Church By-Law

Article I.   The Name

The name of this organization shall be called The Formosan Christian Church of Dallas.

Article II.  The Purpose

The purposes for which this organization is formed are:

1.       To spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

2.       To worship and nurture Christian spirituality.

3.       To promote Christian fellowship

4.       To serve our fellowman.

Article III.  Affirmation of the Faith

1.       We believe the Bible is God’s Word, fully and uniquely inspired, and that it is absolutely trustworthy and has supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.

2.       We believe in the one, true and living God, eternally existing in three persons – Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Creator and Sustainer of all.

3.       We believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, conceived of the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary.  He fulfilled the requirements of the law of His sinless life, and made atonement for sin through His blood.  He was raised bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, and will return personally according to His promise.

4.       We believe in the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Godhead, who is of one substance, equal in power, and co-existent with the Father and the Son.  He affects God’s work of salvation among man, and is present and active in the Church in accord with God’s Word.

5.       We believe that in Adam all man have fallen and are sinners in need of God’s salvation.

6.       We believe that penitent sinners are regenerated solely by God’s grace and justified through faith in Jesus Christ.

7.       We believe that those justified are also sanctified by the Holy Spirit and thereby enabled to live a holy life. 

8.       We believe that there shall be a bodily resurrection of the just to eternal life, and of the unjust to eternal punishment.

9.       We believe that the Church is one body, consisting of those regenerated by the Spirit of God and of which Christ is the Head, expressing itself in worship, fellowship and service.

Article IV. The Church Government

Church Organization:

The Church

The Congregational Meeting

                                                                                                        The Board             The Deacons                      The

                                                                                                        of Directors                                                      Pastor

       1.    The government of the Church is vested in the active members who are expected

                  at a regular meeting.

       2.    The officers of the Church are:

                 A.   The Pastors

                 B.   The Directors

                 C.   The Deacons

Article V  The Membership (9/11/94 Amendment)

1.      Application for Membership

A.     The qualifications:

a.      Membership by Baptism:

          Any person accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as his/her personal savior and is baptized or confirmed by the Formosan Christian Church of Dallas, may be received into membership; Or

b.      Membership by Application:

          Any person professing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as personal savior, upon baptism or confirmation, affirming the faith as indicated in Article III of the Church’s by-laws, and attending the Church services regularly for at least six months may be received into membership.

B.     The procedures:

a.      The applicant shall complete the “Application Form for Membership”

b.      The applicant shall be interviewed by the pastor or members of The Deacons to confirm his/her Christian faith and his/her agreement to the Church’s by-laws. The applicant shall then be recommended to The Deacons for membership approval. 

c.       The new member shall be formally introduced to and welcomed by the Church congregation in a regular Sunday service.

2.      The Rights and Obligations of the Member:

A.     Rights

a.      To attend the congregational meeting.

b.      To vote and participate in elections.  In addition the member has the privilege of being elected.

c.       To use the Church’s facilities in accordance with the established rules.

d.      To request the Church’s assistance in matters relating to spiritual growth, marriage or other joyful occasions, or funeral services.

B.     Obligations:

a.      To participate in the Church’s Sunday service and other activities, sponsored by the Church. 

b.      To cultivate a true and sincere Christian love and fellowship for one another as well as to honor and esteem those whom they have elected to hold offices of the Church in accordance with the principles stated in Scripture. [e.g.1 Thess. 5:12-13].

c.       To support fully the ministry of the Church and to offer tithes according to the Scriptures.

d.      To study the Bible and pray frequently, and to witness for our Lord Jesus Christ.

3.      Termination of Membership (9/7/04 Revised)

A.     Membership will be terminated for those meeting the following criteria:

a.         For those members who have gone to be with the Lord-Their Membership will be terminated.

b.         For those members withdrawing voluntarily for transferring Membership to another church-After notification in writing, a Member may be released from membership upon approval by The Deacons.

B.     Membership will be revoked for those meeting the following criteria, as Determined by the Disciplinary Committee:

a.         For those members whose beliefs differ or are inconsistent from the The church’s statement of faith, as listed in Article III of the By-Laws.

b.         For those members whose actions and behaviors bring dishonor to God’s name and to the church’s reputation.

