HomeChurch NewsTanglewood Community Church By-Laws, March 14, 2022

Tanglewood Community Church By-Laws, March 14, 2022

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The Tanglewood Community Church has issued an Addendum to its by-laws.  
Tanglewood Community Church Advisors met September 1, 2021, for a final discussion, and approval of the suggested amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws for Tanglewood Community Church. These amendments are recommended to bring the church constitution and By Laws into a more biblical format. They were submitted and approved at the church (congregational) special meeting on November 17, 2021.
CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS Constitution and Bylaws of Tanglewood Community Church
The name of this church shall be Tanglewood Community Church, Inc., a
nondenominational Christian Church referred to throughout these by laws as TWCC:
Tanglewood Community Church, Inc. is a legal Florida Not for Profit Corporation.
This Constitution and Bylaws are made to:
1. Preserve and secure the principles of our faith.
2. Preserve the liberties of each individual member of the church.
3. Ensure freedom of action of independence from any religious body or organization.
4. Provide for orderly conduct of internal affairs, in dealing with others, and of governing
church members.
ARTICLE I – NAME
The name of this church shall be Tanglewood Community Church.
Business Location
The address of the principal office of this church shall be: 1600 Tanglewood Circle Sebring,
Florida 33872.
ARTICLE II – PURPOSE
The purposes of TWCC church are:
1. To worship and serve God and to fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ as set forth in Matthew 28:19-20.
2. To minister to the needs of the members and others as the church is able to do so.
3. To do any and all things related to and in connection with the carrying out of the object
and purpose herein above set forth.
Our Mission statement: Tanglewood Community Church exists to love God, love people, and share Jesus with everyone, everywhere
Our Vision statement: Our vision is “To be Jesus to everyone, wherever we are!”

