Destiny Center House of Worship

For the purpose of establishing and maintaining a place for the worship of the one true GOD, JESUS CHRIST our LORD & SAVIOR; to provide for CHRISTian fellowship for those of like precious faith, irrespective of social position or worldly possessions; for the propagation of the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST both in home and foreign lands, all led by the guidance of the HOLY SPIRIT, this church shall be governed by the following Constitution:

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENT:

That, we, the undersigned have this day voluntarily associated ourselves together for the purpose of forming a corporation under the Laws of the State of Texas, and we hereby certify:

ARTICLE I

Destiny Center House of Worship

As stated in the Articles of Incorporation, the name of the corporate church shall be also called DCHOW.

ARTICLE II

PURPOSES AND POWERS

THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH THIS CORPORATION IS FORMED ARE:

• • To establish a church framed together to grow into the holy temple of the LORD, individually and collectively. To be the habitation of GOD through HIS HOLY SPIRIT grounded on the teachings of the Apostles and Prophets recorded in the Holy Scriptures with JESUS CHRIST as the chief cornerstone. (1 Cor 6:19; Rom 12:3-8; Acts 2:42; Eph 2:20; 2 Tim 3:16).

• • To learn how to worship HIM in SPIRIT and Truth through Biblical teaching, preaching, and other various forms of ministry and outreach to propel believers into their GOD-given destiny. Where the worship encounter is centered on a life renewed, rebuilt, replenished, restored, and continuously made into a living sacrifice pleasing unto GOD to also be able to bring others to the saving knowledge of JESUS CHRIST (John 4:23-24; Rom 12:1-2).

• • To send out disciples with the power and authority to drive out demons, cure diseases, heal the sick, and proclaim the Kingdom of GOD. To show the world the evidence of what GOD testified that shall follow those that believe: signs, wonders, and various miracles, and by gifts of the HOLY SPIRIT distributed according to HIS will (1 Cor 2:4-5; Heb 2:3-4).

• • To serve the community, foreign and domestic, through outreach programs, missionaries, etc. (Matt 10:7-8, 25: 31-46, 28:19; James 2:15-17; Pro 19:7, 22:9).

• • To raise up leaders through Biblical training and ministry opportunities so that the body of CHRIST may be built up until all believers reach unity in the faith and knowledge of the SON of GOD and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of CHRIST (Eph 4:11- 13; Pro 22:6)

• • To assist and support other ministries and programs with charitable donations and/or manpower that are promoting the commission of JESUS CHRIST through various outreach, shelters, relief efforts, etc. (Matthew 25:35-40; James 2:15-17; Pro 19:7, 22:9).

• • To pray and intercede on behalf of believers and unbelievers so that they might be healed spiritually and/or physically (I Thess 5:17; James 5:14-16; Matt 5:44; Luke 23:34).

• • To do all other acts necessary or expedient for the administration of the affairs and attainment of the purposes of the corporation and to have and exercise all the powers now or hereafter conferred by the Laws of the State of Texas, upon non-profit corporations.

ARTICLE III

A NON-PROFIT CORPORATION

This corporation is organized pursuant to the General Non-Profit Corporation Law of the State of Texas; the property of this corporation is irrevocably dedicated to religious and charitable purposes, and upon liquidation, dissolution, or abandonment, shall not inure to the benefit of any private person except a fund, foundation, or corporation organized and operated for religious or charitable purposes and as designated in Article I of this Constitution.

ARTICLE IV

ORDINANCES

1. Statement on Baptism:

We believe Baptism by immersion in water is a symbol of: a believer’s faith in a crucified, buried, and risen SAVIOUR; the believer’s death to sin; the burial of the old
life; and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in CHRIST JESUS. Also a believer’s faith in the resurrection of the dead. (Matthew 28:19, Colossians 2:12).

2.Statement on Communion:

The ordinance of the LORD’s Supper is a wafer which symbolizes HIS body that was broken for our transgressions; and the grape juice, or unfermented wine, symbolizes HIS blood that covers us and allows us to enter into the new covenant with GOD. The communion shall be observed at least monthly or as many times deemed necessary by church leadership as a part of public worship, as commanded by the LORD (Luke 22:19- 20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-34).

3. Statement on Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality:

We believe in the ordinance of marriage according to the Holy Scriptures. We believe that GOD wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These two are distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of GOD.

Rejection of one’s biological gender is a rejection of the image of GOD within that person.

• • We believe that the term “marriage” has only one meaning and that is marriage sanctioned by GOD which joins me one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture. We believe that GOD intends sexual intimacy to only occur between a man and a woman who married to each other. We believe that GOD has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman.