Before making the final decision to remove a person from membership. the pastor and The Deacons will meet together with the person. Termination on membership will require a 2/3 majority approval by The Deacons.  For those whose membership have been revoked by FCCD or another church, if they apply for membership at FCCD, they Would need to worship at FCCD for at least three months, their beliefs and practice are consistent with the church’s by-laws, and they have observed The church’s constitution for at least a year, then their membership can be restored.

4.      Termination and Restoration of Membership Rights

A.     If a member continuously, without reason, ceases to attend church for over half a year, his membership rights will be terminated and he will become an inactive member.

B.     For those members whose membership rights have been terminated, he will need to attend church for at least two months in order for his membership rights to be restored.

Article VI Pastorate (9/11/94 Amendment)

1.      Qualifications of the Pastor

A.     A person meeting the conditions stated in 1 Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9, and I Peter 5:1-3, agreeing with the faith agreeing with the faith of the Church, and is willing to observe the Church’s by-laws.

B.     A person who has devotion, goals, vision, and abilities to provide spiritual leadership.

C.     A person who has graduated from an accredited theological seminary with a master’s degree in divinity, or a person who has practical experience in ministries of the church.

2.      The duties of the Pastor

A.     The Pastors shall perform all the Spiritual duties of their offices and, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, shall have freedom of the pulpit.

B.     They shall be present at the Congregational, the Board of Directors, and the Deacons meetings.

3.      Calling the Pastors:

A.     Only one candidate at a time shall be recommended by the Deacons, and the name of the candidate shall be brought to the Congregation for decision as stated in B below.

B.     Each pastor shall be called, with secret ballot, by a two-thirds majority of the active members who are present at the Congregational Meeting.

C.     The Term of the pastor shall be for three years and the pastorship shall be reviewed by the Deacons at least three months prior to the expiration of each term and the resolution shall be brought to the Congregation for approval by a two-thirds majority of active members who are present at the Congregational Meeting.

4.      The Termination of the Pastoral Relationship:

A.     Pastors may resign by submitting a written resignation giving a minimum of sixty days notice in advance to the Deacons.

B.     The Church may dissolve the pastoral relationship when grievance exists with the pastors as follows:

a.      By recommendation of the Deacons, a special Congregational Meeting shall be called and the object of the meeting shall be announced fourteen days prior to the meeting.

b.      The recommendation of the Deacons shall be voted with secret ballot and shall be resolved by majority vote.  The dissolution shall be in effect at the end of the next ninety days after the voting.

Article VII. The Board of Directors (9/12/93 Amendment、4/30/2013 Amendment)

1.      The Organization:

          The Board of Directors shall administer the assets and liabilities of the Church. The officials of the Board are the Chairman, the Secretary, and the Treasurer.

2.      The Officials:

A.      The Chairman:

          The Chairman shall be elected by and from the Board members, and shall preside all meetings of the Board.  He shall be present at the Deacons meetings.  In his absence the Secretary shall perform the duties of the Chairman.

B.      The Secretary:

          The Secretary shall be elected by and from the Board members.  He shall keep record of the proceedings of the Board.  He shall keep the Corporation seal and shall serve all notices required By-laws of the Corporation; and in case of his absence, refusal or inability to act, his duties may be performed by any Board member appointed by the Board.

C.      The Treasurer:

          The Treasurer shall be elected by and from the Board members.  He shall furnish, prepare, and keep a full set of books of account, showing every detail of the business and the Corporation’s accounts, and all receipts and disbursements of every name and nature, the amount of cash on hand, and the amounts of the payable and the receivable of the Corporation.

3.      The Number:

A.      The Board shall consist of five Directors.

B.      The number may be changed by the recommendation of the Board and approved by the majority vote at the Congregational Meeting.