ARTICLE III – ARTICLE OF FAITH
1. We believe in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as verbally inspired of God
and inerrant in the original writing, and that they are of Supreme and final authority in faith
and life (2 Peter 1:21; 2 Timothy 3:16,17)
2. We believe in one God eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
(Genesis 1:1; John 10:30; Matthew 28:19)
3. We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten of the Holy Spirit and born of Mary while she
was yet a virgin and is the God and true man. (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-23; Colossians
2:9)
4. We believe that man was created in the image of God and that he sinned and thereby
incurred not only physical death, but spiritual death, which is separation from God. Also,
that all human beings are born with a sin nature and in the case of those who reach moral
responsibility become sinners in word, thought and deed. (Genesis 1:27; Romans 5:12;
3:23; 6:23; 1 Corinthians 15:22)
5. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures as a
representative and substitutionary sacrifice, and that all who believe upon Him are justified
on the grounds of His Shed Blood. (Acts 13:38; Romans 4:5,25; Galatians 2:16)
6. We believe in the resurrection of the crucified body of our Lord, in His ascension into
Heaven, and in His present life there seated at the right hand of the Father for us as High
Priest and Advocate. (Luke 24:1-43; Acts 2:32; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1)
7. We believe in the blessed hope, the personal, and the pre-millennial and the imminent
return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 1:9; 4:13-18; 5:1- 11;
Matthew 24-28; Jude 14; Revelation 19:11-21)
8. We believe that all who receive by faith the Lord Jesus Christ, are born again of the Holy
Spirit and thereby become children of God, sealed by the Holy Spirit, and preserved unto
the Day of Redemption. (John 3:5; 10:28; 1Peter 1:23; Romans 8:35-39)
9. We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust, the everlasting
blessedness of the saved and the conscious everlasting punishment for the lost. (John
5:28; Revelation 20:4,5)
10.We believe that all of the saved are called into a life of separation from all worldly and
sinful practices, are to go into all the world by life and word to proclaim the truth of the
good news of the Gospel. (Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 5:14-18; Matthew 28:18-20;
Acts 1:8)
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ARTICLE IV. GOVERNMENT
The government of TWCC is vested in its members. The membership retains unto itself the right of exclusive self-government in all phases of its life and organization.
The Governing Body of TWCC shall be the church body who are the current members of record of the church in good standing.
The church body shall administer the affairs of TWCC in accordance with State and Federal Law and Policies. Also, Procedures and Guidelines that are approved by the members of record in good standing of the church.
ARTICLE V – CHURCH ADVISORS
The elected advisors of TWCC shall be the following: Chairman, Co-Chairman A, Co-Chairman B, Secretary and Treasurer.
Effective January 1, 2014, the advisors of TWCC terms will be staggered.
The election for Co-Chairman B will be for one year and the election for Chairman, Co-Chair A will be for two years. Thereafter all terms of advisors will be for two years as provided in this section.
Advisors:
1. All Advisors of the church shall be current members of record at TWCC and in good
standing.
2. Advisors of TWCC shall be elected for a term of two (2) years and are limited to a total of two terms in that advisory role. They will be eligible for the same advisory role after an
absence of two (2) years.
3. An Advisor of TWCC whose term is ending for a specific advisory position is eligible to be elected to another advisory position.
4. In the event of a vacancy during the term of an advisor of TWCC the remaining advisors
by majority vote, shall chose a replacement to serve the remaining term of the replaced
member; said replacement can then stand for election and fall under the same term
restrictions as the other advisory members.
Duties of the Advisors:
Chairman
1. Presides over all official meetings of TWCC
2. Be a representative for the church with the Pastor.
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Co- Chairman(s)
1. Shall assume the duties of the Chairman in the Chairman’s absence.
2. Chairman is to appoint one of the Co-Chairmen to act in Chairman’s behalf in the event
of absence.
Secretary
1. Keep the official minutes of the church meetings.
2. Prepare and post the minutes and present them at the next meeting.
3. Present church correspondence to the church Advisory team.
4. Maintain the official membership roll of TWCC.
Treasurer:
1. The church treasurer is the custodian of all the funds of the church and shall disburse
these funds by checks as authorized by the church.
2. He or she shall keep, at all times, an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements
and shall render a monthly and annually written report of this account to the church.
3. The treasurer report shall be audited annually.
4. The treasurer will serve at the discretion of the Advisors
Other Advisors:
The TWCC Advisors shall have the authority to appoint assistant advisors as deemed necessary.
ARTICLE VI. NONPROFIT STATUS AND LIQUIDATION
This church is not organized for profit. In the event of liquidation or dissolution of the church, all its assets and property of every nature and description whatsoever shall be dissolved in accordance with the laws of the state of Florida and the rules and regulations of the Internal Revenue Service.
ARTICLE VII. AMENDMENT
This Constitution and Bylaws may be amended provided the proposed amendment shall have been presented in writing at a regular church business meeting and then circulated to the membership. Amendments to this Constitution and Bylaws shall be two-thirds vote of
members of the church who are qualified to vote and are present in the business meeting
with a quorum to discuss and vote for this matter.
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BYLAWS
I. Church Membership
A. Qualifications:
Membership of TWCC church shall consist of people who have made a profession of their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and who, having been scripturally baptized by immersion, and agree with the Articles of Faith and the profile of the church. The official membership role shall be maintained by the secretary of the church. The true purpose of this church is make disciples of Jesus Christ and to allow the people to hear and receive the true knowledge of the Word of God.
B. Reception:
Membership in the church may be attained by majority vote of the church in any of its regular meetings and in one of the following manners:
1. By scriptural baptism by immersion after profession of faith in Jesus Christ as personal
Lord and Savior.
2. By a statement of faith of their prior experience of conversion and scriptural baptism by
immersion in another evangelical church of like faith and practice.
3. By restoration to the church membership after having been removed.
C. Termination:
Membership in this church shall be terminated when a member:
1. Requests a letter of transfer to join another church.
2. Is removed from the roll of membership when he or she has been contacted and indicated
they would like to be removed or they have joined another kind of church. A letter of
transfer is not necessary.
3. Expires
4. If dismissed by a vote of the church due to reasons and circumstances provided in the
church discipline. The pastor and church advisors will do all they can to counsel the
member for restoration prior to action of dismissal or a request of the member to be
dismissed from the church membership.
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D. Orientation of New Members:
Those interested in membership and new members need to attend a Church Membership
Fellowship to learn and understand the privileges and responsibilities of members to God and
the church. These fellowships should be held quarterly or as needed.
1. Members in good standing shall have the right to a voice and vote in all church
transactions and shall have the right and privileges to full participation in the life and work
of the church.
2. It shall be the duty of church members to uphold the articles of Faith, Constitution and
Bylaws, and Covenant of the Church.

