Rock Chapel Proposed Bylaws

Rock Chapel Church of God

Granite Falls, NC 28630

Bylaws

Date_________________________________

ARTICLE I: NAME

Rock Chapel Church of God, Granite Falls, North Carolina is a non-profit corporation registered in the state of North Carolina (hereinafter referred to as the “church” or “association”), and is affiliated with the Church of God with general offices in Anderson, Indiana.

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

These Bylaws govern the affairs of the association, a not-for-profit corporation, pursuant to the Article of Incorporation filed with the State of North Carolina.

Tax Exemption: This corporation is organized exclusively for one or more of the purposes as specified in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (hereinafter the “Code”). There shall be no capital stock issued, and this corporation is not organized for profit, nor shall any person or member derive any benefit whatsoever, nor shall any pecuniary profit or benefit inure to the members of this corporation. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, this corporation shall not, except to an insubstantial degree, engage in any activities or exercise any powers that are not in furtherance of the purposes of this corporation, or is not permitted to be carried on by a corporation exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

This corporation is also not affiliated with any political party or candidate and will not engage in or sponsor any political activity.

The Church establishes these Bylaws, intending to provide a simple but adequate form to govern the Church and to maintain order in the temporal affairs of the Church. These Bylaws are subservient to the Bible, which is the ultimate guide and rule of faith and conduct.

Accordingly, by the solemn and unanimous action of its Ministries Council, we hereby adopt these Bylaws. The Ministries Council and members willingly submit to be governed by them so that they may effectively carry out the vision of the Church. Furthermore, these Bylaws shall constitute and evidence the agreement by and among the Ministries Council, that its governance, business, and activities shall be conducted as provided in these Bylaws.

ARTICLE III: VOTING MEMBERSHIP AND ELIGIBILITY

Section 1 – Voting Qualifications

All member of this association having the right to vote in its business meetings must meet the following criteria, which shall not be waived except in the case of a new pastor and his/her family.

Have accepted Christ as personal Lord and Savior.
Are eighteen (18) years of age or older.
Have worshiped regularly with this local congregation for a period of at least six (6) months immediately preceding any meeting at which they wish to vote.
Have a mutual desire to protect the unity, share the responsibility, serve the ministry, and support the mission of the church, by uniting in fellowship with the church.
Have a like faith as described in Addendum A.

Section 2 – Declaration of Eligibility

All persons shall be regarded as voting members of this association upon their own declaration of eligibility as defined in Section 1. This declaration shall be made by standing (if possible or raising their hand) at a time designated in the beginning of each business meeting and remaining standing until a ballot is received. All persons regarded as voting members must be present to vote unless otherwise stated within this document.

Section 3 – Challenging the Right to Vote

In the event the eligibility of a voting member is challenged, it will be reviewed by the Ministries Council (As defined in Article V, Section 2c) on an as needed basis. This challenge will be registered with the Ministries Council within one (1) week after that business meeting. If it is determined by the Ministries Council that the number of questioned voting members was sufficient to change the results of any vote, the Ministries Council may initiate a revote while acting to assure the consistent on-going purpose and function of the association.

ARTICLE IV: BUSINESS MEETINGS

Section 1 – Annual Business Meeting

The Annual Business Meeting of the association shall be held within the first six weeks following the closing of the fiscal year (during the month of January). The date, time, and place shall be posted and announced at least fourteen (14) days prior to the date of the meeting. The Fiscal year will run January 1^st to December 31^st.

Section 2 – Special Business Meeting

Special meeting of the association may be called at any time by a simple majority vote of the entire Ministries Council. The date, time, and place shall be posted and announced at least one (1) week prior to the date of the meeting.

Section 3 – Quorum

Those present at any business meeting of the Association shall constitute a quorum.

ARTICLE V: STRUCTURE OF THE CHURCH

Section 1 – Association Officers

Chairperson. The chairman shall be selected from the four “at large” members by the Ministries council. The chairperson shall preside at all business meetings of the association. The chairperson shall be impowered to cosign along with the vice chairperson, all legal documents on behalf of and at the direction of the Ministries council and the association.

