Our Bylaws

For the purpose of preserving and making secure the principles of our faith and to the end that this church may be governed in an orderly manner, we do declare and establish these Bylaws of Island Fellowship Church, Inc. in accordance with Section 495, Chapter 3, Title 13, Virgin Islands Code.

• Name: This nonprofit corporation and church shall be known and incorporated as “Island Fellowship Church, Inc.” (“Church”).

• Principal Office:The principal office is located at 6200 Estate Frydenhoj,Third Floor, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 00802. The Church may have such other offices, either within or without the U.S. Virgin Islands, as the Congregational Board may determine from time to time.

• This Church, believing in the Bible as the inspired, infallible, inerrant Word of God and as the sole authority for faith and practice, and acknowledging its adherence to the teaching of Jesus Christ, declares its purpose is to glorify God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Therefore, our objectives are:

1. To glorify the one true and living God who has revealed himself to us through his Word;

2. To know and worship God;

3. To enable one another to care and grow;

4. To train and involve believers in ministry;

5. To speak and live out the gospel;

6. To recruit and send laborers into this world

7. To regularly assemble with other believers to worship our Lord and Savior.

Mission Statement:

We exist to Exalt Christ, Equip the Saints, and Evangelize the World.

A. Membership in the Church shall be open to all who give evidence of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and who voluntarily hold to the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith as outlined in our "What we Believe" statement. When a person chooses to be a part of the Church and involves themselves, they are eligible to be a member of the Church (Ephesians 4:16).

B. All prospective members, before being added to the membership role of the Church will complete the process outlined in our membership policy. Each prospective member shall meet with at least two members of the Church Council at a time convenient for both the prospective member and the Church Council members, to share their testimony, affirm their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and state that they ascribe to the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith as outlined in our "What We Believe" statement. Upon completion they will be affirmed by a majority vote of the members and then welcomed into membership. 

C.Upon completion of the requirements of paragraph(b) of this Article, the new member will be added to the membership role of the Church.

A. Annual Meeting: The Annual meeting of the members shall be held at the principal office of the Church within the first quarter of the year (i.e. January-March). The date will be made known to the members no less than one month in advance.

B.Special Meetings: Special Meetings of the members may be called by the Elder Board.A member of the Elder Board will chair all special meetings. The congregation will be informed of all special meetings.

C. Quorum:The presence of atleast fifty percent (50%) of the members of the Church shall constitute a quorum at such a meeting. If a quorum is not present at any meeting of members, a majority of the members present may adjourn the meeting from time-to-time without further notice.

A. General Powers: The affairs of the Church shall be managed by the Church Council.

B. Number: The members of the Church council will consist of the Board of Elders and the Board of Deacons.

C.Regular Meetings:The Church Council shall meet regularly as the Board of Elders or the Board of Deacons see fit.

D. Special Meetings: A member of the Elder Board will chair all meetings. The congregation will be informed of all meetings.

E. Notice: All members of the Church Council will be informed of all meetings at least 5 days before the Church Council meeting occurs.

A. Officers: The officers of the Church shall be the President, the Vice President, the Secretary, and the Treasurer of the Deacon Board.

B. Powers and Duties of Officers.

1. President: The President will preside over the meetings of the Deacon Board and prepare the agenda for all Deacon meetings.

2. Vice President: Fulfill the powers and duties of the President of the Deacon Board in the absence of the President.

3. Secretary: Record and store the minutes of the meetings of the Deacon Board, Church Council, and member meetings.

4. Treasurer: (1) Maintain adequate records of all church funds received and disbursed, reconciling bank statements and correct ledgers as needed; (2) Record individual contributions to the church and provide annual reports; (3) Sign checks in accordance with church policies and procedures and examining supporting data for all check requests and issue checks for co-signature; (4) Supervise or assist in the supervision of an accounting system that provides adequate internal controls to protect all funds; (5) Ensure that funds and gifts are used according to the church budget and/or the direction of the Deacons.

C. Eligibility: All officers shall be members of the Deacon Board

D. Election and Term of the Officers: The officers of the Church shall be elected annually by the Deacon Board at their first meeting of every calendar year.

