Koinonia constitution & bylaws
Adopted 10/6/1979 with revisions through 10/22/2011 (incorporated 1/11/1978)
Preamble
For the purpose of establishing and maintaining a biblical, evangelical Christian ministry on the campus of Clarion University of Pennsylvania, through the students and faculty there of like precious faith.
Constitution
Article I - Name
The name of this organization shall be “Koinonia Christian Fellowship” (also referred to in this document as “KCF”), in the town of Clarion, in the county of Clarion, in the state of Pennsylvania.
Article II - Prerogatives
Section 1. This organization shall have the right to govern itself according to the teachings and standards of God’s Word, as contained in the Holy Bible.
Section 2. In connection therewith or incidental thereto, it shall have the right to purchase or acquire by gift, bequest or otherwise, either directly or as trustee and to own, hold in trust, use, sell, convey, mortgage, lease, or otherwise dispose of any real estate or chattels as may be necessary for the furtherance of its purposes; all in accordance with its Constitution and Bylaws, or as may be hereafter amended.
Article III - Tenets of Faith
1. We believe the Bible to be the inspired, and only inerrant authoritative Word of God.
2. We believe that there is only one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
3. We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His Ascension to the right hand of the Father and in His personal return in power and glory.
4. We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful man, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential.
5. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling, the Christian is enabled to live a Godly life and to bear witness to Jesus Christ, our only Savior.
6. We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; those who are saved, unto the resurrection of life, and those who are lost, to the resurrection of damnation.
7. We believe in the spiritual unity of the believers in Christ.
Article IV - Affiliation
Section 1. The primary affiliation of this organization shall be with Clarion University Student organization bearing the same name with the prefix “Campus” (Campus Koinonia Christian fellowship,) also herein referred as “Campus KCF.” This KCF student organization on campus shall be in agreement with these Tenets of Faith and maintain an active ministry on campus in working agreement with this organization.
Section 2. This organization shall provide an “Administrator,” who shall serve as a campus pastor or spiritual advisor, providing the inspiration and guidance, needed to achieve the objectives of our preamble.
Section 3. This organization may make other affiliations, should it be deemed advantageous by the Board of Directors, to further their objectives to maintain and promote the above stated ministry.
Article V - Membership
Membership in this organization shall be open to all those who give evidence to their faith in Jesus Christ. Those who are in agreement with these Tenets of Faith, are willing to be governed by this Constitution and Bylaws, and have demonstrated their spiritual and financial support to KCF, shall be considered as “Supporting Members,” with a right to vote at the Annual Board of Directors Meeting.
Article VI - Officers
Section 1. Officers: There shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Other officers may be added as needed. The term of office shall be for one year.
Section 2. Board: There shall be a Board of Directors also referred to in this document as the Board, numbering eleven (11) or more, but not exceeding seventeen (17). The Board shall include the officers, the Administrators, two student officers and one faculty advisor of the Campus KCF, and other members approved by the existing Board. In approving other members for the Board of Directors, preference shall be given to representatives from the supporting churches and organizations in the surrounding communities.
Article VII - Meetings
Section 1. The Board of Directors shall meet monthly or otherwise as deemed advisable by the officers to maintain the above mentioned ministry.
Section 2. There shall be an annual meeting of the Supporting Members, prior to the university’s Spring graduation for the giving of annual reports, the promotion of the ministry and the generation of its prayer and financial support.
Section 3. There shall be an annual meeting of the Board in the first part of the year, prior to the general annual meeting of the Supporting Members, for the purpose of electing new officers.
Section 4. Special meetings of the Board may be conducted as deemed necessary by the officers provided that each member receives notice no less than five days in advance of the meeting.
Section 5. Quorum
A. At least one third or more of the members of the Board shall be present at the regular monthly meetings, to constitute a quorum for the conduct of business.
B. At least two thirds or more of the members of the Board shall be present at any special board meeting, to constitute a quorum for the conduct of business.
C. At least two thirds or more of the members of the Board, along with as many supporting members as may attend, shall be present at the annual Board meeting to constitute a quorum for the conduct of business.
Article VIII - Finance
All funds for the operation of this ministry shall be provided through the Supporting Members and friends of KCF. All finance shall be received and dispersed in a business-like manner, under the supervision of the Board, with an open accounting at the monthly meetings and a published financial statement for circulation at the annual business meetings.