II Church Officers
All church officers must be members of the church in good standing. A.
The Pastor:
1. The qualifications for pastor shall be consistent with those listed in (1 Timothy 3:17). His
training, skills, and experiences are needed in this area of leadership.
2. His Responsibilities:
a. These generally fall into the following areas: Preaching, teaching, pastoral counseling,
administration, planning, and guiding the church to grow and fulfill its purposes.
b. He shall lead the church, the organizations, and all leaders of the church in performing
their tasks in worship, proclamation, education, and evangelism.
c. The pastor shall be an ex officio member of all church standing committees, except
the Pastor’s Selection Committee.
d. He shall assist the church advisors in securing pulpit supply for times in his absence.
3. Call:
a. A pastor shall be chosen and called whenever a vacancy occurs.
b. When a vacancy occurs in the position of pastor, a search committee is to be
formed by (3) three advisors and (3) church members in good standing and
approved by the church body.
c. After the quorum of the search committee has interviewed the prospective pastor
and is ready to recommend him to the church, this committee’s recommendation
will serve as a nomination. (Interviews may be done in person and/or
electronically).
d. This search committee will recommend only one candidate at a time.
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e. The pastor’s election shall take place at a meeting called for that purpose, of which
at least one week notice shall be given to the members.
f. An affirmative vote of three-fourths (3/4) of the members of TWCC present is
necessary for a choice.
g. The church advisors will provide a salary range to the search committee and the
compensation package shall be approved at the time of the approval of the
candidate.
4. Terms of Service:
a. The chosen pastor shall serve until the relationship is terminated by either his
request or that of the church. In either case, at least sixty (60) days’ notices shall
be given unless otherwise mutually agreed.
b. There shall be a written mutual contract/agreement made between the pastor and
the church.
c. Should dismissal of a pastor become necessary, a two thirds (2/3) vote of the
church membership present at a special called meeting which will be required. This
consideration can only be done when all attempts at reconciliation by the church
advisors have been exhausted.
d. A special meeting may be called by the chairman and two elected advisors or 20%
of members requesting in writing stating the purpose of the meeting. Notice shall
be placed in the bulletin the two successive Sundays and written notice mailed to
the members of record in good standing after the request stating the date, and
purpose of the meeting.
B. Other Church Staff:
This church shall employ or call staff, as it shall need.
1. Staff members other than that of the pastor shall be recommended for employment
by the Church Advisors or a special committee.
2. A written job description and compensation package will be prepared and approved
when the need for additional church staff is determined.
III. Church Committees
A. Nominating Committee:
The Nominating Committee which shall consist of three church members in good standing
selected by the church advisors, shall be responsible throughout the year for nominating and presenting to the church people to serve in various positions of the church (unless provided for otherwise in these Bylaws) vacated by expiration of term of office, by death, by resignation, or by removal. Each person contacted shall be informed of his or her responsibilities.
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B. Missions Committee:
This committee shall be responsible for seeking out possibilities for missions’ projects, and share findings with church program organizations, that serves the church in establishing and conducting such missions’ projects.
C. Music Committee:
This committee will plan and evaluate the music program of the church, in the formation of choirs in the church and planning special musical programs throughout the year. It is responsible for recommending people for the positions of pianist and organist, song leader, and in assisting the minister of music with special music in the regular and other services of the church. In the event that a music director is needed as a staff of the church, this committee will look for a qualified person to be recommended to this compensated position, which requires approval by the church.
D. Outreach Committee:
This committee is under the immediate leadership of the pastor. He forms a committee to
develop and implement a strategy for effective programs of community evangelism and outreach inside and outside of the church; and other needed programs to reach people with the gospel. This committee is also responsible for planning training events for soul-winning, as well as the production or securing evangelistic printed materials to be used by the church.
E. Other committees may be formed as needed by the church.
IV. Church Meetings
A. Worship Services:
The church shall meet regularly each Sunday morning for the worship of God, for preaching, instruction, and evangelism. These meetings will be open for the entire membership of the church and for all people and shall be conducted under the direction of the pastor or designated church officer in the absence of the pastor.
B. Regular Congregational Meetings:
Regular Congregational meetings shall be held as per the church calendar. The agenda shall be circulated or made known to the church one week prior to the Congregational meeting. Should there be any unusual meeting or matter of unusual interest to be brought before such regular meeting, notice shall be given to the membership one week prior to that meeting.
C. Special Business or other Meeting:
A special called business or other meeting may be called by the pastor, and with other church advisors, to consider special matters of significant nature. A one-week written notice or announcement must be given for the special called business meeting. In the event a matter needs to be voted on it will require a two thirds (2/3) vote of the members in good standing in attendance to pass.
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D. Parliamentary Rules:
Robert’s Rules of Order (revised edition) is adopted as the authority for parliamentary rules of procedure for all business meetings of the church and for all other meetings that demand voting of the church members, including committee meetings.
V. Church Discipline
A. Should any unhappy difference arise among members, the aggrieved member shall
follow in a tender spirit, the rules given by our Lord in Matthew 18:15-17.
B. Should any case of gross breach of covenant, or of public scandal occur, the advisors
shall endeavor to resolve the conflict; and if this effort fails, shall report the case to the
church.
C. All such proceedings shall be pervaded by a spirit of Christian kindness and
forbearance, but should an adverse decision be reached, the church may proceed to
admonish or declare the offender to be no longer in the membership of the church.
D. Any person whose membership has been terminated for any offense may be restored
by vote of the church, upon evidence of his repentance and reformation, or if an
account of continued absence, upon satisfactory explanation.
____________________________________________________________________
Addendum 1 to Tanglewood Community Church Constitution and By-Laws dated November
17, 2021
ARTICLE V – CHURCH ADVISORS
Duties of the Advisors:
Treasurer:
5. Any check in the amount of $400.00 or higher will require two (2) signatures from the church
Advisory team.
Addendum 1 presented and approved on January 8, 2023.

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