E. Removal: Any officer elected by the Deacon Board may be removed by a majority vote of the Deacon Board or an unanimous vote of the Elder Board if that officer is no longer cooperating or qualified. Once a Deacon has been removed the congregation will be informed.

F. Vacancies. A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification, or otherwise, may be filled by the Deacon Board for the unexpired portion of the term, but only from a then current member of the Deacon Board.

A. Elder Appointment. All elders will be appointed by the Church Council a 3/4 majority vote will be required. Candidates will be nominated by members of the congregation. No one is allowed to nominate themselves.

B. Composition of the Board of Elders: The Board of Elders shall consist of a majority plus one of lay leaders (this requires a minimum of two lay elders).

C. Qualifications to serve as Elder. Any male member of the Church may serve as an Elder of the Church. Additionally, any Elder must meet the biblical requirements of an Overseer found in 1 Timothy 3:2-7 and Titus 1:6-9

1. By way of clarification, the scriptural requirement to be the husband of one wife means that an Elder cannot be divorced unless such divorce was the result of adultery or abandonment by an unbelieving spouse or took place before they were saved. Those who have been divorced will be reviewed on a case by case basis by the Church Council.

2. Furthermore, the biblical requirement that an Elder must manage his own household well means that the Elder’s adult children must be living a Christian life and profess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

D. Appointment by the Church Council at the annual meeting or a special meeting. Those being brought forth as candidates will be presented and the members will have the opportunity to submit questions. Each candidate must be appointed by a 3/4 majority vote of the Church Council.

E. Term of Office. An Elder shall serve indefinitely as long as they, their Spouse, and the Elder Board believes they are still qualified and serving in a capacity that is helpful to the Church.

F. Role of the Elder. It is the role of the Elder to shepherd, oversee, lead, and care for the local church. More specifically, the Elders of the Church shall:

1. Lead the spiritual life of the Church [1 Tim 5:17; Titus 1:7; 1 Peter 5:1–2];

2. Teach and preach the Word [1 Timothy 3:2; 2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:9];

3. Protect the church from false teachers [Acts 20:17, 28–31];

4. Exhort and admonish the saints in sound doctrine [1 Timothy 4:13; 2 Timothy 3:13–17;

Titus 1:9];

5. Visit the sick and pray [James 5:14; Acts 6:4]; and 6. Judge doctrinal issues [Acts 15:6].

G. Compensation of Elders. An Elder shall serve without compensation from the Church.

This does not mean, however, that the Church may not reimburse the Elder for expenses incurred by the Elder provided that the expenses to be reimbursed were approved in advance by the Congregational Board.

H. Removal of Elder. An Elder may be removed by no less than 3/4 of the voting elders if they are deemed disqualified or no longer serving the Church in a helpful capacity. Once an Elder has been removed from the Elder Board, the Church Council and the Congregation will be informed appropriately. The Elder in question will not be a voting elder. The Elder in question may appeal to the Board of Deacons to determine if the removal is in line with these by-laws.

A. Composition of the Board of Deacons. The Board of Deacons shall consist of up to 7 Deacons or 10% of the congregation if it is deemed necessary by the Church Council. 

B. Qualifications to serve as Deacon. Any member of the Church may serve as a Deacon of the Church. Additionally, any Deacon must meet the biblical requirements of a Deacon found in 1 Timothy 3:8–13. C. Appointment by the Elders will be at the annual meeting or a special meeting. Those being brought forth as candidates will be presented to the congregation and the members will have the opportunity to submit questions. Each candidate must be appointed by a majority vote of the Elders. Candidates will be nominated by members of the congregation. No one is allowed to nominate themselves.

D. Term of Office. A Deacon shall serve indefinitely as long as they, their Spouse, and the Elder Board believes they are still qualified and serving in a capacity that is helpful to the Church.

E. Role of the Deacon. The Deacons shall have the care of the physical properties and finances of the church, and shall hold themselves in readiness to assist in guiding the spiritual life of the church, ministering its ordinances and perform any necessary calling.

F. Compensation of Deacons. A Deacon shall serve without compensation from the Church. This does not mean, however, that the Church may not reimburse the Deacon for expenses incurred by the Deacon provided that the expenses to be reimbursed were approved in advance by the Congregational Board.

