Desert Springs Church

ARTICLE 1: NAME

The name of corporation shall be Desert Springs Church. It is a nonprofit, 501(c)3, religious corporation in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

ARTICLE ONE: IDENTITY

1.1 Name. The name of the church shall continue to be Desert Springs Church (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “DSC”).

ARTICLE 2: PURPOSE

Section 2.1 — The mission of Desert Springs Church is to spread God’s glory broader and deeper.

Section 2.2 — We will spread God’s glory broader and deeper by living together according to the word of God in worship, community, and mission. God’s glory is spread in our exaltation of the Lord Jesus Christ in worship, our commitment to one another in Christ-centered community, and engagement with God’s mission for his church to make disciples of Jesus Christ. The activity of our life together is governed and directed by these three priorities in fulfillment of our mission.

Section 2.3 — [followed by approximately 14 bullet points elaborating the mission: through the blood of Christ; according to Scripture; by the Holy Spirit; in passionate worship; for the purity of the church; awareness of sin; compassionate love; fellowship; trust in God’s sovereignty; deference on secondary matters; role relationships; pastor-elder leadership; God’s sole credit for fruit — closing with Romans 11:36.]

1.2 Purpose. The purpose of DSC is to spread God’s glory broader and deeper by living together according to the Word of God in worship, community, and mission.

ARTICLE 5: AFFILIATION

Desert Springs Church is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, yet is completely autonomous in its government and authority.

Desert Springs Church will abide by federal and local government regulations, in accordance with the Scriptures and our Members Statement of Faith, regarding issues such as taxes (when applicable to a tax-exempt organization), the safety and health of employees, and zoning and codes for facility construction and maintenance.

1.3 Structure. Desert Springs Church shall remain a fully autonomous church, governed in accordance with scripture, this constitution, its statements, and any amendments rightly adopted by the members.

1.4 Affiliations. Desert Springs Church may voluntarily cooperate with associations, conventions, networks, or ministries of like faith for the sake of missions, church planting, theological education, and gospel partnership. Such cooperation shall not compromise the autonomy of DSC, the authority of its members, or the leadership of its elders under Christ and His Word.

ARTICLE 3: BELIEFS

Section 3.1 Members Statement of Faith

[Approximately nine paragraphs follow covering: Scripture (66 books, inerrancy, sufficiency); the Trinity; humanity created in God’s image, the Fall, original sin; complementarity of male and female and biblical marriage; the person and work of Christ; substitutionary atonement; the Holy Spirit’s indwelling and gifts; the Church as Christ’s body, the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper for regenerate believers; bodily resurrection and Christ’s return; literal heaven and hell.]

Section 3.2 Ministry Distinctives

[Twelve bullets covering: gospel as foundation; Scripture as sufficient guide; God’s prescribed means of worship and growth; prayer; God-centered singing; awareness of sin; partnership in fellowship; compassion for the lost; global outlook of God’s kingdom; honesty about remaining sin; corporate and daily worship; trust in God’s sovereignty; plurality of pastor-elders.]

Section 4.3 Covenant of Fellowship

[A substantial covenant statement is reproduced in full in the 2018 constitution under the membership article — walking together in Christian love, supporting the ministry, family devotions, watching over one another, manner of leaving the church, and submission to Matthew 18 discipline.]

1.5 Statements. In its effort to speak to certain items of church polity more specifically and at length, DSC hereby retains the following statements (voted on and passed by the members). Any amendments or restatements shall be recommended by the elders to the members for consideration. Notice must be presented at least two (2) months before a vote, and any proposed statement must be provided to any member who requests a copy. Any statement must receive an affirmative vote of at least 75% of the members present and voting in order to pass and, therefore, be enforceable. The current statements of DSC are:

• A. Members’ Statement of Faith
• B. Covenant of Fellowship

1.6 Ordinances. The ordinances of DSC are baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Baptism shall be administered to those who credibly profess faith in Jesus Christ and intend to become members of DSC. Baptism shall ordinarily be by immersion in water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. The Lord’s Supper shall be regularly administered to baptized believers who are members in good standing of DSC or part of another gospel-preaching church.

