Article I – Name The name of this local body of Christ shall be Hilltop Bible Church, referred to hereafter in this document as “the church”, or by its initials HBC.
Article II – Limitations The Bylaws of the church shall always be subject to the authority of the Scriptures found in the Old and New Testaments.
Article III – Purpose The primary purpose of HBC is to glorify God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through worship that comprises all the actions and attitudes of life devoted to the obedience of God’s Word. The means of pursuing this purpose shall include, but not limited to:
· The expositional teaching and preaching of the whole counsel of God found in the Scriptures (Neh. 8:8; Acts 2:42; 20:27; Tit 2:1; 2 Tm 4:2) · The public reading of Scripture (Eph 3:4; 1 Tim 4:13) · Corporate prayer (Col 4:2-4; Phil 4:6; 1 Tim 2:1, 8) · Observing the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Mt 28:19; 1 Cor 11:23-26) · Sacrificial giving to the work of God (1 Cor 16:1-2; 2 Cor 8-9) · Using our spiritual gifts for the benefit of the members of the church (1 Pt 4:10) · Discipleship of other Christians (1 Thes 5:14) · Encourage one another in holy living and hold each other accountable to the teaching of Scripture (Gal. 6:1-2; Mt 18:15-20) · Evangelize the world through living, teaching, and preaching the Word of God (Mt 28:19, 20)
Hilltop Bible Church will operate exclusively for religious, charitable, and educational purposes within the classification of legal charities, and no part of the net earnings of the church shall inure to the benefit of any individual; and no substantial part of the activities of the church, or any receipt of its funds, shall be utilized for any other purposes except those mentioned above.
The church shall not have or issue shares of stock, and no dividends shall be paid. No part of the income or assets of the church shall be distributed to any member or officer without a process of full consideration as determined by the Elders of HBC. The church is prohibited from lending money to guarantee the obligation of a member or officer of the church. No member or officer of the church has any vested right, interest, or privilege in or to the assets, property, functions, or activities of the church. The church may contract, in due course, for reasonable consideration, with its members or officers without violating this provision subject to the church’s then current Conflict of Interest policy.
Article IV – Location of Office The registered office of the church shall be within Rutherford County, Tennessee at such address as the Elders shall determine. The Board of Elders, with confirmation by a majority vote of the members, may change the address of the registered office from time to time, upon filing the appropriate documents with state officials.
Article V – Membership Section 1. Purpose of Membership Church membership is an important part of the Christian life. Membership in HBC is a public expression of a personal, saving relationship with Jesus Christ (1 Cor 1:9; 1 Jn 1:3) and communicates a desire to glorify Christ through mutual accountability with other Christians, a willingness to use one’s spiritual gifts for the benefit of the body of Christ (1 Cor 14:12; Eph 4:15, 16; 1 Pt 4:10, 11), and a desire to be equipped for the work of service and grow in Christian maturity (Eph 4:12-16).
Section 2. Requirements of Membership The following requirements must be met for membership at Hilltop Bible Church:
· Salvation – Individuals desiring to become members of Hilltop Bible Church must provide a verbal and written testimony of their salvation experience. We recognize that not every Christian has a dramatic conversion experience; rather their salvation experience may have been a gradual awareness of their sinful state, their need for repentance, and faith in Christ.
· Baptism – Baptism is a public identification with the person of Jesus Christ, His death, and His resurrection (Rm 6:3-5). Since baptism is to be one of the first acts of obedience of a new Christian, it is obvious that conversion must precede baptism. Therefore, individuals desiring to become members of HBC first must have been baptized as a believer. HBC baptizes by immersion anyone who gives a credible testimony to genuine salvation. In the event an individual is physically unable to undergo baptism by immersion, the Elders maintain the right to make an exception on a case by case basis.
· Statement of Faith – Individuals desiring membership must read and affirm the HBC Statement of Faith. By agreeing with the Statement of Faith, a member acknowledges these are the doctrines held and taught by HBC, and that no one may cause confusion or division in the church by teaching, promoting, or disseminating doctrines contrary to the Statement of Faith.
· Membership Covenant – All potential members of HBC are asked to read and affirm the membership covenant, thereby agreeing to support the policies and beliefs of this church. They must have a willingness to use their spiritual gifts for the benefit and edification of the church, and they must agree to be held accountable by the leaders and members of HBC, including submitting to loving corrective discipline if necessary as prescribed in Matthew 18:15-20 and Galatians 6:1-2.
· Age – Individuals must be 18 years or older to be considered for membership.
Section 3. Process of Membership
The following process is recommended for those desiring membership at HBC:
· Attend and complete a New Member’s class on the fundamentals of the Christian faith.
