to Christ.
All members may vote in congregational meetings.

ARTICLE IV. THE CONGREGATION

The congregation shall manage its affairs under the Lordship of Jesus Christ; determine its faithfulness to the gospel with respect to the basis of membership; own, control and encumber its property; organize and carry out the mission and witness of the congregation; establish its budget and financial policies; call its minister(s) and other staff; and, participate through voting representatives in regional and general assemblies of the Shepherd of the Hills Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in forming the corporate judgments of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
The congregation shall demonstrate voluntarily its mutual concern for the nurture, mission and witness of the whole church; and, among other responsibilities, it shall: proclaim the gospel; administer baptism and the Lord's Supper; provide for the spiritual nurture of its members; grow in understanding that the church is a universal fellowship; transcend all barriers within the human family such as race and culture; be faithful in Christian stewardship, striving to share proportionately in providing resources for the total life, work and witness of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); choose voting representatives to the general and regional assemblies of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); and to seek to realize the oneness of the church of Jesus Christ through cooperation with other churches of the community and with present and emerging ecumenical structures.
The congregation shall sustain its minister(s) in faithfulness and honor; and, in matters pertaining to relationships with the minister(s), seek counsel from the Regional Minister.
The congregation shall exercise and enjoy all other rights, privileges and responsibilities requisite or appropriate to carrying out its purpose.

ARTICLE V. OFFICERS, TRUSTEES, CABINET, COMMITTEES

A. OFFICERS
The congregation shall elect from its members a moderator, vice moderator, secretary, and treasurer. These officers shall be elected at the annual meeting of the congregation and shall serve as officers of the congregation and Cabinet as set forth in the Bylaws.
B. CABINET
The Cabinet shall be composed of members as set forth in the Bylaws and for terms of office therein stated.
The Cabinet shall be responsible for receiving reports from its minister(s), officers and the various organizations within the congregation. It shall establish by its action the program and budget of the congregation, subject to action by the congregation
at its annual meeting. It shall be responsible also for conducting all legal business matters of the congregation and carry out such other responsibilities as may be defined by the Bylaws.
C. TRUSTEES
The congregation shall have five elected trustees. Their election, qualifications and responsibilities shall be as set forth in the Bylaws. The trustees shall hold title to all properties of the congregation which shall normally include all trust funds belonging to the congregation and shall manage the same under the direction of the Cabinet of the congregation; and, shall perform such other duties as may be required of trustees by the laws of this state or province.
D. COMMITTEES
The congregation, through its Cabinet, shall establish standing committees and other organizations necessary for the conduct of the work of the congregation as set forth in the Bylaws.

ARTICLE VI. MEETINGS

A. CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Congregational meetings shall be held at least annually. Notice of all stated or special congregational meetings shall be announced at a regular Sunday morning worship service of the congregation at least one week in advance of the meeting and by means of
the church newsletter or a written notice sent to all members through the mail and postmarked at least ten (10) days before the meeting. Purpose, date, time and place of meeting shall be indicated in each notice.
B. QUORUM
  1. Those members present at a congregational meeting shall constitute a quorum.
  2. Fifty percent (50%) of the members of the Cabinet shall constitute a quorum.
C. RULES OF ORDER
All business meetings of the congregation and Cabinet shall be governed by Robert's Rules of Order (current edition). Deviations from normal rules of order are specified in this document and take precedent over Robert's Rules of Order.

ARTICLE VII. AMENDMENTS

This Constitution may be amended at any congregational meeting by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting on the amendment, provided written notice of the proposed amendment has been sent through the mail to members of the congregation at least ten (10) days prior to the time the vote is to be taken, or the proposed amendment has been read at or following two successive Sunday Morning worship services immediately prior to the time the vote is taken.

BYLAWS

ARTICLE I. OFFICERS OF THE CONGREGATION (a.k.a., Executive Committee)