Section 4.1 Becoming a Member

Membership in this local church shall be open to anyone who professes personal faith in Christ and Christ alone for his/her eternal salvation, who bears evidence of a changed life in conformity to the life of Christ, a comprehension of the basic doctrines of the Word of God, and water baptism (by immersion) after conversion in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

[Substantial paragraph follows on the immersion-baptism exception: Christians not baptized by immersion as believers may, after study, discussion, and prayer prescribed by the elders, be received as exceptions to ordinary practice if their conviction rests on a plausible, intelligible, scripturally based argument. All candidates must demonstrate a humble and teachable disposition.]

To become a member, a candidate must attend the membership class at DSC. Upon completion of the class, a candidate will be interviewed by a member of the elders, or a person assigned by the elders... the candidate can sign the Covenant of Fellowship as an application for membership, and the candidate will be recommended for membership to the elders.

At the next Members Meeting, an assigned elder will report on the candidates’ profession of faith, baptism, and former church status, recommend the candidate for membership, and ascertain affirmation by a simple majority of current members present at the Members Meeting. After congregational affirmation, the elder who reported on the candidate to the church will sign the candidate’s Covenant of Fellowship, finalizing the membership process...

2.1 Qualification. A candidate for membership at DSC must:

• A. have a credible profession of faith in Christ and Christ alone for their salvation that is tangibly evident and demonstrated;
• B. be baptized as a believer in obedience to Christ;
• C. have no settled convictions contrary to the doctrines of DSC as expressed in the Statement of Faith; and
• D. keep the commitments expressed in the Covenant of Fellowship and submit to the discipline of DSC.

2.2 Application. Any individual who desires to be a member of DSC must complete the membership class and apply for membership. The individual’s profession of faith and any other available evidence may be considered by the elders in deciding whether to recommend an individual for membership. If the elders agree to recommend an individual for membership, the individual shall sign the Covenant of Fellowship as an affirmation of his or her intent to enter into covenant membership with DSC, subject to affirmation by the members. Any individual who signs the Covenant of Fellowship thereby agrees to be bound by it. Further, signing the Covenant of Fellowship is constructive notice of all DSC’s policies and procedures regarding church governance, including notice of this Constitution.

2.3 Nomination. ...Notice of all applicants being recommended as candidates for membership shall be provided to the current members no later than three (3) weeks in advance of a regularly called Members’ Meeting. Any concerns regarding an applicant’s candidacy for membership should be brought to the attention of the elders prior to the applicant being voted on by the members. ...An affirmative vote of at least 50% of members present and voting shall be required in order for a candidate to be affirmed as a member.

2.4 Acceptance. If a candidate for membership receives the requisite number of votes, he or she shall thereby be added to the membership of DSC. The candidate’s affirmation by the members shall be recorded in the minutes of the members’ meeting and witnessed by an elder on the signed Covenant of Fellowship...

Section 4.2 Responsibilities of the Members

Each member is responsible to faithfully attend and participate in the corporate worship services of the church and to live out the principles of the Covenant of Fellowship. It is also strongly encouraged that each member will participate in a community group for interpersonal accountability, encouragement, and care, and attend Members Meetings.

If a recommendation from any member for the improvement of the whole body is offered, it should be addressed to the elder in charge of the area of responsibility.

Membership in this church shall not vest in any member any proprietary rights in the corporation (Desert Springs Church). Those admitted to church membership do not constitute a legislative body, nor do they constitute members of the Corporation. They cannot vote, pass resolutions binding upon the Corporation, nor shall they have any equity in the real property of the Corporation, or rights to vote on its disposal.

2.5 Duties and Privileges of Membership. Members are responsible to faithfully attend and participate in the corporate worship services of the church, to live out the Covenant of Fellowship, to pursue the good of the body, and to attend members’ meetings when able.

Section 4.3 Covenant of Fellowship

[The 2018 constitution reproduces the entire Covenant of Fellowship in full — approximately six paragraphs covering: entry into covenant in agreement with the Statement of Faith; walking together in Christian love and supporting the ministry; family and private devotions, raising children in the faith, just dealings, avoiding gossip; watching over one another, prayer, aid in sickness, slow to take offense; manner of leaving the church and joining another; expectation of accountability and submission to Matthew 18 discipline.]

Covenant of Fellowship is no longer reproduced inside the constitution. It is referenced as a separate statement in Section 1.5.