Article IX - Property
Section 1. All property, real or chattel, shall be taken, held, sold, transferred, or conveyed in the corporate name of KCF, as determined by the Board.
Section 2. The President and Secretary shall certify in any conveyance, that the same has been duly authorized by the Board.
Section 3. In the event that KCF shall cease to function for the purposes declared heretofore in the articles of the Constitution, then after providing for the payment of its debts, the remaining assets will not contribute to the benefit of any private person or persons, but all such remaining assets shall be disbursed to some other viable evangelical college campus ministry, namely that ministry being found in nature the closest to KCF.
Article X - Amendments
This Constitution may be amended by a two thirds vote of the members in attendance at any regular or special meeting called for that purpose, provided due notice of such purposed change shall have been provided to the members at least two weeks prior to such a meeting.
Bylaws
Article I - Duties of Officers
Section 1. President -The President shall preside as chairman of the Board of Directors. He shall be an ex-officio officer of all committees or departments. He shall carry out the directives of the Board.
Section 2. Vice President -The Vice President shall discharge the duties of the President in his absence or disability. He shall carry out the directives of the Board.
Section 3. Secretary -The Secretary shall keep a complete and permanent record of all proceedings of the Board. He shall provide a copy of the minutes of the last meeting, for each member of the Board, prior to, or at each business meeting. He shall carry out the directives of the Board.
Section 4. Treasurer -The Treasurer shall be responsible for all contributions and receipts to the organization. He shall deposit the same, in a reputable Bank as directed by the Board. He shall be responsible for the receipt of the bills and the disbursement of funds as directed by the Board. He shall keep a complete and permanent record of all receipts, cash flow and assets. He shall issue a receipt or letter of acknowledgment at least once a year to each contributor of $25.00 or more. He shall prepare a monthly financial statement of all receipts and disbursements, with the current balance for presentation at each regular meeting of the Board. He shall prepare an annual financial statement of the receipts, disbursements, assets and balance for the year, for presentation at the annual meeting of the Board. He shall keep an updated record of the current (within the past year) Supporting Members. He shall carry out the directives of the Board.
Article II - Duties of Board of Directors
Section 1. The Board shall be responsible for the general supervision and management of this organization. They shall meet together monthly or as deemed necessary to keep updated on the ministry, and to conduct the business required to maintain the objectives of this organization.
Section 2. The Board shall be responsible for procuring, retaining and terminating an Administrator for the Campus KCF, according to the current operation policy.
Section 3. The Board shall develop and maintain a current Job Description for the Administrator and current operation policy for the ministry, to use as a guide and monitor.
Section 4. The board shall annually review and update the financial support package for the Administrator.
Article III - Administrator
Section 1. The Administrator shall be a Christian believer, zealous for the Lord Jesus, well versed in the Word of God, with leadership ability, able to inspire others, skilled in Christian apologetics and able to defend the Christian Faith as contained in the Holy Scriptures and briefly stated in our tenets of Faith.
Section 2. The Administrator shall be able and willing to provide the leadership and inspiration for Campus KCF, needed to develop and maintain the afore mentioned ministry.
Section 3. The Administrator shall be able and willing to work with the Board, the current job description and operation policy.
Section 4. The Administrator shall be able and willing to work with the Christian churches and organizations of the area in the interest of KCF and its ministry.
Article IV - Elections and Vacancies
Section 1. The officers shall be elected at the annual meeting of the Board, by a two thirds vote. The term of office shall be for one year. They shall take office immediately following the Annual meeting of the Supporting Members.
Section 2. Any new member of the Board shall have been a supporting Member, who is recommended by a current active member on the Board, and ratified by a two thirds majority vote of the Board Members, who are present at any regular or special meeting. Koinonia Board members hold a three-year term. Members may serve a consecutive term of three more years understanding that there will be a seventh year sabbatical.
Section 3. The position of any Board member may be declared vacant by a two thirds majority vote of the Board Members who are present at any regular or special meeting. Grounds for such action shall be:
1. Unscriptural conduct.
2. Absent without good cause form half or more of the meetings in a year.
3. Any just or sufficient cause.
Article V - Amendments
The Bylaws may be amended by a two thirds majority vote of the members present, at any regular or special business meeting of the Board, provided that due notice of the proposed change, has been given to each member at least two weeks in advance of such a meeting.