• • We believe that any form of sexual immorality (including adultery, fornication, homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pornography, and attempting to change one’s biological sex or otherwise acting upon any disagreement with one’s biological sex) is sinful and offensive to GOD.

• • We believe that to preserve the function and integrity of the church as the local Body of CHRIST, and to provide a biblical role model to DCHOW members and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by the church in any capacity, or who serve as volunteers, should abide by and agree to this Statement on Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality and conduct themselves accordingly.

• • We believe that GOD offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking HIS mercy and forgiveness through JESUS CHRIST.

• • We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to repudiated and not in accord with scripture nor the doctrine of the church (Gen 1:27, 2:24; Mark 10:9; Matt 19:6; Eph 5:3; Heb 13:4; Rom 1:26-28, 13:8-10; 1Tim 1:8-11; 1Cor 6:9-11, 17-20, 7:2; Lev 20:13; Jude 1:5-8; Gal 5:14; John 8:11, 14:15).

PRIVILEGES

Statement on Dedications:

• • Infants and small children may be dedicated to the LORD in the church upon the request of the parents or guardians not as a sign of salvation but that their lives might one day be led to salvation in CHRIST JESUS and walk fully in their destiny (Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-16).

Statement on Laying of Hands:

• • The ministration of laying on of hands accompanied with the anointing with oil, for the healing of the sick (physically or spiritually), shall be granted as a request is made or if the need may require (Mark 16:18; James 5:14).

ARTICLE V MEMBERSHIP

Membership in DCHOW shall be eligible to all who give evidence to their faith in the LORD JESUS CHRIST and who voluntarily hold to the fundamental doctrines of the CHRISTian faith and choose to live according to the Holy Scriptures. When a person chooses to be a part of DCHOW they will go through the following process:

• • Let it be known to the church leadership, privately or publicly, of becoming a member

• • Attend one monthly New Members’ class

• • Schedule meeting with the Pastor

• • Meet with assigned Minister and Deacon

• • Be welcomed into the fellowship after completion of New Member’s class and meeting with the Pastor at the following worship service

A member must recognize the following:

• • Be accountable to other believers and the leadership appointed at DCHOW (Eph 5:21; Heb 10:24-25, 13:17; Rom 13:1)

• • Be committed to serve at DCHOW using his or her spiritual gifts and natural abilities (see Article II; I Pet 4:10-11; 2 Cor 9:7-8; Eph 4:16)

• • Be in agreement with the Bylaws and practices of DCHOW (please discuss any issues with church leadership)

• • Attend church regularly

• • Contribute financially as the LORD prompts the member’s heart through tithes and offerings to sew into the ground of DCHOW for the work of the Kingdom. DCHOW believes in not forcing to give but the HOLY SPIRIT will prompt a believer’s heart to give (2 Cor 9:7; Mark 12:41-44; Acts 3:32-35; Gen 14:20, 28:22; Heb 7:2; 1 Cor 16:1-2; Rom 12:8).

Rescinding Membership:

• • If a member is not attending regularly and misses three to four consecutive services, the member will be contacted by their respective minister or a church leader to engage any issues or if they are still part of DCHOW. If the member is still absent for three to four consecutive services for no given reason after being contacted, the member will be removed from the church roster. The member is still welcomed to attend but as a non- member unless the member is willing to recommit themselves to DCHOW. If the member has been away longer than one year (or 365 consecutive days), he or she will need to repeat the new membership process. If less than a year, he or she will only have to schedule a meeting with the Pastor.

• • The Pastor, with advisement from the Board of Directors, holds the right to terminate membership due to disruptive behavior detrimental to the church.

ARTICLE VI

OFFICERS

The officers of DCHOW shall consist of a President, a Vice-President, Secretary-Treasurer, Board of Directors (Advisors), Head Elder, and Head Deacon. The Pastor shall be considered the President of the Corporation. The Board of Directors shall be advisors with the business of the church (therefore should be business minded) and the spiritual side of the church affairs as well. These should lay hold of the vision given them and see it is implemented.

PASTOR AND PRESIDENT

Section 1. Term of Office: The Pastor is the President of the Corporation. He is also an Elder holding the office of Pastor. He shall hold this office until his death or until he resigns.

Section 2. Vacancy of Pastorate: The vacancy shall be filled by the appointment of a new pastor by the departing pastor. If the departing pastor is not able, then the authority will be appointed to the Vice-President. If both are not able, then the associate Pastor or head Elder will be appointed as the new pastor. In most cases, when able, it is best to follow the examples set forth in scripture of the person called by GOD (pastor or other fivefold minister) to pass the mantle on to the one GOD has chosen and shown him (Joshua 1, 1 Kings 19:19-21, 2 Kings 2:1- 14). Imparting the anointing and call of GOD to the one who has already proven themselves to be faithful (2 Timothy 2:2, Luke 16:12).