Section 4.4 Removal from Membership

All resignations from the membership shall be made after due counsel and consideration by the elders. It is the responsibility of members that are contemplating leaving the church to contact the church leadership in order that church leadership (1) understand the reasons for a member’s desired departure, (2) seek to serve them well as they work through this process, and (3) possibly, if necessary, encourage or exhort them to remain. Where a member’s departure is reasonable, this will be reported to the church during the next Members Meeting.

A member will be removed from the membership roll if he/she dies. This will be reported to the church during the next Members Meeting.

A member may be recommended for removal from the membership for inactivity or inappropriate absenteeism. This action will be carefully considered and determined by the Board of Elders. This will be reported to the church during the next Members Meeting.

A member may be removed from the membership for corrective discipline, that is, continual, unrepentant sinful conduct and/or erroneous teaching, upon ascertaining affirmation by a simple majority of current members present at the Members Meeting. A member may not voluntarily resign his/her membership if he/she is currently under corrective discipline.

Section 4.5 Reapplication to Membership

If a former member chooses to apply for membership the procedures in Section 4.1 of this Article must be followed. In cases of corrective discipline, additional procedures for restoration may be determined by the Board of Elders.

2.6 Removal. A member may be removed from membership by death, transfer, resignation, or church discipline. Upon notice of a member’s death, the elders shall report the member’s removal from membership. In all other cases, removal from membership shall take place upon recommendation of the elders at a properly called members’ meeting and shall require an affirmative vote of at least 50% of the members present and voting.

A. Transfer/Resignation. Any request from a member to resign their membership must be submitted in writing to the elders and must include the name of the church to which the member desires to transfer their membership. Transfers of membership should be to gospel-believing churches...

All members who sign the Covenant of Fellowship are hereby considered to be on notice that they cannot voluntarily resign their membership without associating with another gospel believing church in a meaningful way. Further, if a member is in any phase of formal church discipline he or she may not transfer or resign their membership.

B. Church Discipline. DSC’s adherence to the practice of church discipline is an inherently ecclesiastical matter. The purpose is to maintain the unity of the church body, defend the honor of Christ, with the ultimate hope of restoring any offending member to Christian fellowship. The initial steps of church discipline (Matthew 18:15-16) are the responsibility of every member of DSC. ...The subsequent step of “tell it to the church” (Matthew 18:17a) and recommending excommunication and removal is the responsibility of the elders. The final step of voting on a recommendation for excommunication and removal (Matthew 18:17b) rests with the members as a whole.

If the church discipline process results in the elders recommending a member be removed, a recommendation for excommunication and removal must be made by the elders at a properly called members’ meeting, and an affirmative vote of at least 50% of members present and voting shall be required in order to remove any individual from membership.

Section 6.6 Members Meetings

The elders will regularly hold and lead Members Meetings where potential members will be affirmed into membership by the congregation and members will be removed from membership for discipline by the congregation.

The elders will determine a moderator from amongst the elders. The moderator shall conduct meetings in accordance with the procedures assigned by the elders.

A quorum shall be understood to be met by those members present.

2.7 Members’ Meetings. The members of DSC shall act in members’ meetings on those matters reserved to the congregation in this Constitution, including the addition and removal of members, the affirmation and removal of officers, the approval of the annual budget, amendments to governing documents, and any other matter properly submitted to the members. The elders in their discretion may utilize members’ meetings for any other purpose they believe is edifying. Members’ meetings shall take place at least four (4) times annually...

A. Agenda of Members’ Meetings. The elders shall be responsible for setting the agenda for all members’ meetings. Any member may recommend an item for inclusion on the agenda... by submitting the request in writing to the elders no less than three (3) weeks prior to the scheduled meeting.

If the elders decline to include a requested item, the member may resubmit the request accompanied by written support from at least twenty (20) members. Upon receipt of a valid petition, the elders shall include the item on the agenda of the next regular members’ meeting for which notice requirements can be satisfied. ...When an item brought forward by members concerns a matter that this Constitution reserves to elder recommendation, the item may be placed on the agenda for discussion, request, or appeal to the elders, but shall not proceed to a binding vote unless the elders recommend the action to the members.

Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, members may initiate a binding vote regarding the removal of an elder or deacon, or the amendment of the Constitution or statements...

B. Quorum. Provided the following requirements are satisfied, the members present at a members’ meeting shall constitute a quorum, and a binding vote may be taken: (1) Notice. (2) Pulpit Announcement at the two preceding worship services. (3) Agenda provided to any member who requests it.