Vice-Chairperson. The Vice-Chairperson shall be selected from the four “at large” members by the Ministries Council. The Vice-Chairperson shall perform the duties of the Chairperson in his/her absence or in the event of his/her inability to serve. The Vice Chairperson shall be empowered to cosign, along with the chairperson, all legal documents on behalf of and at the direction of the association.

Secretary/Treasurer – The secretary/treasurer shall be selected and ratified by the Ministries Council and shall serve in this position until such time that they are removed or they resign per Article VI, Sections 4 and 5. The Secretary/Treasurer shall…

Keep a full, accurate and orderly record of all regular and special meetings of the association and the Ministries Council.
Be empowered to disburse monies of the association in accordance with the Annual Budget Plan of the association and/or a special directive of the association.
Make a quarterly written report to the Ministries Council regarding funds received from all sources and their eventual disbursement.
Be responsible to sign checks on behalf of the association along with the chairperson of the Ministries Council.
Keep all accounts at the banking institutions designated by the Ministries Council.
Prepare to have the books reviewed annually.
Prepare an annual report for the association within thirty (30) days of the end of the calendar year.

Section 2 – Ministries Council

A – Purpose. The purpose of the Ministries Council shall be to oversee and coordinate the life and ministries of the church.

B – Duties. The Ministries Council shall:

Seek continually the will of God for the overall purpose and direction of the church through study of the Bible, prayer and consultation;
Develop and oversee ministries that guide the church’s life and work;
Be the Board of Directors of the association and legal trustees of the property of the church, subject to and under the direction of the corporation to:

Direct the business and fiscal affairs of the corporation, primarily through the Treasurer;
Have full charge and control of all property, effects and assets of the association with full power to use, regulate and control the same for the benefit of the association as authorized by these Bylaws and/or the association;
Execute all legal transactions related to the property of the church as authorized by the association, such being done through the officers of the association;
Provide for an annual review, or formal inspection, of the financial records of the church, and shall determine who is to make the review;
Be responsible to select, hire, discharge, or otherwise direct the employment of personnel as recommended by the association, or as such positions are established by the Ministries Council.
Shall have the power to authorize expenditure of up to $1,000.00 for any one non-budgeted project. Any expenditure over this amount can be made if approved at a duly called business meeting of the association.
Oversee matters of church discipline and the process of restoration as deemed necessary by the Ministries Council.
Perform related tasks and duties as needed.

C. Members. The Ministries Council shall be comprised of Seven (7) members as follows:

Four at large members shall be selected and ratified by the congregation at the annual business meeting.
The Senior Pastor
Two (2) Ministry Team Directors: (Select two of the following)
1. Youth Team Director
1. Children’s Team Director
1. Outreach Team Director
1. Worship Team Director
1. Hospitality Team Director
1. Property Team Director
Term. The term of each Ministry Team Director and at large member shall be three (3) years. No member shall serve more than two (2) consecutive terms in any position. In the event that a Ministry Team Director is unable to serve, their position can be filled by an at large member for a one-year term.
Special Commission. The Ministries Council may establish special commissions for specific tasks where such tasks are more appropriately addressed by a short-term commission than by the Ministries Council.
Resignation of Ministries Council Member. If a member of the Ministries Council desires to terminate his/her position with the church, that person shall present a written resignation to the Ministries Council.
Filling Vacancies on the Ministries Council
1. In the event of death, resignation, or removal of a member of the Ministries Council, excepting the Pastor, the vacant position shall be filled by the Ministries Council.
1. Any person appointed to fill any vacancy on the Ministries Council must be ratified by the association at the next Annual Business Meeting in order to fulfill the remainder of the unexpired term.
Removal of Ministries Council Member. When, in the aggregate judgment of the members of the Ministries Council, removal is deemed necessary for reason of blatant defect of character, for sustained lack of participation in Ministries Council activities, or for other such causes, the Ministries Council shall have the authority to remove from the Ministries Council said member. Removal shall require five votes of the seven Ministries Council members.
Meetings.
1. Regular Meetings. The Ministries Council shall meet at least once (1) every three (3) months.
1. Special Meetings. A special meeting of the Ministries Council may be called at any time by the Pastor, Chairperson or, in the Chairperson’s absence or inability to serve, by the Vice-Chairperson.
Quorum.