A. ELECTION AND TERM OF OFFICE
  1. Elected officers for terms of one year are:
    1. Moderator of the congregation, who also shall serve as moderator of the Cabinet
    2. Vice Moderator of the congregation, who also shall serve as vice moderator of the Cabinet
    3. Secretary of the congregation, who also shall serve as secretary of the Cabinet
    4. Treasurer of the congregation, who also shall serve as treasurer of the Cabinet
  2. The election of officers shall be held at a meeting of the congregation through the following process:
    1. At least six weeks before the meeting of the congregation, a Nominating Committee shall be formed consisting of single representatives from CMF, CWF, CYF, and Shepherds. If these positions cannot be filled, the moderator may appoint them. In addition, the moderator shall choose two other members of the congregation to serve. The moderator is also a member of the Nominating Committee, thus totaling seven members.
    2. Appointment of the Nominating Committee shall be ratified by the Cabinet.
    3. The appointment of the Nominating Committee and its members shall be made known to the congregation through the newsletter. At that time, recommendations shall be solicited from the congregation. The congregation shall be given two weeks to recommend candidates for nomination.
    4. The Nominating Committee shall review all proposals from the congregation, optionally identify their own nominees, consult with the minister(s), and examine qualifications of all nominees. The committee shall then propose a slate of officers and receive their commitment to serve if elected by the congregation. This recommended slate of officers shall be published in the church newsletter at least one week prior to the meeting of the congregation.
    5. The moderator shall receive at the congregational meeting the report from the Nominating Committee as well as any nominations from the congregation. In order for a nomination to come from the congregation, the person making the nomination must present that nomination to the moderator in writing at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting. The nomination must include the consent to serve from the person being nominated. Unless there is a motion from the floor to accept the entire slate, and that motion passed by vote, each office is voted on separately. If there are two or more candidates for the same office then vote is by secret ballot for that office.
    6. A simple majority of those present and voting is needed to secure an office.
  3. Vacancies for any church office except trustees, Personnel Committee, moderator and vice moderator are filled by the moderator and ratified by the Cabinet. Vacancies for trustees, Personnel Committee, moderator or vice moderator are filled by the Nominating Committee and ratified by the Cabinet.
B. QUALIFICATIONS
  1. Officers must be members of the congregation.
  2. Officers must be active in the congregation's life and give evidence of seeking to grow in their own understanding and practice of the Christian life. Such evidence would include the following:
    1. Conduct of one's life in light of the teachings of Jesus Christ.
    2. Promotion of goodwill and Christian fellowship in the congregation and community.
    3. Attendance at the worship services and stated meetings of the congregation.
    4. Regular financial contributions to the support of the congregation and its outreach program.
    5. Willingness to fulfill assignments on behalf of the congregation.
    6. Demonstrate skills or evidence potential in carrying out responsibilities of the particular office.
C. RESPONSIBILITIES
  1. The officers may also be known as the Executive Committee of the Cabinet. The title carries no additional responsibility or privilege beyond that of the position of officer.
  2. The moderator shall preside at all stated and special called meetings of the congregation and Cabinet and perform such other duties normally associated with the office of moderator.
  3. The vice moderator shall serve to support the moderator, preside in his or her absence at meetings of the congregation and Cabinet, and perform such other duties normally associated with the office of vice moderator.
  4. The secretary shall keep accurate minutes of all meetings of the congregation and Cabinet and provide for these minutes to be reviewed and approved by their respective bodies.
  5. The treasurer shall be responsible for receiving all income of the congregation, keeping accurate records of the source and amount of such income, depositing such income to its proper accounts, pay all accounts of the congregation as authorized by the budget or special action of the Cabinet when such items are not in the budget, provide accurate records of all financial transactions, make regular written reports to the Cabinet, and provide for an audit of both income and expenditures for action by the Cabinet and the congregation. The treasurer may select an assistant treasurer to assist in performing the previously mentioned duties. Selection of the assistant treasurer must be ratified by the Cabinet. The assistant treasurer is not a member of the Cabinet, but may act as a proxy for the treasurer in case of absence.