C. Voting Percentages. All voting percentages shall be established based upon the number of members present and voting at the meeting.

D. Voting Procedures. Votes on candidates for membership should normally take place orally. ...Votes regarding officers, church discipline, officer removal, amendments to the Constitution, amendments to the church’s statements, and any other sensitive matter may be taken by written ballot at the discretion of the elders.

Not addressed in 2018. Budget approval was an elder-only function under Section 6.1: “Overseeing, annually, the process of a new budget, approving such a budget...”

2.8 Church Budget. Each year, the elders, after appropriate consultation with ministry leaders, shall present to the church an annual budget. The elders shall be responsible for formulating and recommending the proposed budget to the members of DSC.

The proposed budget shall be made available to the members at least thirty (30) days prior to the vote. The members shall be given the opportunity to review and discuss the proposed budget before it is called up for approval at a properly called members’ meeting. Members’ approval shall proceed, without amendment, as a single vote on the budget in its entirety, and shall require an affirmative vote of a majority (>50%) of the members present and voting.

If the proposed budget is not approved, DSC shall operate under a temporary budget administered by the elders. Unless otherwise approved by the members, such temporary budget shall not exceed ninety percent (90%) of the prior year’s approved annual budget, prorated monthly, and shall remain in effect only until the elders revise the proposed budget and present it again to the members for approval. During this temporary period, the elders may authorize expenditures necessary to satisfy existing legal, employment, missions, facility, insurance, and ministry obligations.

No money shall be solicited by or on behalf of DSC or any of its ministries without the approval of the elders.

Section 6.1 Responsibility of Elders

In its operation, both spiritually and legally, the church will be governed by a Board of Elders. These shall be men in whose lives the working of the Holy Spirit is evident, who have given a worthy witness of the authority of Christ in their lives, and who have met the qualifications given in the Scriptures. Authority for the day-to-day ministry matters will reside in the hands of the elders whether in full-time compensated service or otherwise.

The qualifications of elders are spelled out in 1 Tim. 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9.

[Followed by two extensive bullet lists — “In general” responsibilities (superintendence, study and teaching, stewardship, supervising deacons, diligent labor and counsel, pastoral care and hospitality) and “In particular” responsibilities (directing the Corporation, shepherding, selecting officers/agents/pastors/staff, budget, borrowing money and incurring indebtedness).]

3.1 Qualification and Responsibilities. DSC’s qualifications for an elder are the same as those outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. The elders shall shepherd the flock of God among them by feeding, protecting, leading, and caring for the church under the authority of Christ and His Word. They shall devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word, oversee the teaching and worship of the church, administer the ordinances, equip the saints for ministry, guard sound doctrine, oversee church discipline, examine and recommend prospective members and officers, care for the members, oversee the work of deacons, and lead the church in fulfilling its mission.

The elders shall oversee the hiring, supervision, job descriptions, and salaries of all church staff, except where this Constitution requires congregational affirmation for a particular office or role. The elders may establish ministry positions to assist them in fulfilling their responsibilities and may propose funding for new paid employee positions. The scope and approval of job descriptions for all employee positions shall reside with the elders, subject to any requirements for congregational approval set forth in this Constitution.

Section 6.2 Selection and Appointment of Elders

Selection of a man to be considered as an elder candidate will be made on the basis of both Scriptural qualifications and his leading and serving experience within Desert Springs Church. After a written application is completed and reviewed by the Board of Elders, the elders will conduct an interview. If approved by the elders, the name of the candidate is then brought before the church in a Sunday morning worship service. The candidate then serves for one year on the Board of Elders as a non-voting participant (at the discretion of the Board of Elders, the length of candidacy could be longer or shorter).

Unless otherwise determined, at the completion of that year the candidate’s name is again brought before the congregation, and at least three weeks are allowed for feedback. With the approval of the Board of Elders at the completion of these three weeks, the candidate will be appointed as an elder in a worship service of the church.

There is no maximum number of elders, and no minimum or maximum number of elder candidates, but the church must maintain a minimum number of three elders.

Each individual elder is subject to the Board of Elders.

3.2 Consideration. Only male members of DSC shall be considered for the office of elder. If the elders seek to call a man who is not yet a member of DSC to serve as preaching pastor, he must be considered and affirmed according to the process set forth in this Constitution for the calling of a preaching pastor.