4.      The qualifications of a Director:

A.      He/she must be an Active Member of good standing within the Church for a minimum of five years and has also served as a deacon of the Church for a minimum of one term.(06/02/2013 Amendment)

B.      He must lead a clean and respectable life.

5.      The Duties:

A.      To assume full responsibility of the Church property.

B.      To decide on the use, relocation, expansion and /or major repairs of the Church building.

C.      To represent the Church in all legal matters.

D.      To be responsible for the clarification of the By-laws of the Church.

E.      To disburse or to review the expenses authorized by the Deacons.

6.      The Election:

          A Director shall be elected from the qualified members of the Church and shall serve a two-year term and be eligible for re-election.(09/12/1993 Amendment)

Article VIII. Church Deacons (9/12/2010 Amendment)

1.      The Organization:

        Church Deacons shall administer the spiritual, charitable and general business of the Church, and shall consist of six officers.  They are:

A.     Chairman

B.     Secretary

C.     Treasurer

D.     Coordinator of General Management

E.      Coordinator of Christian Education and Music

F.      Coordinator of Mission and Communication

          In addition to the designated responsibility, each officer is also entrusted with the following general duties.

2.      The Duties:

A.     To plan and to execute the general Church business.

B.     To arrange the calling of Pastors and to review the Pastorate relationship.

C.     To review and approve the applications of the Church membership.

D.     To assist in observance of the Lord’s Supper and to assist in the baptismal and the communicant classes.

E.      To head a separate committee and to appoint his or her committee members.

F.      To review and adopt the annual Church budget proposed by the Finance Committee.

G.     To arrange speakers in cooperation with the Pastors.

H.     To assist Pastors in Church discipline.

I.       To consider opinions and recommendations from the Congregation.

J.       To review the current memberships prior to each Congregational meeting.

3.      The Deacons:

A.     The Qualifications:

a.      An Officer must be an Active Member of good standing within the Church for a minimum of three years and has also served as an official Coworker of the Church for a minimum of two years. (07/28/2024 Amendment)

b.      An Officer must lead a clean and blameless life.

c.       An Officer must be actively and faithfully participating in soul-winning and other ministries of the Church.

B.     The Election:

a.      The Deacons are elected by and from the active members of the Church. They shall serve a Three-year term and are eligible for re-election.(07/17/2011 Amendment)

b.      Only one member of a family can be elected.

C.     The Termination:

         When an Officer’s practice of his responsibility seriously jeopardizes the functions of the Church, his appointment may be discontinued by two-thirds majority of active members who are present at the Congregational Meeting.

D.     The Functions:

a.      Chairman:

(1)           Shall call for the Deacons Meeting.  Shall preside all the Council and the Congregational Meetings.

(2)           Shall coordinate the functions of each Officer.

(3)           Shall represent the congregation and Church Deacons.

b.      Secretary:

(1)           Shall take minutes and keep records of the proceedings of the Council and the Congregation Meetings.

(2)           Shall maintain the membership roll of the Church.

(3)           Shall forward correspondence as requested by the Pastors and the Council.

c.       Treasurer:

Shall organize and perform the duties of the Finance Committee.

d.      Coordinator of General Management:

         Shall organize and perform the duties of the General Management Committee (See IX for details)

e.      Coordinator Christian Education and Music:

         Shall organize and perform the duties of Christian Education and Music Committee.

f.       Coordinator of Christian Mission and Communication:

         Shall organize and perform duties of Christian Mission and Communication Committee.

Article IX. Committees

1.      The Organization:

A.    Church Deacons shall organize the following Committees and the Committees shall be headed by designated Officers.

a   Secretary Committee—Headed By Secretary (07/28/2024 Amendment)

b.      Finance Committee –Headed by Treasurer

c.      General Management Committee — Headed by Coordinator of General Management

d.       Christian Education and Music Committee — Headed by Coordinator of Christian Education and Music

e.      Christian Mission and Communication Committee — Headed by Coordinator of Christian Mission and Communication

B.     Each Committee may be divided into subcommittees as deemed necessary.

C.     The number of members in each Committee shall be determined by the head of the committee as deemed necessary by the work load.

2.      The Functions:

A  Secretary (07/28/2024 Amendment)

 The Secretary can be divided into three sub-committees: Vice Secretary, Weekly Bulletin, and Library Management. The responsibilities of each sub- committee are as follows:

      a.Vice Secretary Sub-committee:

  Shall assist the Secretary in handling various departmental tasks

     b. Weekly Bulletin Sub-committee

   (1)     To collect various announcements for the weekly bulletin.

   (2)     To compile and preserve the weekly bulletin for Sunday service.

    c.   Library Management Sub-committee

            Responsible for the cataloging, lending and classification of books.