ARTICLE II. CABINET

A. MEMBERSHIP
  1. Official membership of the Cabinet shall be composed of the officers of the congregation, chairpersons of standing committees, chairperson of the trustees, and the chief elected officers of CWF, CMF, CYF, and Shepherds. Only these official members have voting privileges on the Cabinet. Ad hoc committees and other interested members of the congregation may attend and participate in Cabinet meetings (through orderly conduct described in Robert's Rules of Order), without voting privileges.
  2. Standing committees are Administration, Church Growth, Community Building, Education, Outreach, Property, Stewardship, Worship, Membership, and Long Range Planning.
  3. The minister (s) of the congregation shall serve as Cabinet member (s) ex officio without voting privileges.
B. ELECTION AND TERM OF OFFICE
  1. Officers of the congregation shall serve on the Cabinet by virtue of office held and for their current term of office. They shall serve the Cabinet, as well as the congregation, as moderator, vice moderator, secretary, and treasurer for terms of one year.
  2. Chairpersons of standing committees are chosen by the incoming moderator and ratified by the incoming elected officers. CMF, CWF, CYF, and Shepherds shall elect a chairperson for their group that will represent them on the Cabinet for a term of one year.
C. AUTHORITY
  1. The Cabinet shall perform its duties according to the authority granted in this Constitution and delegated to it by the congregation.
  2. In keeping with the traditions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the ultimate authority of the congregation shall rest with the congregation. All organizations within the congregation shall be responsible to and report regularly to the Cabinet and through it to the congregation.
  3. The Cabinet shall concern itself with policy and administrative matters, taking into full account the responsibility of the congregation to the total nurture, witness and mission of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the need of the immediate community in which the members of the congregation live.
D. RESPONSIBILITIES
  1. The Cabinet shall conduct its affairs in harmony with the Shepherd of the Hills Christian Church Constitution and Bylaws.
  2. The Cabinet shall be responsible for conducting the business affairs of the congregation and providing for the planning, coordination, resourcing, evaluation and implementation of the work and activities of the congregation.
  3. The Cabinet shall establish, when necessary, a Pulpit Committee for the purpose of securing a minister for the congregation. Membership and responsibilities of the Pulpit Committee shall be as described by Bylaw III, B-1.
  4. The moderator may establish and appoint ad hoc committees as needed. Ad hoc committees report to the Cabinet moderator, unless otherwise delegated to another member of the Cabinet. Ad hoc committees do not have voting privileges on the Cabinet.
  5. The Cabinet shall receive regular written reports from its committees and from other organizations within the congregation; and, it shall act upon such reports with approval, disapproval, modification or referral back to the respective committee or other organization.
  6. The Cabinet shall receive the proposed annual budget of the congregation from the Stewardship Committee and recommend its approval, or approval with amendment, to the congregation at its annual meetings. Subsequent over-expenditure or request for additional funds from organizations within the congregation shall be approved or disapproved by the Cabinet.
  7. By approving recommendations from the Pulpit Committee, the Cabinet shall recommend to the congregation the calling of the minister (s) and approve the employment of the staff.

ARTICLE III. MINISTER(S)

A. RESPONSIBIITIES
  1. The Minister (Senior) of the congregation shall be the chief administrator of the congregation; and, in cooperation with the moderator of the congregation and the Cabinet, shall encourage orderly procedures in the life and work of the congregation in compliance with the congregation's Constitution and Bylaws and the policies and procedures of the congregation and the Cabinet.
  2. The Minister (Senior) shall give special attention to the selection and training of the congregation's leaders.
  3. The Minister (Senior) shall be an ex-officio member, without vote, of all boards, committees, departments, commissions, task groups and constituency groups of the congregation.
B. SELECTION
The Minister(s) shall be chosen by the congregation as hereinafter described:
  1. A Pulpit Committee shall consist of twelve members, five of whom are the members of the Personnel Committee. The remaining seven members are appointed by the moderator and ratified by the Cabinet.
  2. The Pulpit Committee shall utilize the services of the congregation's Regional Minister or Area Minister for information and counsel concerning prospective candidates.
  3. The Pulpit Committee shall work with the Personnel Committee to define the terms of employment.
  4. The Pulpit Committee shall recommend a prospective minister, along with employment terms to the Cabinet.
  5. The Cabinet, at a stated or called meeting, may approve the recommendation of the Pulpit Committee by at least two-thirds majority. Upon approval, the Cabinet shall recommend employment of the prospective minister to the congregation.
  6. The congregation, at the annual or a called meeting, may approve the recommendation of the Cabinet by at least a two-thirds majority of members present and voting.
  7. Upon approval of the congregation, a call shall be extended to the prospective minister by the Pulpit Committee, on behalf of the congregation.
C. TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
  1. Terms of employment are established by the Personnel Committee as described in Bylaws Article V, section C.
  2. The term of ministry is for an indefinite period and may be terminated upon sixty (60) days' notice.
D. TERMINATION
  1. Voluntary termination of a minister shall be submitted to the Cabinet in writing after consultation with the moderator and Personnel Committee.
  2. Involuntary termination of a minister shall be dealt with confidentially between the minister, elected officers, Personnel Committee and the Regional Minister or Area Minister.
  3. The Cabinet shall approve the termination, voluntary or involuntary, of the minister by at least a simple majority and recommend approval to the congregation.
  4. The congregation, in the annual or called meeting, shall take final action in approving or disapproving the termination of the minister by a simple majority vote of those present and voting.

