CONSTITUTION
FRIENDS CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
College Station, Texas
Adopted: 2/3/79; Amended 1/16/83, 1/20/85, 1/22/89, 5/18/91, 11/20/94, 6/23/99, 6/27/04, 9/21/08
ARTICLE I: NAME
The name of this Church will be Friends Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, located in
College Station, Texas.
ARTICLE II: PURPOSE
The purpose of this church is to gather people of diverse backgrounds to celebrate our love of God with
joy, enthusiasm, and faith. We desire to remember old traditions and affirm our new creations and to
invite others to share mutual gifts.
ARTICLE III: POLITY
SECTION A. AFFILIATION WITH NATIONAL CHURCH
This Church will be a part of the United Church of Christ and it will sustain that relationship to the
United Church of Christ described in those portions of the Constitution and by-laws of the United Church
of Christ, adopted July 4, 1961, and as subsequently amended, relating to local churches.
SECTION B. GOVERNANCE
The government of this Church is vested in its members, who exercise the right of control in all of its
affairs, subject, however to the Laws of the State of Texas relating to ecclesiastical corporations.
ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP
SECTION A. REGULAR MEMBER
1. Any person desiring to join in the ministry of this church, embracing the purpose as
stated in Article II, may be admitted to membership by Confirmation, Adult Baptism,
Letter of Transfer from another Church, or Reaffirmation of Faith.
2. All members are encouraged to take part in the joy and fellowship of congregational life
and share in the responsibility of supporting the work and mission of the Church.
SECTION B. ASSOCIATE MEMBER
Associate membership may be extended to students in higher education during their period of study or to
others for a period not to exceed one year. Associate members have the same rights, privileges, and
responsibilities as full members.
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ARTICLE V: ADMINISTRATION
SECTION A. GOVERNANCE
The governing body of this Church will be the membership of the Church assembled in a Congregational
Meeting.
SECTION B. CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
There will be at least one Congregational Meeting each year. Annually, the Congregation will (1) elect
officers, (2) adopt an Annual Statement of Faith and Mission (budget), and (3) receive the Annual Report.
SECTION C. QUORUM
A quorum will consist of FIFTEEN PERCENT (15%) of the members of the church. The number for the
quorum will be established each year at the time the official count is sent to the national church.
SECTION D. DECISION MAKING
A majority of all votes cast will decide matters and elections except for the following which will require
a two-thirds (2/3) majority of those voting: calling or dismissing a Pastor; removing any chairperson, or
other elected officer; amending the Constitution; buying, selling, transferring, mortgaging, or otherwise
encumbering real property of the Church.
ARTICLE VI. STEERING MINISTRY
SECTION A. FUNCTION
The Steering Ministry Team will be the policy making and visioning body of the Church.
SECTION B. MEMBERSHIP
The Steering Ministry Team will consist of the Moderator, Vice Moderator, Deputy Moderator for the
Board of Trustees, Deputy Moderator for Programs, Steering Ministry Secretary, Treasurer, and two
Congregational Representatives.
ARTICLE VII. BOARD OF TRUSTEES
SECTION A. FUNCTION
The Board of Trustees will have oversight over the building and property. The Board of Trustees will
submit an Annual Statement of Faith (budget) for approval by the Congregation at a Congregational
Meeting.
SECTION B. MEMBERSHIP
The Board of Trustees will consist of the Deputy Moderator as Chairperson, Financial Secretary, Youth
Representative, Chairs of Stewardship, Property, and Personnel Ministries.
SECTION C. AUTONOMY
The Board of Trustees reports to the Steering Ministry. Any action will be in accordance with
established purpose and goals of the Church. All meetings are open, except when addressing
personnel issues.
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ARTICLE VIII. PROGRAMS MINISTRY
SECTION A. FUNCTION
The Programs Ministry will serve as the scheduling and coordinating body for the ministry and activity
life of the church.
SECTION B. MEMBERSHIP
The Programs Ministry Team will consist of the Deputy Moderator as Chairperson, Youth
Representative, and Chairpersons of the following Ministries: Christian Education, Justice and Missions,
Worship, Evangelism, Spiritual Growth, Fellowship, and Nurture. Leaders of church-wide events and
other groups are invited to send representatives as appropriate.
SECTION C. AUTONOMY
The Programs Ministry Team reports to the Steering Ministry. Any action will be in accordance with
established purpose and goals of the Church. All meetings are open.
ARTICLE IX. PASTOR
The Pastor will be ordained, with standing in the United Church of Christ, and will be a member of the
Congregation. The Pastor will be the spiritual leader of the Congregation and will administer the program
of the Church in cooperation with the officers, ministries/committees, and Church membership. The
Pastor will be a member, ex-officio, without vote, on all ministries/committees.
ARTICLE X. PASTORAL RELATIONS MINISTRY
The Pastoral Relations Ministry exists to support and assist the Pastor. The ministry team will meet with
the Pastor on at least a quarterly basis to discuss the goals of the ministry and the hopes and aspirations of
members of the Congregation. All meetings are closed.
ARTICLE XI. DISSOLUTION
In the event of dissolution of the Congregation, its remaining assets, if any, shall vest with the South
Central Conference of the United Church of Christ.
ARTICLE XII. AMENDMENTS
The Constitution may be amended by two-thirds (2/3) majority of those present and voting at any
Congregational Meeting called for the purpose of amendment. Proposed amendments will be a part of the
notice of the Meeting at which they are to be considered.