Section 3. Duties of Pastor: The Pastor shall be considered the spiritual overseer of the church and shall direct all the church activities with the advisement of the Board of Directors. He shall preside over all business meetings of the church and shall be an ex-officio member of all committees and departments.

Section 3.1. Statement of Biblical Authority: The statement of faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of GOD that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind, is the sole and final source of all that we believe. For purpose of church doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, the Pastor is the church’s final interpretive authority on the Bible’s meaning and application.

Section 4. Support of Pastor: The Pastor shall be supported according to his needs, either by free-will offerings or by stated allowance as shall be decided upon by the officers and Head Elder/Deacon in its regular business sessions. If board is not in full agreement, majority vote will be the deciding factor.

VICE-PRESIDENT

The Vice-President of the Corporation shall also be an Elder. He or she must be one who is trusted by the pastor with adequate business and leadership gifts to take charge in the Pastor/President’s absence. He or she shall be appointed by the Pastor.

SECRETARY-TREASURER

The Secretary-Treasurer of the Corporation shall be appointed by the Pastor with the consultation of the Vice President. A secretary or administrative assistant may be utilized in the day-to-day record keeping (accounts receivable and payable) as is necessary.

DIRECTORS

Directors, or advisors, shall be appointed by the Pastor with the consultation of the Vice President. The Board of Elders shall fill the office of Directors and officers of the Corporation when qualified persons are lacking to fill such positions.

BOARD OF ELDERS

The Board of Elders shall be appointed by the Pastor with the advisement of the board of Directors. The number of Elders on the board will be decided by the Pastor with the advisement of the board of Directors when the board is officially formed and this section of the by-laws will be updated. They are to be called upon to fill the pulpit, to pray for the sick, visit newcomers, shut-ins, absentees, and hospital visitation. They shall also, along with the Pastor, seek God’s direction for the church, and support the pastor in the vision given him by God, in the church’s present and future ministry. Elders shall remain so until they resign by giving a written notice to the Pastor or are deemed unfit by the Pastor and Board of Directors

Requirements: An Elder must be:

• • A member of DCHOW

• • Fulfilling the scripture I Timothy 3:1-7

• • Ordained minister (if Elder did not receive ordination from DCHOW, will need letter from last Pastor to verify service to church as Elder and copy of ordination certificate)

• • Attended the DCHOW Minister’s in Training six week course (If Eldership validated from previous church, Elder will take accelerated course with Pastor)

• • Served faithfully as a minister of a minimum of two to three years (two year mark, service will be reviewed by church leadership)

• • Served in every ministry department in DCHOW

• • Be a faithful tither

• • Conducted at a minimum one wedding service, funeral, and two church ordinances (or until able to lead ordinances). (If occasion does not arrive for funeral or wedding, the Pastor will make other arrangements to substitute).

DEACONS

The Pastor shall appoint the Board of Deacons with the advisement of the Board of Elders and/or Directors. The number of Deacons on the board shall be decided by the Pastor when the board is formed and this section of the by-laws will be revised. The Board of Deacons shall act in conjunction with and to aid the Pastor in all matters of DCHOW. They shall act in the determination of the meeting of material needs (i.e., food, clothing, financial, etc.) of anyone who might seem to be in need whether they are a part of the Church or not. They may also aid the Pastor in any of the ordinances. Deacons shall remain so until they resign by giving a written notice to the Pastor or are deemed unfit by the Pastor and/or Board of Directors and Board of Elders.

Requirements: A Deacon must be:

• • A member of DCHOW

• • Fulfilling the scripture I Timothy 3:8-12

• • Ordained (if Deacon did not receive ordination from DCHOW, will need letter from last Pastor to verify service to church as Deacon and copy of ordination certificate)

• • Attended the DCHOW Deacon in Training four week course (If Deaconship validated from previous church, Deacon will take accelerated course with Pastor)

• • Served faithfully as a member of DCHOW for a minimum of two to three years (two year mark, service will be reviewed by church leadership)

• • Conducted at a minimum two times each (or whenever able to lead) church ordinance at DCHOW.

**NOTE: In case of a lack of qualified persons to fill the Board of Deacons, the Elders shall act as the Deacons until the Board of Deacons is established.