All of the voting members (7) of the Ministries Council shall constitute a quorum. At least 5 votes are required for any issue being voted on.

ARTICLE VI: CHURCH & PASTORAL STAFF RELATIONSHIP

Section 1 – Selection of Senior Pastor

In the event the church is without the services of a Senior Pastor, a Search Committee consisting of the four at large Council Ministry Council Members and three adult laity at large shall be selected by the Ministries Council. The pulpit search committee shall select a chairperson from among the members of that committee.

Section 2 – Duties of the Search Committee

The committee shall investigate the qualifications of prospective pastors, using the criteria and procedures that the membership of the committee deems most appropriate.
1. Contact shall be made with the Coordinator of Carolina Ministries and/or the Credentials Chairperson of the North Carolina General Assembly to request a counseling minister to serve the Committee in an advisory role
1. Any individual being considered for Senior Pastor needs to be ordained or in the process of seeking ordination.
1. All hired pastors must sign a Code of Ethics as required by the North Carolina General Assembly. A signed copy of the Code of Ethics will remain on file with the local church and the Credentials Committee of the North Carolina General Assembly.
The committee shall submit the name of only one prospective pastor at a time for consideration and possible call.
When agreement has been reached by the Committee on a prospective pastor, it shall present the name to the Ministries Council. The Ministries Council must agree with a unanimous vote of the Ministries Council to present the candidate to the congregation for ratification. The association shall meet with the prospective pastor to consider extending a call to the prospective pastor.
An eighty-five percent (85%) vote of the association members present shall be necessary to extend the call of the church to a prospective pastor.
In the event there is not an eighty-five (85%) vote of the qualified members present voting, the Search Committee shall proceed to select the name of another prospective pastor for presentation. This order of procedure shall be followed until the position is duly filled.

Section 3 – Duties of the Selection Committees

In the event the church is seeking the services of needed pastoral staff, the Ministries Council shall investigate the qualifications of prospective pastoral staff, using the criteria and procedures that the membership of the committee deems most appropriate. All hired credentialed pastors must sign a Code of Ethics as required by the North Carolina General Assembly. A signed copy of the Code of Ethics will remain on file with the Credentials Committee of the North Carolina General Assembly.
The committee shall submit the name of only one prospective minister at a time for consideration and possible call.
A unanimous vote of the Ministries Council members present shall be necessary to extend the call of the church to a prospective pastoral staff member.
In the event there is not a unanimous vote of the qualified members present at voting, the Selection Committee shall proceed to select the name of another prospective minister for presentation. This order of procedure shall be followed until the position is duly filled.

Section 4 – Retention or Removal of Senior Pastor and/or Other Pastoral Staff

If conflicts arise with the Senior Pastor or Other Pastoral Staff, careful consideration shall be given to the biblical principle for resolving interpersonal conflicts. Those involved should follow the first two steps of the principle as articulated in Addendum A.
If one-fourth (1/4) or more voting members of the association, or a majority of the members of the Ministries Council, present their written objections concerning the continued leadership of the Senior Pastor to the Secretary of the Ministries Council, the Ministries Council shall investigate and consider these objections. If the objections are found to be of substance, the Ministries Council shall seek to remedy the situation through counseling with the respective staff member(s) involved or through whatever method the Ministries Council deems proper and effective, including suggesting that the staff person(s) resign. If the problem is not resolved, the Ministries Council shall call a special meeting of the association in accordance with these Bylaws for the purpose of presenting the problem to the association for its consideration. The decision of the association shall be final and binding upon all.
The decision to remove the senior pastor shall require a seventy-five (75%) vote in favor of such removal by the members of the association present and voting. If the vote of the association is in favor of removal, the Ministries Council shall have the authority to decide if and how long the said staff member shall be allowed or requested to continue to serve in the assigned capacity, for a maximum of sixty (60) days. (Next part taken from section 6) The decision to remove any other member of the pastoral staff shall require a majority vote in favor of such removal by the members of the Ministries Council. If the vote of the association is in favor of removal, the Ministries Council shall have the authority to decide if and how long the said staff member shall be allowed or requested to continue to serve in the assigned capacity, for a maximum of sixty (60) days.
If the decision to remove the senior pastor is based on blatant and obvious defect of character, the removal shall be immediate upon the completion of the above outlined procedure and the church shall have no further financial obligations.