G. Removal of a Deacon. Any deacon may be removed by a majority vote of the Deacon Board or an unanimous vote of the Elder Board if that deacon is no longer cooperating or qualified. Once a Deacon has been removed the congregation will be informed.

A. Pastor. The Pastor is leader of all pastoral ministries of the Church to: (a) lead the Church in the achievement of its purposes, (b) proclaim the gospel to believers and unbelievers, and (c) care of the Church’s members and other persons in the community. He shall serve as the head of the Board of Elders, ex officio member of the Deacon Board and all committees of the Church. The Pastor shall be responsible for the supervision of Ministerial staff, if any.

B. Pastor Search Committee. If the office of Pastor becomes vacant the Elder Board shall put together a Pastoral Search Committee consisting of the Elders, two Deacons, and however many at large members would create an odd number. Once the Pastoral Search Committee selects a candidate they will present him to the congregation. The pastoral candidate must receive no less than a 3/4 majority vote in order to be given a call to Pastor Island Fellowship Church.

C. Appointment. The Pastor shall be called to serve for an indefinite period. 

D. Qualifications to Serve as Pastor. The Pastor shall be male and shall meet all the qualifications of an Elder as set forth in Article VII, Paragraph d.

E. Compensation. As an exception to Article VI, paragraph (g), the Pastor shall be compensated for his work as the Pastor. The Pastor’s salary will be determined by the Church Council minus the Pastor.

F. Resignation. If the Pastor decides to resign he must give the Church Council at least thirty days notice. Once he has informed the Church Council the congregation will be informed.

G. Removal of Pastor. A Pastor may be removed by no less than 3/4 of the voting elders if the Pastor is deemed disqualified or no longer serving the Church in a helpful capacity. Once the Pastor has been removed the Church Council and the Congregation will be informed. If the congregation disagrees with the decision they may choose to keep the Pastor with a 3/4 majority vote.

A. Baptism. This Church shall receive for baptism any person who has professed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Baptism shall be conducted as prescribed by the Pastor and/or the Elder Board.

B.The Lord’s Supper.The Church shall observe the Lord’s Supper at such times as may be prescribed by the Pastor and/or the Elder Board.

A. Sunday Worship. The Church shall have worship services each Sunday and such other times as may be prescribed by the Pastor and/or Elder Board.

B.Other. SundaySchool, youthgroup, discipleshiptraining, prayermeetings and other meetings essential to the advancement of the Church’s objectives shall be placed on the Church calendar by the Pastor and/or Elder Board.

C. Cancelation of Church Services. Any Church Service may be canceled by the Pastor and/or Elder Board.

A. Purpose of Church Discipline. The purpose of church discipline is to glorify God by: (1) Maintaining purity in the local church (1 Corinthians 5:6); (2) to edify the congregation by deterring sin (1 Timothy 5:20), and (3) to promote the spiritual welfare of the offending person by calling him or her to a biblical standard of doctrine and conduct so as to be reconciled to God, others and to be restored to the fellowship of the church (Galatians 6:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:14- 15).

B. Reasons for Church Discipline. Any Member of  this church shall be subject to church discipline, including dismissal according to Matthew 18:15-18 under the following conditions:

a. Doctrinal error: When a person promotes serious doctrinal error (Galatians 1:9; 1 Timothy 1:3-4; 6:3-5; 2 John 1:10).

b. Misconduct: When a person engages in flagrant sin or serious misconduct that violates Scripture (1 Corinthians 5:1-2; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15).

c. Disruption of Fellowship: When a person’s conduct causes division and discord within the fellowship of the church body or threatens the testimony of the church (Romans 16:17; Titus 3:10-11).

d. Failure to regularly attend Sunday worship services: When a Member fails to regularly attend Sunday worship services at the Church without explanation (Hebrews 10:25, Luke 4:16).

C. The Elders shall investigate any individual who is not a member of the church but who participates in the activities of, and/ or attends the services of the church and engages in these aforementioned actions. If it is determined by unanimous agreement of the Elders that such actions are damaging to the unity, purity, edification, and testimony of the church, then such individuals will be asked to absent themselves from the church and refrain from any further participation in its activities and services unless or until they have demonstrated repentance.