· Read and affirm the Statement of Faith and Bylaws
· Complete and submit the membership application to a staff pastor or elder
· Participate in a membership interview conducted by an elder or someone designated by the elders.
· Two weeks after completing the membership process, the individual desiring membership will be presented to the church at a regularly scheduled worship service in order to give the person an opportunity to publicly affirm the membership covenant and be welcomed into the church family.
Section 4. Policies
· HBC appreciates letters of transfer from other churches, but does not recognize these as substitutes for the membership process.
· Members who may decide to withdraw their membership from HBC are requested to contact an elder and personally communicate their intent.
· HBC does not retain an “inactive” membership role.
· Members who have a prolonged absence from worship services are encouraged to communicate any difficulties with church leaders. If a member is absent longer than two consecutive months, the elders of the church, in keeping with our Lord’s teaching in Matthew 5:23, 24, will try to resolve any issues or accommodate any special circumstances (e.g. illness, school, military, work, etc.). If no resolution is reached, the absentee member will be released from the membership role of HBC at the discretion of the Elder Board.
· Former members of HBC may be reinstated to membership at the discretion of the Elder Board.
· Church members who persist in unrepentant sin will be subject to the four step process of church discipline outlined in Matthew 18:15-20. The goal of this process is always restoration and reconciliation, not punitive or vindictive (see Article VII).
Article VI – Congregational Meetings
Section 1. Weekly Services CBC holds worship services on Sunday, and any other day deemed beneficial to the members of the church.
Section 2. Meeting of Members
2.1 – Annual Meeting There shall be an annual Member’s Meeting, the purpose of which is to provide financial and ministry reports to the members, approval of the church budget, and other business pertinent to the function of HBC. The time and place of the meeting will be announced from the pulpit or communicated in writing at least two weeks in advance of the meeting date.
2.2 – Special Meetings From time to time special meetings of the membership of HBC will be called by the elder board and announced to the church membership. No other business shall be conducted other than that stated in the announcement. Except in the event of an emergency, church members will be notified at least one week prior to the special meeting.
2.3 – Decisions A quorum of the church consists of forty percent of the voting members. Once a quorum is established, a simple majority of votes is required to approve a motion unless otherwise stipulated in these Bylaws. A member must be present to vote, and no votes may be cast by proxy or email. All meetings will be conducted in a manner as befits a follower of Christ and in the spirit of Philippians 2:2-4.
Article VII – Church Discipline Church discipline will be exercised according to the pattern established by our Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 18:15-18. The subject of church discipline is, more often than not, ignored, misunderstood, or wrongly applied in the church today. It is usually cast in a negative light, and branded as “unloving and judgmental”. Nothing could be further from the truth. The following lays out the biblical principles and practice of church discipline. · Discipline is positive, not negative (Hebrews 12:1-14) · The purpose of church discipline is threefold:
A. To glorify God by maintaining the purity of the church (1 Corinthians 5:9-13) B. The restoration and reconciliation of a Christian who is persisting in sin. (Prov.13:24; James 5:20; Galatians 6:1-2) C. As a warning to others in the church of the seriousness of sin (1 Timothy 5:20)
The practice of church discipline is a fourfold process outlined in Matthew 18:15- 18:
A. Knowledge of the sin is restricted to the smallest group possible (Mt 18:15-17)
1. The initial meeting should be a private, one on one meeting (Mt 18:15)
2. If a private meeting is unsuccessful, two or three others should be brought into the process in order to call the sinning person to repentance (Mt 18:16)
3. If the small group is unsuccessful, the entire church is made aware of the situation so they can pursue the sinning person in calling them to repentance (Mt 18:17)
4. If the sinning person refuses to listen to the entire church, he/she is to be excluded from the fellowship of the church and considered an evangelistic prospect, not a brother or sister in Christ (Mt 18:17)
B. Disciplinary measures increase in severity until a solution is reached
In order for the church to maintain a credible witness to the world, we must show that there is a distinction between the church and the world – that being a Christian results in a different life. If someone refuses to live a life consistent with their profession of faith, the church needs to follow Jesus’ instructions for the glory of God, the purity of the church, and for the erring person’s own good. Therefore, any member of HBC who engages in conduct that violates Scripture, as determined by the Board of Elders, shall be subject to church discipline and possible dismissal from the church according to Matthew 18:15-18. If the sinning individual, after being dismissed from the church, heeds the warnings of the church, demonstrates repentance, and requests reinstatement to membership, then the Board of Elders shall publicly restore such individual with all the rights, duties, privileges, and responsibilities of membership. In the event where one or more of the following have occurred,
1. Where the sin and refusal to repent have been open and public to the offence of the entire church (1 Cor 5:1-5);
2. Where the disciplined party has taught, promoted, or otherwise disseminated doctrine deemed false or erroneous by the Board of Elders, then ignored or disregarded the reproof and direction of the elders (Rm 16:17); or
3. Where the disciplined person has disregarded two warnings to cease from factious and divisive conduct (Titus 3:10-11); then the elders, at their discretion, may proceed directly to the third or fourth stage of church discipline.