Section 5 – Resignation of Pastoral Staff

If a member of the Pastoral Staff desires to terminate his/her position with the church, that person shall present a written resignation to the Ministries Council subsequent to which the Ministries Council shall see that said resignation is properly presented to the church. The resignation shall provide for a minimum of thirty (30) days from the date of the presentation to the Ministries Council, before the effective date of his/her resignation of services, unless other mutually satisfactory arrangements are achieved.

ARTICLE VII: STATEMENT ON MARRIAGE AND SEXUALITY

We believe that God has established marriage as a lifelong, exclusive relationship between one man and one woman and that all intimate sexual activity outside the marriage relationship, whether heterosexual, homosexual, or otherwise is immoral and therefore sin (Gen. 2:24-25; Ex. 20:14, 17, 22:19; Lev. 18:22-23; 15-16; Matt. 19:4-6, 9; Rom. 1:18-31; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; 15-20; 1 Tim. 1:8-11; Jude 7) We believe that God created the human race male and female and that all conduct with the intent to adopt a gender other than one’s biological gender is immoral and therefore sin (Gen. 1:27; Deut. 22:5).
Though sinful sexual expression is egregious (as is all sin), the gospel provides redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 6:9-11; Eph. 2:1-10; Titus 3:3-7).
The Church’s Statement on Marriage and Sexuality does not provide ground for bigotry, bullying or hate, as we fully believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect and dignity, regardless of his or her lifestyle. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated as sinful and are neither in accordance with the Scriptures nor the doctrines of the Church.

ARTICLE VIII: REGARDING THE USE OF CHURCH PROPERTY

The Ministries Council is granted the right and authority to prohibit acts or omissions, including but not limited to (a) permitting any Church assets or property, whether real property, personal property, intangible property, or any property or asset of any kind is subject to the direction of the Church to be used in any manner that would be or, in the sole determination of the Ministries Council, could be perceived by any person to be inconsistent with this Statement on Marriage and Sexuality; and (b) permitting any Church facilities to be used by any person, organization, corporation, or group that would or might use the facilities to convey, intentionally or by implication, what might be perceived as a favorable impression about any definition of marriage other than that contained in this section.

ARTICLE IX: AMENDMENT OF THE BYLAWS

These Bylaws may be amended by a vote of eighty-five percent (85%) of those present and eligible to vote at any regular or special meeting of the association, providing a copy of the proposed amendment has been posted for at least two (2) Sundays prior to the meeting. Any proposed amendment must be approved by a majority of the Ministries Council. Copies of the amended Bylaws shall be made available to anyone who requests them.

ARTICLE X: DISSOLUTION STATEMENT

The association may be dissolved only with the authorization by the association at a special meeting called for that purpose and with subsequent approval by an eighty-five percent (85%) vote. Upon dissolution or other termination of the association, all remaining assets of the Rock Chapel Church of God, Inc., Granite Falls, NC after payment in full of all its debts, obligations, and necessary final expenses, or after the making of adequate provision therefore, shall be distributed to ongoing missions as supported through our church budget, and/or a Religious local organization of like faith as determined by the Ministries Council and approved by the association.