For the purpose of establishing and maintaining a biblical, evangelical Christian ministry on the campus of Clarion University of Pennsylvania, through the students and faculty there of like precious faith.
Constitution
Article I - Name
The name of this organization shall be “Koinonia Christian Fellowship” (also referred to in this document as “KCF”), in the town of Clarion, in the county of Clarion, in the state of Pennsylvania.
Article II - Prerogatives
Section 1. This organization shall have the right to govern itself according to the teachings and standards of God’s Word, as contained in the Holy Bible.
Section 2. In connection therewith or incidental thereto, it shall have the right to purchase or acquire by gift, bequest or otherwise, either directly or as trustee and to own, hold in trust, use, sell, convey, mortgage, lease, or otherwise dispose of any real estate or chattels as may be necessary for the furtherance of its purposes; all in accordance with its Constitution and Bylaws, or as may be hereafter amended.
Article III - Tenets of Faith
1. We believe the Bible to be the inspired, and only inerrant authoritative Word of God.
2. We believe that there is only one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
3. We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His Ascension to the right hand of the Father and in His personal return in power and glory.
4. We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful man, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential.
5. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling, the Christian is enabled to live a Godly life and to bear witness to Jesus Christ, our only Savior.
6. We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; those who are saved, unto the resurrection of life, and those who are lost, to the resurrection of damnation.
7. We believe in the spiritual unity of the believers in Christ.
Article IV - Affiliation
Section 1. The primary affiliation of this organization shall be with Clarion University Student organization bearing the same name with the prefix “Campus” (Campus Koinonia Christian fellowship,) also herein referred as “Campus KCF.” This KCF student organization on campus shall be in agreement with these Tenets of Faith and maintain an active ministry on campus in working agreement with this organization.
Section 2. This organization shall provide an “Administrator,” who shall serve as a campus pastor or spiritual advisor, providing the inspiration and guidance, needed to achieve the objectives of our preamble.
Section 3. This organization may make other affiliations, should it be deemed advantageous by the Board of Directors, to further their objectives to maintain and promote the above stated ministry.
Article V - Membership
Membership in this organization shall be open to all those who give evidence to their faith in Jesus Christ. Those who are in agreement with these Tenets of Faith, are willing to be governed by this Constitution and Bylaws, and have demonstrated their spiritual and financial support to KCF, shall be considered as “Supporting Members,” with a right to vote at the Annual Board of Directors Meeting.
Article VI - Officers
Section 1. Officers: There shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Other officers may be added as needed. The term of office shall be for one year.
Section 2. Board: There shall be a Board of Directors also referred to in this document as the Board, numbering eleven (11) or more, but not exceeding seventeen (17). The Board shall include the officers, the Administrators, two student officers and one faculty advisor of the Campus KCF, and other members approved by the existing Board. In approving other members for the Board of Directors, preference shall be given to representatives from the supporting churches and organizations in the surrounding communities.
Article VII - Meetings
Section 1. The Board of Directors shall meet monthly or otherwise as deemed advisable by the officers to maintain the above mentioned ministry.
Section 2. There shall be an annual meeting of the Supporting Members, prior to the university’s Spring graduation for the giving of annual reports, the promotion of the ministry and the generation of its prayer and financial support.
Section 3. There shall be an annual meeting of the Board in the first part of the year, prior to the general annual meeting of the Supporting Members, for the purpose of electing new officers.
Section 4. Special meetings of the Board may be conducted as deemed necessary by the officers provided that each member receives notice no less than five days in advance of the meeting.
Section 5. Quorum
A. At least one third or more of the members of the Board shall be present at the regular monthly meetings, to constitute a quorum for the conduct of business.
B. At least two thirds or more of the members of the Board shall be present at any special board meeting, to constitute a quorum for the conduct of business.
C. At least two thirds or more of the members of the Board, along with as many supporting members as may attend, shall be present at the annual Board meeting to constitute a quorum for the conduct of business.
Article VIII - Finance
All funds for the operation of this ministry shall be provided through the Supporting Members and friends of KCF. All finance shall be received and dispersed in a business-like manner, under the supervision of the Board, with an open accounting at the monthly meetings and a published financial statement for circulation at the annual business meetings.