B.     Finance Committee: (07/28/2024 Amendment)

The Finance Committee can be divided into two sub-committees:

Vice Treasurer and Finance Assistant

a.   Vice Treasurer

Assists in executing various tasks of the Finance Committee.

(1).   Shall present the annual budge to Church Deacons for approval.

(2)    Shall keep an accurate account of all money received in the name of the Church.

(3).   Shall make payments for all authorized obligations incurred by the Church.

b.Finance Assistant

Assists in executing various tasks of the Finance Committee.

C.     General Management Committee:

  The General Management Committee can be divided into Building Sub-committee, Social Sub-committee and Transportation Sub-committee.  The functions of each Sub-committee are:

a.      Building Sub-committee:

(1)           To manage short-term rental of the Church by reviewing and approving applications.(06/02/2013 Amendment)

(2)           To maintain the Church building and to make necessary alterations to meet the needs of the Church.

(3)     To regularly inspect the church grounds, plants, and lawns for water needs and adjust the automatic sprinkler system accordingly (7/28/2024 Amendment).

b.      Social Sub-Committee:

(1)           To plan and to supervise the preparation and serving of food for Church functions such as fellowship dinners, receptions, love feasts, etc.

(2)           To perform other duties as may be assigned by Church Deacons.

c.      Transportation Sub-Committee:

         To arrange transportation for those who are in such need as to attend and return from the services and activities of the Church.

D.     Christian Education and Music Committee:

         The Christian Education and Music Committee can be divided into Christian Education Sub-committee, Music Sub-committee and Fellowship Sub-committee and Nursery Committee.  The functions of each Sub-committee are:

a.      Christian Education Sub-Committee:

(1)           To develop policy; to coordinate, supervise and improve the educational work of the Church which includes the Sunday School, Adult Bible Study, Baptismal and Communicant classes.

(2)           To establish goals; to evaluate and determine curricula and organization; to train and appoint teachers; to coordinate with the General Manager to allocate space and equipment; to select and establish a record system; and to recommend a budget for the educational programs.

b.      Music Sub-committee:

(1)           To be responsible for the musical programs of the Church.

(2)           To recommend hymnals and musical instruments to be used in the Church.

(3)           To appoint pianists, organists, choir conductors, etc.

c.       Fellowship Sub-committee:

(1)           To organize and arrange the family, man, woman, youth and other fellowships of the Church.

(2)           To plan and supervise the programs of the fellowships.

(3)           To consult with the Pastor before inviting a speaker for the fellowship gatherings.

d. Nursery Sub-committee: (7/28/2024 Amendment).

Responsible for taking care of the church’s infants.

E.     Christian Mission and Communication Committee:

         The Christian Mission and Communication Committee can be divided into Christian Mission Sub-committee, Communication Sub-committee , Ushers Sub-committee and Media Sub-committee.  The functions of each Sub-committee are:

a.      Christian Mission Sub-committee:

(1)           To develop the mission policy, and to promote interest in and giving to missions.

(2)           To encourage the missionary activities and the missionary enterprise and to encourage Church members to attend missionary conferences and conventions.

(3)           To start, when authorized by the Church, and to administer the missionary projects that may develop into autonomous, self-supporting churches.

b.      Communication Sub-committee:: (7/28/2024 Amendment).

(1)           To organize visitation programs.

(2)           To inform members of church’s needs and care for the congregations

c.       Ushers Sub-Committee:

(1)           To arrange ushers to greet and escort guests to seats.

(2)           To keep attendance records of all regular services.

(3)           To furnish and collect guest cards for the Pastor.

(4)           To be responsible for general physical arrangement of the Church, such as the Bibles, hymn books, distribution of bulletins, lighting, heating and ventilation.

(5)           To be responsible for keeping order in and around the Church building during services.

(6)           To be responsible for receiving all church offerings in the regular services of the Church.

d. Media Sub-committee (7/28/2024 Amendment).

(1)    To collect projection materials displayed during worship services.
(2)    To control the lighting and sound in the sanctuary.
(3)    To record the worship programs.
(4)    To support various media needs for church events.