VACANCY OF OFFICES

The Pastor, the President of the Corporation with the agreement of the Vice President and consultation of the Board of Directors, Head Elder, and Head Deacon shall have the authority to declare any office vacant. Grounds for such action shall be:

• • Failure to cooperate with the church’s program and ministry.
  • Unscriptural conduct.
  • Doctrinal departure from the tenets of faith.
  • For any good and sufficient cause. Any incumbent under charges shall have opportunity for a fair and impartial hearing before the joint meeting of the President, Vice President, Board of Directors, Head Elder, and Head Deacon shall be considered final and the incumbent may have no further recourse.

ARTICLE VII MEETINGS

Section 1. Meetings for Worship. Meetings for public worship shall be held every Sunday, Bible study every Tuesday, and any other services during the week as may be provided for under the direction of the Pastor. Currently the times for service are: Sunday Service 0930-1100 AM; Bible study, Tuesday 0730-830 PM. Times are subject to change to meet ministry needs by the direction of the Pastor.

Section 2. Annual business meeting. There shall be an Annual Business Meeting of DCHOW. This business meeting shall be held at the end of the calendar year. This meeting shall be conducted in person in a designated meeting location and/or via teleconference. New officers, elders and deacons installation dates shall be decided and all reports shall be read at the Annual Business Meeting.

Section 3. Special business meetings. Special business meetings of the legal members may be called by the pastor.

Section 4. Notice of business meetings. Written notice of the date and place of the Annual Business Meeting and of any special business meetings shall be sent by regular mail or via email to all active members, if possible, at least fourteen (14) days and not more than thirty days prior to such meeting. In addition, the pastor shall announce such meeting at the worship services of DCHOW at least fourteen (14) days prior to such meeting.

Section 5. Quorum. No record of any special or regular business meetings of DCHOW shall be made unless one-half (1/2) or more legal members are present to constitute a quorum.

Section 6. Order of Business. The regular order of business for the Annual Business Meeting of DCHOW shall be as follows:

• • • Devotional (scripture reading).
    • Reading of previous minutes.
    • Report of the treasurer.
    • Updated/Changes to DCHOW Bylaws
    • Unfinished business.
    • Installation.
    • New business.
    • Adjournment.

ARTICLE VIII

FINANCES

• • • All funds needed for the maintenance and ministry of DCHOW shall be provided by voluntary contributions, tithes and offerings. Every member shall decide before GOD what he or she can cheerfully give to support the Kingdom work at DCHOW (2Cor 9:7; Mark 12:41-44; Acts 3:32- 35; Gen 14:20, 28:22; Heb 7:2; I Cor 16:1-2; Rom 12:8).
    • All offerings shall be counted by at least two members.
    • Deposits must be made by DCHOW promptly in a local bank (currently Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union) to the specified DCHOW account by a DCHOW officer, Elder, or Deacon.
    • Annual reports will be furnished to the officers and made available to the membership.
    • The treasurer must be a board member (officer). However, a secretary or administrative assistant may be utilized in the day-to-day record keeping as necessary.
    • Financial records, without exception, are to be kept in the church office.
    • The Pastor and Vice President shall act as overseer of all financial activities.

ARTICLE IX

DEPARTMENTS AND COMMITTEES

The church shall provide for the establishment of a prison ministry, young people’s work, relief committees, home and foreign missionary committees, and any other departments or committees as the needs of the work may require. These committees and departments shall be subordinate to the church and shall contribute to the harmony and development of the whole. They shall be under the general supervision of the church leadership. The President and Vice President shall be an ex-official member of all committees or departments and shall determine when the need for such committees and departments must be organized or come into agreement if a member is attempting to establish a department, committee, or and/or ministry under the umbrella of DCHOW.

ARTICLE X

PROPERTY

The Officers of DCHOW shall have power to carry out all of the purposes and powers set forth in Article II. The President and the Vice President’s signature shall be sufficient certificate for negotiating any and all of the provided powers in said Articles.

ARTICLE XI AMENDMENT

This Constitution may be amended or changed by the President with the agreement of the Vice President. Updates will be given to the officers and church leadership through any regular or special meeting called for that purpose or any other church business.

ARTICLE XII ORGANIZATION

Said organization is organized exclusively for charitable, religious and educational purposes, including the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

ARTICLE XIII

CONDUCT OF ORGANIZATION

No part of the net earnings of the organization shall inert to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the organization 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 purpose clause hereof. No substantial part of the activities of the organization shall be the carrying of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the organization shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Not with standing any other provision of this document, the organization shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on

(a) by an organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or (b) by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

ARTICLE XIV

DISSOLUTION

Upon the dissolution of the organization, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or 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 disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of common pleas of the county in which the principal office of the organization 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.