The elders shall be solely responsible for deciding whether to invite an individual to apply for the office of elder, although recommendations from the members are encouraged. An affirmative vote of at least 75% of the elders present and voting shall be required for an application to be sent to a member nominated to the office of elder.

3.3 Application and Nomination. ...An affirmative vote of at least 75% of the elders present and voting shall be required in order for the applicant to be nominated as a candidate for the office of elder.

...the members shall be allotted at least six (6) months to consider a candidate for the office of elder. Any concerns regarding a candidate’s qualification should be brought to the attention of the elders prior to voting on the candidate. Any vote for an elder candidate shall take place at a members’ meeting. An affirmative vote of at least 75% of the members present and voting is required in order for a candidate for the office of elder to be affirmed.

Not addressed in 2018. Elders served without term limits and without periodic reaffirmation. The 2018 document had only voluntary or removal-based exits (§6.4).

3.4 Terms. The terms for the office of elder shall differ for staff and non-staff elders:

A. Non-Staff Elders. There are no term limits for non-staff elders. However, non-staff elders must be reaffirmed every three (3) years. ...An affirmative vote of at least 75% of elders present and voting shall be required in order for the non-staff elder to be nominated to serve an additional term. ...The members shall be allotted at least two (2) months to consider reaffirming a non-staff elder for an additional term. ...An affirmative vote of at least 75% of the members present and voting is required in order for a non-staff elder to be reaffirmed. The same process must be followed at the end of each term.

B. Staff Elders. There are no terms for elders on staff at DSC. Staff elders must be affirmed by the members according to the same basic process required for non-staff elders, unless a more specific process is provided in this Constitution for a particular staff role. The elders may recommend a modified consideration timeline or process appropriate to the staff role, but no man shall serve as an elder without congregational affirmation as required by this Constitution. Should a staff elder disqualify himself from the office of elder, the other elders shall have final discretion regarding such individual’s ongoing employment, staff responsibilities, and any recommendation made to the members of DSC.

Not addressed in 2018. The 2018 document treated all elders the same and did not name the Preaching Pastor role with its own process. Pastoral hires were elder appointments under §6.1.

3.5 Staff Vacancies. ...B. Preaching Pastor. Notwithstanding the ordinary process for membership and elder candidacy, the role of Preaching Pastor is distinct. DSC shall ordinarily seek to have a preaching pastor, and if that role becomes vacant, the elders may nominate a qualified man to be called by the church as Preaching Pastor. A nominee for Preaching Pastor may be a member of another gospel-preaching church at the time of nomination, but upon affirmation by the members he shall become a member of DSC, an elder, and a staff pastor.

Before the members vote, the nominee shall be presented to the church with proper notice, shall preach in at least two (2) regularly scheduled Sunday services, and shall participate in a church-wide question and answer opportunity. There is no additional minimum consideration period, provided that these requirements and all applicable notice requirements have been satisfied. Any vote to affirm a nominee as Preaching Pastor shall be taken by ballot and shall require an affirmative vote of at least 75% of the members present and voting.

Not addressed in 2018 with this specificity.

3.5 Staff Vacancies. A. Staff Elders. Establishing or appointing a staff elder to a certain role shall not establish a permanent role or ongoing elder position for that specific work. Therefore, if a staff elder is removed from office or employment for any reason, the remaining elders shall have discretion to determine whether the role should be filled, modified, suspended, or discontinued in accordance with the needs of the church, subject to any congregational approval required by this Constitution.

Section 6.3 Decision-Making Processes

The Board of Elders will elect a Chairman of the Board for a 12 month term, who will lead elder meetings by setting agendas and chairing discussion. The Chair’s leadership will have an annual evaluation by himself and the elders. The other elders may choose to elect a new chairman or extend the current chair for another term. There are no term limits for the role.

A quorum of the Board of Elders shall consist of two-thirds of the elders or three elders, whichever is larger.

The goal of the decision-making process is that a conclusion is unanimous, and if not, that a consensus is reached. Because the government of Desert Springs Church is a plurality of elders, and a plurality of equality, each elder has an equal vote. If neither a unanimous decision nor a consensus (significant majority) decision can be reached, a two-thirds vote is necessary to carry a motion.