Article X. Meetings

1.      The Congregational Meeting:

A.     Calling

a.      The Meeting shall be called at the Second Sunday of September annually by the Deacons.

b.      Any additional meeting may be called by an active member with a written petition signed by one-third of the Congregation, and the date and the objectives of the Meeting shall be announced two weeks prior to the meeting; the agenda of the meeting shall be distributed one week before the meeting(09/23/2023Clarification)

B.     Format:

a.      Roll Call

b.      Prayer

c.       Reading of the previous minutes

d.      Pastoral Report

e.       Reports of the Board and Church Deacons

f.       The Church business

g.       Adjournment with prayer

2.      The Board of Directors Meeting:

A.     The Meeting shall be called at least once a year by the Chairperson.

B.     The Meeting may be called by a Board member authorized by the majority of the Board members.

3.    Church Deacons Meeting:

A.     The Meeting shall be called monthly by the Moderator.

B.    The Meeting may be called by the Pastor or by a Deacon authorized by one-third of the Deacons .

4.      The Public Meetings:

A.     The regular meeting of the Church shall include prayer meeting, Sunday Schools and Sunday worship.

B.     The Lord’s Supper shall be observed regularly.

C.     The other special meetings recommended by the Deacons.

Article XI. Elections

1.      The Nominating Committee:

A.          The Nominating Committee shall consist of the Pastors and Active Members who have also served as Coworkers of the Church for a minimum of two years.(06/02/2013 Amendment)

B.          The Nominating Committee shall be responsible for reviewing and advising the potential candidates to ascertain their willingness to serve. The Committee shall publish the names of the consented candidates three weeks prior to the election.

C.          The Nominating Committee will recommend qualified candidates to the congregation using candidate survey results as a primary reference.(06/02/2013 Amendment)

D.          The Nominating Committee shall coordinate the proceedings of the elections.

2.      The Absentees:

         Absentee ballots shall not be used in any election.

3.      The Vacancies:

A.     A vacancy in the Board of Directors or Executive Church Council Officers shall be filled by the recommendation of Executive Church Council and confirmed by the Congregational Meeting.

B.     If more than six months of the term of the office remains, it shall be considered as a full-term.

 (09/12/1993Amendment)

C.     A vacancy shall not be filled if the remaining term is less than six months.(09/12/1993Amendment)

4. The Termination(09/23/2023

Clarification):

A.   

Any Board of Directors、Deacons shall be considered automatically resigned from his or her office when he or she ceases to be an active member of the Church.

B.     Any Board of Directors、Deacons, failed to perform his duty satisfactorily, may be recalled by a two-thirds majority of the Congregation.

Article XII: Discipline

1.      The Delinquencies:

A.      The pastors and the Deacons Officers shall constitute a committee on delinquency.

B.      The committee shall seek to counsel the member who violate Christian obligations to conduct himself in such a manner as to bring reproach upon the Church and shall endeavor to restore him to the place of fellowship.

C.      Failing to receive satisfactory evidence of restoration, the committee shall report the facts to the Church for discipline.

2.      The Grievances:

A.      In case of any grievances between members, the procedure set forth in the eighteenth chapter of Matthew shall be followed.

B.      Charges, when thus made, shall be submitted to the Deacons in writing for proper recommendation to the Church.

Article XIII.  Miscellaneous

1.          The fiscal year of the Church shall be from January 1st to December 31th.

2.          The quorums of all official meetings shall be more than one-half of their members.

Article XIV. Amendments

1.          Church Deacons shall receive and consider an amendment to the by-laws submitted in writing by an active member with petition signed by one-fifth of the Congregation.

2.          Church Deacons may make recommendations in writing of the proposed amendment to the Church regarding the disposition, two weeks prior to the next Congregational Meeting.

3.          The acceptance of amendment shall require an affirmative vote of a majority of the total active members of the Church.

4.          At no time can any amendment which would be contrary to the beliefs and the practices of the Church be adopted.

Article XV:  Amended Articles

1.       On 4/26/87 the following statement was amended to the by-laws:  In the event that dissolution of the Church occurs, the Church properties shall be donated to a registered charitable organization.