D. Process of Church Discipline. The process outlined in Matthew 18:15-18 shall guide stages of church discipline. The process shall occur with the utmost concern to maintain godly interaction. Gossip shall be avoided at all costs and all parties involved in warning erring members shall be careful to look to themselves so as to have pure and godly motives during any interaction in the matter. Thus, all church members who warn other erring members throughout each stage of discipline should exhibit spiritual maturity (Galatians 6:1) as demonstrated by humility, love and respect. If necessary, the initial warning of members should defer to one with more spiritual maturity and also consult with the Elders of the church and receive counsel before proceeding. The stages of discipline derived from Matthew 18:15-18 are as follows:

1. Stage 1. It shall be the duty of any member of this church who has knowledge of the erring member’s false doctrine or misconduct to warn and correct them in private, seeking repentance and restoration.

2. Stage 2. If the erring member does not heed the first warning, then the warning member shall go to him or her a second time with one (1) or two (2) mature members (Galatians 6:1), seeking repentance and restoration again.

3. Stage 3. If the erring member still refuses to heed the second warning, then the matter shall be brought before the Elders for resolution. If there is no resolution of the matter with the Elders, then they shall inform the active membership of the church, at a special meeting called for this purpose, to encourage a collective call to repentance.

4. Stage 4. If the erring member does not repent in response to the whole membership of the church, then he or she shall be publicly dismissed from the fellowship and membership of the church by unanimous agreement of the Elders. The active membership of the church shall be informed of this action at a special meeting called for this purpose. The member under discipline shall forfeit all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of fellowship and membership and shall not attend services, events or activities of the church while under disciplinary action (1 Corinthians 5:2, 11). If the erring member demonstrates repentance (2 Corinthians 7:9- 11) after dismissal, he or she may be reinstated by unanimous agreement of the Elders to fellowship and membership. At this point the other members of the church shall make every effort to encourage reconciliation and restoration with a gracious reception of the individual and extend love and forgiveness to him or her (2 Corinthians 2:6-8).

E. Appeals. The Members of the Church agree that there shall be no appeal to any secular court of the law due to dismissal or public statements made to the church congregation during the process of church discipline.

A. Policies and procedures beyond the scope of these by-laws are to be written and voted on by the Elder Board and/or Church Council. Once approved by the Elder Board and/or Church Council, these policies shall be officially recorded and made available to Church Members.

A. The Church shall keep correct and complete books and records of all accounts and shall also keep minutes of the proceedings of its members, Deacon and Elder Boards, and Church Council, and shall keep at the principal office a record giving the names, addresses, and voting eligibility of the members. All books and records of the Church may be inspected by any member, or his or her agent or attorney, for any proper purpose at any reasonable time, with the exception of financial contribution records. Individual financial contribution records will be stored securely, and can only be accessed by the Treasurer, President, and Vice President of the Deacon Board, or by order of a court of law under subpoena.

A. All funds needed for the maintenance of the Church shall be provided by voluntary contributions, tithes, and offerings. Every member shall decide before God what he or she can cheerfully give to the support of the Lord’s work at home and in the foreign field (Malachi 3:10, 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Romans 12:8).

B. All offerings shall be counted by atleast two members of the Church.

C. Deposits must be made by the Treasurer promptly in a local bank.

D. A separate banking account has been established and shall be maintained for the Church.

E. Monthly and year-end financial reports will be furnished to the Church Council by the Treasurer and made available to the members of the Church.

F. All checks drawn upon the Church’s banking account must be signed by two members of the Deacon Board.

G. The Church Council shall have a budget completed by January 31st of the year the budget is for and made available to members for review and comment [at the annual meeting].

A. The fiscal year of the Church shall be the same as the calendar year.

A. The Church is a nonprofit corporation organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code. No part of the net earnings of the Church shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, Congregational Board members, officers, or other private persons, except that the Church shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in the immediately-preceding sentence.

B. No substantial part of the activities of the Church shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the Church shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of these Bylaws, the Church shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

C. Upon the dissolution of the Church, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by a Court of Competent Jurisdiction of the judicial district in which the principal office of the Church is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.

A. These bylaws may be amended when authorized by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Church Council during a regular or special meeting. The congregation will be informed of all amendments made.