ARTICLE XI: INDEMNIFICATION

A. General The church shall indemnify any person, including heirs and legal representatives, who shall be made a party to, or threatened with, any civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding because of being a member or agent of the church or because of any acts or omissions in such capacity taken or not taken, for and in the interest of the church, in good faith and in the exercise of reasonable care. This indemnification is against all liability, and reasonable expenses, including attorney’s fees, actually and necessarily incurred in connection with such action, suit, or proceeding, whether actual or threatened, or in connection with any appeal thereof. If a director or officer in any such action, suit or proceeding is wholly successful, on the merits or otherwise, he/she is entitled to complete indemnification. The church may also reimburse to any member or agent the amounts (other than amounts paid to the church) of judgments, fines, and penalties resulting from, and the reasonable costs of settlement and expenses, including attorneys’ fees, actually incurred and connected therewith, of any action, suit or proceeding if a majority of the directors not involved in the matter of controversy (even if such directors do not constitute a quorum), or a majority vote of the church, finds that such member or agent acted in good faith and in the exercise of reasonable care in the judgment of duty and that the payment of such judgments, fines or penalties, whether resulting from a plea of nolo contendere or otherwise, and costs of settlement are in the interests of the church. The fact that an action, suit or proceeding was terminated by judgment, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of guilty or nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not create a presumption that any such member or agent did not act in good faith for purposes reasonably believed to be in the best interest of the church. However, no member or agent shall be

indemnified in relation to any matter to which he/she is adjured in any such action, suit or

proceeding to be able for negligence or misconduct in the performance of duty to the church. The church may, in its discretion, advance any expenses to, or at its expense undertake the defense of, any such member or agent, by any amounts so advanced or spent shall be repaid to the church to the extent that is ultimately determined that such member or agent is not entitled to indemnification or reimbursement.

B. Non-exclusive Rights The rights of indemnification or reimbursement provided in this section do not exclude any other rights to which any member or agent of the church or such other corporation may be entitled by law.

ADDENDUM A

Statement of Faith

Because of its wide acceptance and simplicity, the statement known as the Apostles’ Creed serves as great way to quickly summarize what we believe about God and his work in the world. The following includes this document along with brief explanations of each article using the related scriptures.

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

We believe there is one God, the creator, keeper, and ruler of everything that exists or will exist, both things visible and invisible (Genesis 1:1, Deuteronomy 6:4, Psalm 86:10).

We believe that God is eternal (Psalm 90:2), everywhere (Psalm 139:7-12, Acts 17:24-25), and perfect in power (Matthew 19:26, Jeremiah 32:15-17), knowledge (Isaiah 40:28, Romans 11:33), goodness (Psalm 25:8, Psalm 86:5), holiness (Psalm 105:3, Isaiah 43:14-15), justice (Isaiah 45:21, Zephaniah 3:5), and most of all, love – for God is love (Psalm 31:21-24, John 3:16, 1 John 4:7-9).

We believe that, though God is one in essence or being, he exists as a trinity of three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – in an eternal, mutually-loving relationship (Genesis 1:26-27, John 1:1-18, John 10:30, John 15:10, Matthew 28:18-20, 2 Peter 1:1, Ephesians 4:30).

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried;

We believe that a little over two-thousand years ago, God the Son, the second person of the Trinity, entered our world by being born of a young Jewish virgin named Mary (John 1:14-18, Matthew 1:18, Luke 1:26-33).

We believe that Jesus was the fulfillment of all of God’s promises and that he was both the promised Messiah (or King) and the redeemer of all mankind (2 Corinthians 1:20-22, John 18:37, Acts 2:29-36, Acts 17:24-31).

We believe that Jesus lived a perfect life (Hebrews 4:15, 1 Peter 2:22), conducted a ministry of preaching, teaching, and healing (Matthew 4:23-25), and was put to death by the leading religious and political authorities of his day (John 19:1-16, Matthew 27:26).

On the third day he rose again;

We believe that three days after his death, Jesus was raised from the dead (Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-18). In doing so, he defeated death and brought immortality to light (1 Corinthians 15:20-23, 1 Corinthians 15:55-56, 1 Peter 3:18, 2 Timothy 1:10)

he ascended into heaven,

he is seated at the right hand of the Father,

and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

We believe that forty days after his resurrection, Jesus ascended to the right hand of God the Father to reign as King of creation (Acts 1:6-11, 1 Corinthians 15:25-28, Acts 7:55-56).

We believe that Jesus will return at the consummation of history to judge all people who have ever lived (Matthew 25:31-46, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, John 14:1-4).

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

We believe that the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, is actively at work in the world, testifying to the truth (John 15:26, Romans 8:16), convicting of sin (John 16:7-11), and drawing people to God (John 6:44).