Article IX - Property
Section 1. All property, real or chattel, shall be taken, held, sold, transferred, or conveyed in the corporate name of KCF, as determined by the Board.
Section 2. The President and Secretary shall certify in any conveyance, that the same has been duly authorized by the Board.
Section 3. In the event that KCF shall cease to function for the purposes declared heretofore in the articles of the Constitution, then after providing for the payment of its debts, the remaining assets will not contribute to the benefit of any private person or persons, but all such remaining assets shall be disbursed to some other viable evangelical college campus ministry, namely that ministry being found in nature the closest to KCF.
Article X - Amendments
This Constitution may be amended by a two thirds vote of the members in attendance at any regular or special meeting called for that purpose, provided due notice of such purposed change shall have been provided to the members at least two weeks prior to such a meeting.
Bylaws
Article I - Duties of Officers
Section 1. President -The President shall preside as chairman of the Board of Directors. He shall be an ex-officio officer of all committees or departments. He shall carry out the directives of the Board.
Section 2. Vice President -The Vice President shall discharge the duties of the President in his absence or disability. He shall carry out the directives of the Board.
Section 3. Secretary -The Secretary shall keep a complete and permanent record of all proceedings of the Board. He shall provide a copy of the minutes of the last meeting, for each member of the Board, prior to, or at each business meeting. He shall carry out the directives of the Board.
Section 4. Treasurer -The Treasurer shall be responsible for all contributions and receipts to the organization. He shall deposit the same, in a reputable Bank as directed by the Board. He shall be responsible for the receipt of the bills and the disbursement of funds as directed by the Board. He shall keep a complete and permanent record of all receipts, cash flow and assets. He shall issue a receipt or letter of acknowledgment at least once a year to each contributor of $25.00 or more. He shall prepare a monthly financial statement of all receipts and disbursements, with the current balance for presentation at each regular meeting of the Board. He shall prepare an annual financial statement of the receipts, disbursements, assets and balance for the year, for presentation at the annual meeting of the Board. He shall keep an updated record of the current (within the past year) Supporting Members. He shall carry out the directives of the Board.
Article II - Duties of Board of Directors
Section 1. The Board shall be responsible for the general supervision and management of this organization. They shall meet together monthly or as deemed necessary to keep updated on the ministry, and to conduct the business required to maintain the objectives of this organization.
Section 2. The Board shall be responsible for procuring, retaining and terminating an Administrator for the Campus KCF, according to the current operation policy.
Section 3. The Board shall develop and maintain a current Job Description for the Administrator and current operation policy for the ministry, to use as a guide and monitor.
Section 4. The board shall annually review and update the financial support package for the Administrator.
Article III - Administrator
Section 1. The Administrator shall be a Christian believer, zealous for the Lord Jesus, well versed in the Word of God, with leadership ability, able to inspire others, skilled in Christian apologetics and able to defend the Christian Faith as contained in the Holy Scriptures and briefly stated in our tenets of Faith.
Section 2. The Administrator shall be able and willing to provide the leadership and inspiration for Campus KCF, needed to develop and maintain the afore mentioned ministry.
Section 3. The Administrator shall be able and willing to work with the Board, the current job description and operation policy.
Section 4. The Administrator shall be able and willing to work with the Christian churches and organizations of the area in the interest of KCF and its ministry.
Article IV - Elections and Vacancies
Section 1. The officers shall be elected at the annual meeting of the Board, by a two thirds vote. The term of office shall be for one year. They shall take office immediately following the Annual meeting of the Supporting Members.
Section 2. Any new member of the Board shall have been a supporting Member, who is recommended by a current active member on the Board, and ratified by a two thirds majority vote of the Board Members, who are present at any regular or special meeting. Koinonia Board members hold a three-year term. Members may serve a consecutive term of three more years understanding that there will be a seventh year sabbatical.
Section 3. The position of any Board member may be declared vacant by a two thirds majority vote of the Board Members who are present at any regular or special meeting. Grounds for such action shall be:
1. Unscriptural conduct.
2. Absent without good cause form half or more of the meetings in a year.
3. Any just or sufficient cause.
Article V - Amendments
The Bylaws may be amended by a two thirds majority vote of the members present, at any regular or special business meeting of the Board, provided that due notice of the proposed change, has been given to each member at least two weeks in advance of such a meeting.