2.       On 9/12/93, the terms of Board of Directors and Executive Church Councils were amended.

3.       On 9/11/94, the membership (Article V) and Pastorate (Article VI) were amended.

4.     On 9/12/2004, Termination of Membership Revised

5.   On 9/12/2010,Executive Church of Councils was renamed as Deacons.

6.   On 7/17/2011 Deacons serve a three-year term and are eligible for re-election.

7.On 9/11/2011 Board of Directors, Deacon, Election Revised

8.On 06/02/2013 The qualification and term of the board of directors; deacons’       qualification; the functions of Building Sub-committee were amended.

9.On 7/28/2024 the following statement was amended to the by-laws:                Subcommittees will be added to both Secretary and Treasury.

Remarks

1.        1984, English version of the by-laws was translated into Chinese.

2.        July 1995, English version of the by-laws was updated.

Daniel Yuan Mission Fund

Purpose:

     In memory of Daniel Yuan’s efforts to spread the Gospel and bring non-believers to know Jesus Christ, our lord, the mission fund was established to support missionaries and Christian organization train and send mission workers. The mission fund was established on July 15,1994.

Goal:

            To encourage and support missions around the world.

Who may apply?

1.         Christians who participate in summer and/or short term mission.

2.         Missionaries who participate in the worldwide missions works.

3.         Christian organization which participate worldwide missions.

4.         Theological Seminary which is training worldwide mission workers.

Requirements:

            Each applicant must meet at one of the following criteria:

1.         A Christian answering God’s calling to do missionary work.

2.         A Christian organization sending missionary to participate in worldwide missions.

3.         A Theological Seminary which is training worldwide mission workers.

Procedure:

1.         Each application must submit to the address listed below a completed application form, a resume, and an essay describing the missionary work and the needs.

2.         Each applicant may be personal interviewed or phone interviewed by the Daniel Yuan Mission Fund Committee.

3.         Funding provide by the Daniel Yuan Mission Fund is base on the Formosan Christian Church of Dallas (“FCCD”) annual budget and may be renewed annually.

A.  Short term mission work.(Three months or shorter) Funding awarded is based on each applicant’s need, and the maximum amount awarded is as follows:

(a)    FCCD member:         $500

(b)   Nonmember:             $300

B.   Long term mission work. Maximum number of applications who may receive funding is three (3).

(a)      FCCD Member:

Family $350/month

Single $250/month

(b)     Nonmember, Christian organizations and Theological Seminary：

Family $250/month

Single $200/month

4.         The Daniel Yuan Mission Fund Committee will consider any special circumstances pertaining to a request for funding.

5.         The address for the Daniel Yuan Mission Fund is

Daniel Yuan Mission Fund

C/o Formosan Christian Church of Dallas

548 Crestcove Dr.

Garland TX 75042

6.         A separate account has been established in FCCD for this mission fund. All donations should be made payable to FCCD for Daniel Yuan Fund. Each donation is tax-deductible.

Seminary Student Scholarship Fund

A. Purpose:    

Encourage and support seminary students who are enrolling in theological training.

B. Who may apply:

1.                  Overseas Chinese students or God’s workers who are enrolling in theological training in the USA.

2.                  Seminary student with burdens to spread the Gospel to American- Born Chinese.

3.                  Seminary student who are invited by this church, according to the needs of the Church.

C. Procedure:

1.                  The applicant must fill out the application form.

2.                  The applicant must then be recommended by the Christian Mission and Communication committee and then approved by the Deacons.

Meeting Record (September 11, 1994)

Holy Sacraments

A. Baptism

1.        In accordance with the Biblical mandate, this church baptizes brothers and sisters who voluntarily participate in this event.

2.        Baptism is a testimony of an individual in front of God and the congregation and is a necessary ceremony to become a Christian.

3.        Baptism signifies that the disciple has died, been buried, and been raised together with our Lord.

4.        Prior to baptism, the person must be born again and also be approved by the pastor and the Deacons of the Church.

5.        The Church baptizes by sprinkling.

6.        The Church accepts infant baptism, but the baptized infant must go through Confirmation after becoming an adult.

B. Lord’s Supper

1.        As commanded by Jesus Christ, the Church observes the Lord’s Super (Communion) with sincerity and respect.

2.        The Church periodically take observes communion service.

3.        Regales of denomination, all baptized true believers are welcome to part take in the Lord’s supper

FCCD Full-Time Pastor Compensation and Benefit Policy Guidelines

1.       Salary

1.1    Salary includes base salary, housing allowance, and retirement benefits. Salary review will be conducted annually by the Deacons Committee.