We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells believers (John 14:17, 2 Timothy 1:14), assuring them of salvation (John 3:5-6, 1 John 4:13, Romans 5:5, Romans 8:14-16) and empowering them to live holy lives (1 Corinthians 6:11, 1 Peter 1:2, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, Romans 8:4).

We believe that the Holy Spirit produces moral fruit in believers (Galatians 5:22-23) and gifts all believers with the ability to minister in a variety of ways (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).

the holy, universal Church,

the communion of saints,

We believe that God has one people. He established his people as the nation of Israel through the Old Testament patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 17:1-8, Genesis 26:1-5, Genesis 28:10-15, Exodus 19:5). In Jesus, the true nature of Israel was revealed, and all people were given the opportunity to be grafted into the one people of God – the Church (Romans 2:28-29, Romans 11:11-24, Ephesians 2:11-22).

We believe that the Church is made up of all who have genuinely put their faith in Jesus, no matter their status, gender, race, or where they live or worship (Romans 12:5, 1 Corinthians 12:12-20, Colossians 3:11).

the forgiveness of sins,

We believe that because of our rebellion through selfishness and sin, we have separated ourselves from God (Isaiah 59:2, Romans 3:23). But in his mercy, God has provided the forgiveness of our sins through the sacrificial death of his son, Jesus (Jeremiah 31:31-34, Matthew 26:27-28, 1 John 1:8-9).

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting.

We believe that at Jesus’ second coming, all people will be raised from the dead (Daniel 12:2, John 5:28-29, Acts 24:15). After the final judgment, God will usher his people into his presence for eternity and will finally separate himself from all those who continue rebelling against him in Hell (Matthew 25:31-46, Revelation 20:11-15, Revelation 22:1-7).

Amen.

ADDENDUM B

Guidelines for Resolving Interpersonal Conflicts within the Body of Christ

(Interpretation of Matthew 18:15-17)

Preface

One of the most crucial and fundamental tenets of the Christian faith, taught frequently by Jesus and reinforced by the apostle Paul, is the unity of the Church. Jesus prayed that all Christians would be brought “to complete unity” (John 17:23). Paul appeals to the Corinthian believers to “agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought” (I Corinthians 1:10).

The matter of interpersonal conflict within the body of Christ is a matter of serious consideration. When the Church attempts to resolve these conflicts outside of the word of God, we fail. But Jesus has given to the Church a principle for resolving interpersonal conflicts within the body of Christ. It is a principle which helps Christians build strong relationships within this network called the “body of Christ”.

When this principle is implemented and followed several important goals will be accomplished:

It restores the offender;
It involves a minimum number of persons;
It causes one to examine his/her own life before approaching another;
It eliminates gossip and slander;
It makes Christian conversation edifying rather than destructive;
It enhances the Church’s witness to an unbelieving world.

STEP # 1: Confidentiality

The first step in resolving interpersonal conflicts is to go to your fellow believer personally. The believer goes to the other believer, not as a braggart or a superior, but as an equal who is genuinely concerned about the redemptive process of relationships. At this point it is vital that the differences be aired in private, lest both of the believers be embarrassed if the allegations prove false. When one openly shares his/her complaints the following results will be noticed:

Doubt will be cast on the genuineness of the Christian love for the other believer;
It hinders the redemptive process.

STEP # 2 Accuracy

If the conflict is not resolved between the persons involved in the problem, the believer should take one or two others along to confirm the validity of the complaint. This step is not to exert pressure on the alleged offender or to outnumber him/her, but to act as witnesses to the transaction between the two parties. The additional believers are brought to witness to

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the accuracy and relevancy of the facts surrounding the matter in dispute. The overall objective and purpose of additional persons is to redeem the relationship through an accurate understanding of the conflict.

STEP # 3: Redemption

If the conflict has yet to be resolved, the matter is brought to the attention of the Ministries Council. The Ministries Council is to make every effort to resolve the conflict and redeem the persons involved. However, it is the obligation of the Ministries Council to maintain the church’s purity, not permitting any dispute to cause division (Ephesians 5:25 – 27).