3.6 Elder Decision-Making. A quorum of the elders shall consist of two-thirds of the elders then serving, or three elders, whichever is greater. If fewer than three elders are then serving, all elders then serving must participate in order for a quorum to exist. The elders shall seek unanimity whenever possible and broad consensus when unanimity cannot be reached. For decisions that do not require a recommendation to the members, a majority vote of the elders shall be required to carry a motion, unless this Constitution elsewhere requires a different threshold. For any decision requiring a recommendation to the members, an affirmative vote of at least 75% of the elders shall be required before such recommendation may be presented to the members.

Section 6.4 Removal of an Elder

Any elder may be removed from office at any regular or special meeting of the Board if (1) he has requested removal and resigned by letter; (2) he and the Board of Elders mutually agree that this is in the best interests of the church (in which case this would be noted in the minutes); or (3) he is found to be physically or mentally incapacitated or spiritually unqualified (in which case this would be noted in the minutes).

3.7 Voluntary Removal. An elder may resign from the office at any time. Upon receiving notice of an elder’s desire to resign, and barring any reasonable biblical or practical concern, the elders may accept the elder’s resignation or recognize his voluntary removal from office. The elders shall report such removal to the members at the next members’ meeting or by notice.

3.8 Involuntary Removal. If it becomes necessary to remove an elder who does not voluntarily resign from office, the elders may recommend to the members that the elder be removed from office. Members may also request that the removal of an elder be placed on the agenda of a members’ meeting by following the procedures outlined in Section 2.7.A. If the requirements of Section 2.7.A are satisfied, and if notice of the proposed removal has been provided at least three (3) weeks prior to the meeting, the members may vote on the proposed removal even without a recommendation from the elders. All votes to remove an elder from office shall require an affirmative vote of at least 75% of the members present and voting.

Section 6.1 (excerpt)

Supervising deacons, who in turn manage the help of those in need (Gal. 6:10; 1 Thess. 5:14-22)

(No further treatment of deacons in the 2018 constitution.)

4.1 Qualification and Responsibilities. DSC’s qualifications for a deacon are the same as those outlined in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Any member considered for the office of deacon must meet the biblical qualifications for the office and must be eligible to serve in accordance with DSC’s doctrinal statements, policies, and the elders’ application of Scripture to the office. In keeping with 1 Timothy 3:8-13 and the pattern of Acts 6:1-7, the office of deacon exists to preserve unity, support the elders’ ministry of the Word, care for practical needs, and strengthen the church’s life and ministry through faithful service, wise administration, mercy, hospitality, and practical care.

Deacons shall not exercise the spiritual oversight entrusted to the elders, but shall lead specific areas of service as appointed by the church upon recommendation of the elders. The number and specific responsibilities of deacons shall be determined according to the needs of the church, the qualifications of its members, and the recommendation of the elders.

The deacons may be invited to attend elders meetings upon request. Reasonable notice should be provided to the deacons prior to such meetings. There shall be no official meeting of the deacons apart from their attendance at an elders meeting.

Not addressed in 2018.

4.2–4.3 Consideration, Application, and Nomination. ...The elders shall be solely responsible for inviting a member to apply for the office of deacon, although recommendations from the members are encouraged. An affirmative vote of at least 75% of the elders present and voting shall be required for an application to be sent... [and again to nominate]... the members shall be allotted at least two (2) months to consider a candidate for the office of deacon... An affirmative vote of at least 75% of the members present and voting is required in order for a candidate for the office of deacon to be affirmed.

4.4 Terms. There are no term limits for deacons. However, deacons must be reaffirmed every three (3) years. At the end of each three (3) year term, an affirmative vote of at least 75% of elders present and voting shall be required in order for the deacon to be nominated to serve an additional term. ...An affirmative vote of at least 75% of the members present and voting is required in order for a deacon to be reaffirmed.

4.5–4.6 Voluntary and Involuntary Removal. [Parallel to elder removal: voluntary resignation may be accepted by elders barring biblical/practical concerns; involuntary removal requires elder recommendation or member petition under §2.7.A, with three weeks’ notice and a 75% member vote.]

4.7 Vacancies. The members, upon recommendation from the elders, may appoint deacons from time to time to areas of service as needs arise; however, such appointments do not establish ongoing offices for that specific work. ...the elders have the discretion to suspend temporarily or indefinitely a role previously filled by a deacon...