1.2    The newly approved salary is to be effective for a period of one year beginning on the next January 1st.

2.       Vacations

2.1    One day for each full calendar month of services, from start of service to the end of the initial calendar year, but not to exceed 12 days (including Saturday and Sunday) within the first calendar year.

2.2    Not to exceed 14 days (including Saturday and Sunday) from the second calendar year through the fifth calendar year.

2.3    Not to exceed 21 days (including Saturday and Sunday) from the sixth calendar year and on.

2.4    First vacation during the first year of service shall be taken after serving the Church for six months.

2.5    Vacation time accrued each year shall be taken within the same year, and can not be accumulated. Exceptions to this rule shall be presented to, reviewed, and approved by the Deacons Committee.

2.6    Vacation schedule shall be presented to and approved by the Executive Council Committee 4 weeks in advance. Special cases may be approved by the chairperson of the Deacons Committee.

2.7    At termination of service, vacation days earned but not used shall be reimbursed and pro-rated based on the current year salary level.

3.       Sick Leaves

3.1    Ten and one-half working days (84 hours) of sick leave are allowed per year.

3.2    Sick leave is permitted at 7 hours per month of service for the first year of service.

3.3    Unused sick leave after each calendar year may only be accumulated towards short-term or long-term disability usage.

4.       Holidays

4.1    The nine holidays are: New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas.  If the holiday falls on pastor’s day-off, he or she may take an additional day-off in the week.

4.2    Should a holiday not be taken because of conducting a church’s function, the workday immediately before or immediately following may be observed as the holiday.

5.       Insurance

5.1    Medical insurance: The church will assist the pastor to purchase the basic medical insurance (does not include dental care and vision care insurance) which includes the pastor, spouse, and dependent children under 18 years old. The insurance premium is paid fully by the church.  Selection of the individual policy shall be approved by the Deacons Committee.

5.2    Term-life insurance: premiums for coverage equal to two times annual salary is paid by the church. The maximum premium is not to exceed $500/year.

6.       Allowances

6.1    Housing – the housing allowance is included in the salary.

6.2    Personal car for church business: usage of personal car for official church business will be reimbursed on mileage.  The reimbursement rate is based on current IRS published rate of business expenses.

7.       Retirement Benefits

7.1    A retirement benefit is included in the salary.

7.2    5%of the annual salary is held by the church as the retirement benefits.

8.       Advanced Studies or Conferences

8.1    Purpose: the church encourages our pastors to enroll in advanced studies or conferences which will enhance the theological knowledge and spiritual growth, in order to minister more effectively.

8.2    Study period: two weeks including Saturday and Sunday maximum per calendar year.

8.3    The characteristics and contents of the advanced study courses or conferences need to be approved by the Deacons Committee prior to enrollment.

8.4    Reimbursement is not to exceed the amount equal to 50% of the monthly base salary per calendar year for tuition, books, and fees incurred for this purpose.

8.5    This benefit commences at the completion of 12 months of service to the church.

9.       Outside Preaching

9.1    Pastor may accept invitations from other churches and religious organizations to preach the Word of God. It needs to be approved by the Deacons Committee in advance.  Special cases may be approved by the Chairperson of the Deacons Committee.

9.2    The pastor is allowed to have five times or five Sundays per year but not to exceed three days (including Saturday and Sunday) each time, and not to exceed a total of 15 days (including Saturday and Sunday) per year.

9.3    For preaching in special evens which last 5 to 7 days, two events are allowed per year.

9.4    No reimbursement by the church.

10.    Sabbatical

10.1 A pastor who has served the church for six full years may request a three-month Sabbatical    leave from the seventh calendar year, fourteenth, and twenty-first calendar year, etc. In special cases, a different Sabbatical leave period other than three months may be requested.

10.2 The contents of and the application for the Sabbatical leave need to be presented to and approved by the Deacons Committee one year in advance.

10.3 Church will pay full-time salary, medical insurance premium, and term-life insurance premium during the Sabbatical leave.