ARTICLE IV. TRUSTEES

A. ELECTION AND TERM OF OFFICE
The congregation, at its annual meeting, shall elect for terms of three (3) years any vacant trustee positions that comprise the five trustee positions. The process for election is the same process used for officers as described in Bylaws I.A.2. (i.e., the Nominating Committee shall include nominations for vacant trustees). In order to assure continuity, initially one (1) position will be for a term of one (1) year, two (2) positions for a term of two (2) years, and two (2) positions for a term of three (3) years. Thereafter, all positions will be for a term of three (3) years.
B. QUALIFICATIONS
The qualifications for trustees shall be the same as described for the officers of the congregation in Bylaws I.B.
C. RESPONSIBILITIES
  1. Trustees shall hold title to the property of the congregation and act as legal agents for all related matters at the direction of the Cabinet.
  2. The trustees shall elect a chairperson that will also serve as representative to the Cabinet.

ARTICLE V. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

A. MEMBERSHIP
  1. There shall be five members of the Personnel Committee, one of whom is the vice moderator.
  2. The vice moderator assumes the role of chairperson of the Personnel Committee for a term of one year. If that person is already serving a three-year term on the Personnel Committee, that term immediately expires in favor of the one-year chairperson position. The Nominating Committee shall take that into account and recommend a nominee for the vacancy.
  3. The congregation, at its annual meeting, shall elect for terms of three (3) years any vacant positions that comprise the five members of the Personnel Committee. In order to assure continuity, initially one (1) position will be served by the vice moderator for a term of one year, two (2) positions for a term of two (2) years, and two (2) positions for a term of three (3) years. Thereafter, all positions will be for a term of three (3) years, except for the vice moderator who rotates annually as the Personnel Committee chairperson. The process for election is the same process used for officers as described in Bylaws I.A.2. (i.e., the nominating committee shall include nominations for vacant Personnel Committee positions).
  4. A member of the Personnel Committee that has served a full three-year term is not eligible to serve again for two years.
B. QUALIFICATIONS
  1. The qualifications for Personnel Committee members shall be the same as described for the officers of the congregation in Bylaws I.B.
  2. It is helpful, but not mandatory, that members of the Personnel Committee have personnel management experience and have the ability to deal with complex human resource issues.
C. RESPONSIBILITIES
  1. The Personnel Committee shall meet regularly, at least once a quarter.
  2. The Personnel Committee, working with the Cabinet and minister(s), shall develop job descriptions and supervise performance of the minister(s) and non-ministerial staff members.
  3. The Personnel Committee, in consultation with the minister(s), elected officers, and appropriate members of the Cabinet, shall conduct annual evaluations of the minister(s).
  4. The Personnel Committee, in consultation with the minister(s), shall conduct annual performance evaluations of all non-ministerial staff members.
  5. The Personnel Committee, as a result of ongoing performance reviews, shall recommend modifications to compensation packages for all staff. This shall be provided to the Stewardship Committee for its use in preparing the annual budget.
  6. The Personnel Committee, as a result of ongoing performance reviews, may recommend to the Cabinet the termination of employment of any staff member. Cabinet approval for termination of any staff member is by a simple majority vote. For the minister(s), a simple majority vote of the congregation is also required pursuant to Bylaws III.D.
  7. The Personnel Committee members are also members of any Pulpit Committee as described in section III.B.1. of the Bylaws.
  8. The Personnel Committee, in consultation with the Minister(s) and the officers, recommends the hiring of non-ministerial staff to the Cabinet. The Cabinet approves the hiring of candidates by a two-thirds majority vote.
  9. The Personnel Committee shall be responsible for formulating all employment policies concerning all staff such as salary, benefits, sick leave, and vacation. These policies must be ratified by the Cabinet. Policies regarding compensation shall be provided to the Stewardship Committee for annual budget planning.

ARTICLE VI. CHURCH YEAR

The SHCC program year is July 1st to June 30th. The SHCC fiscal year is January 1st to December 31st.

ARTICLE VII. AMENDMENTS

These Bylaws may be amended upon a majority vote of the Cabinet recommending amendments to the congregation and by a majority vote of the congregation in stated or special meeting; provided, the proposed amendment(s) has/have been circulated to the congregation by mail or read before the congregation at a regular worship service two weeks prior to the meeting of the congregation at which the amendment(s) is/are to be considered.