Not addressed in 2018. The 2018 document had no insurance, indemnification, or limitation-of-liability provisions for officers or volunteers.

5.1 Insurance. Desert Springs Church may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person serving or formerly serving DSC as an elder, deacon, officer, employee, ministry leader, volunteer, agent, or other authorized representative, to protect against covered liability or expenses arising from such service.

5.2 Mandatory Indemnification. If a legal claim or criminal proceeding is brought against a person because of his or her service to DSC, DSC shall indemnify that person for reasonable expenses and liabilities... if the elders determine that the person: (A) acted in good faith; (B) acted with ordinary prudence under the circumstances; (C) reasonably believed his or her conduct was in the best interests of DSC; and (D) had no reasonable cause to believe the conduct was unlawful.

5.3 Discretionary Indemnification. In situations not covered by Section 5.2, DSC may indemnify a person... if the elders determine that the person acted in good faith and reasonably believed his or her conduct was in the best interests of DSC.

5.4 Exclusions. Desert Springs Church shall not indemnify any person for conduct involving willful misconduct, fraud, gross negligence, intentional violation of law, or actions outside the scope of authorized service to DSC, except as otherwise required by law.

5.5 Indemnification Decisions. ...Any elder requesting indemnification shall not participate in the decision. If a quorum of disinterested elders is unavailable, the determination may be made by the members or by independent legal counsel appointed by the members.

5.6 Ecclesiastical Authority. Nothing in this Article shall require DSC to indemnify any person for conduct determined by the elders to be contrary to this Constitution, the Statement of Faith, the Covenant of Fellowship, or the lawful direction of the elders.

Not addressed in 2018. Notice procedures were implicit in the cadence of members’ meetings.

6.1 Notice. Any requirement for the notice as provided herein shall be satisfied by publishing written notice in the regular publication from DSC to the membership. DSC shall endeavor to manage receipt of the publication in good faith.

Section 6.7 Changes to the Members Statement of Faith and Constitution

Under the authority of Jesus Christ and the Word of God, the membership of Desert Springs Church is the final authority for matters pertaining to “the keys of the Kingdom”... Therefore, the Members Statement of Faith may be amended when, upon recommendation from the Elder Board, two-thirds (2/3) of members present at a Members Meeting affirm such recommended changes.

This Constitution may be amended by the Elder Board in accordance with their decision-making process, and shall be announced at the next Members Meeting.

6.2 Amendments. The elders shall consider whether or not there is need for amendment to this Constitution as required. Should the elders agree to amend the Constitution, any and all amendments shall be provided to the members for consideration at least two (2) months prior to the elders calling for a vote on such amendments. All votes to amend the Constitution shall require an affirmative vote of at least 75% of the members present and voting in order to pass.

Not addressed in 2018.

6.3 Political Participation. Desert Springs Church shall not endorse or oppose any candidate for public office, contribute church funds or resources to any political campaign, or publish statements in the name of DSC in support of or opposition to any candidate. Nothing in this provision shall prohibit DSC from preaching, teaching, praying, counseling, discipling, publishing, or otherwise speaking according to God’s Word regarding moral, theological, cultural, or public matters, including matters debated in the civil or political sphere. Members, elders, deacons, and employees of DSC may participate in civil and political life as private citizens; however, no person may use DSC’s name, facilities, funds, publications, communication channels, or official gatherings to endorse or oppose a candidate for public office.

Not addressed in 2018.

6.4 Administrative Matters. Should the state or federal government require DSC to report regarding its status as a non-profit entity, such reporting shall be considered purely administrative with respect to its polity and governance. No title assigned to a staff person for the sake of reporting to such entities shall instill any authority not granted by the members or elders in accordance with this Constitution.

ARTICLE 7: DISSOLUTION

In the case of dissolution of the corporation (Desert Springs Church), all bills should be paid in full. Any and all remaining assets will be distributed to other non-profit organizations of like faith, as determined by the Board of Elders. No funds or debts should accrue to the members of the church or any other person associated with them.

6.5 Dissolution. In the case of dissolution of DSC, all debts and obligations shall be satisfied to the extent possible. Any remaining assets shall be distributed to one or more nonprofit organizations of like faith, as determined by the elders. In the event there are no elders, such determination shall be made by a majority vote of the members present and voting at a properly called members’ meeting. No assets shall accrue to the benefit of any member, elder, deacon, employee, or private individual.