The members of this church agree that there shall be no appeal to any civil or criminal court as a result of dismissal from the church or from public statements made to the church during the third and fourth stages of church discipline. Members who are under church discipline forfeit and waive the right to resign from membership. Only members who are in good standing and not under church discipline may resign from membership.
Article VIII – Church Government
Section 1. Authority This church acknowledges and recognizes the Lord Jesus Christ alone as its Head; the Scriptures as contained in both the Old and New Testaments as the only infallible guide to faith, godly living, church order, and discipline; the Holy Spirit as our Teacher; and is neither accountable to nor under the jurisdiction or supervision of any other ecclesiastical body. The provisions of Article VIII, Section 1 shall not be abridged by any vote of the membership.
Section 2. Elders
2.1 – Powers Subject to the limitations of these Bylaws, all the activities and affairs of HBC shall be exercised by or under the direction of the Board of Elders, who are responsible for the spiritual oversight and care of the membership (Acts 20:28; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13; 1 Timothy 5:17). The church can only thrive when its decisions are made in conformity to Scripture, and as each member (including leadership) submits in love to one another under the authority of Scripture and Jesus Christ as the Head of the Body (Ephesians 4:11-16; Romans 12:4-13; Philippians 2:1-4).
2.2 – Priorities of the Board of Elders The following should characterize those who serve as elders:
· Lead a holy life as an example to the church (Hebrews 13:7; Philippians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 1 Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:7)
· Serve and rule the church of God with a servant’s heart and attitude (Philippians 2:1-4; 2 Timothy 2:3; 1 Peter 5:1-3)
· Teach and lead the church in sound doctrine (1 Timothy 4:6, 16; 2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 2:1, 7, 15)
· Equip the church for ministry (Ephesians 4:11, 12)
· Warn and protect the church from false teachers, false teaching, and error as a shepherd protects his flock from wolves, and defend sound doctrine (Acts 20:28- 30; Galatians 1:6, 7; 1 Timothy 1:3, 4, 18-20; 6:20, 21; 2 Timothy 4:3-5; Titus 1:9- 11; Jude 3-4)
· Fervently pray and diligently study the Word of God (Ezra 7:10; Acts 6:2, 4; 1 Timothy 4:16; 2 Timothy 2:15)
· Be free from self-interest or self-seeking ambition (1 Thessalonians 2:5-6; 1 Corinthians 9:19)
2.3 – Number The number of elder-qualified men on the Elder Board shall be at least three. As the church increases in members, elders may be added as necessary to properly care for the increase. However, as a church plant, the church-planting pastor shall have the authority to lead HBC until at least three elder qualified men join the church.
2.4 – Equality All elders are equally responsible for the oversight of the church, and all have equal authority on the Elder Board. However, as spiritual gifts vary among individuals, elders with greater giftedness in teaching will carry a larger part of the responsibility for teaching the church.
2.5 – Selection Candidates being considered for the office of elder, including the commitment inherent thereto, shall be carefully examined by the Board of Elders as to their desire, their qualifications (see Section 2.6), and their support of the Bylaws and Statement of Faith. The following steps comprise the process by which the Board of Elders will evaluate a potential elder candidate to discern God’s gifting and qualifications for spiritual leadership:
1. Consideration – The Board of Elders must unanimously agree that an individual who desires to be an elder has the potential for spiritual leadership. This step may be initiated by the Elders, by recommendation by the congregation, or by the candidate (1 Timothy 3:1).
2. Demonstration – The Elders will evaluate a candidate’s biblical qualifications, giftedness, spiritual maturity, and leadership skills (1 Timothy 3:1-7).
3. Presentation – After a biblical evaluation has been completed, and if the serving Elders are in unanimous agreement as to the candidate’s qualifications as an elder, the congregation will be notified of the candidate’s desire to serve. Once the Elders have considered any additional insight provided by the congregation, the candidate will be presented to the church for a vote of affirmation, which will consist of at least a three-fourths majority, as one whom God has qualified for spiritual leadership. All voting will take place by written ballots. Elders may be either staff pastors employed by the church or non-staff elders not employed by the church. Staff pastors will be considered, selected, and hired with the understanding that they will automatically be required to serve as elders. Therefore, all prospective staff pastors must meet the biblical qualifications of an elder found in 1 Timothy 3:2-7 and Titus 1:6-9.
2.6 – Qualifications A prospective non-staff elder candidate must have been a member of HBC for at least one year, during which time he has demonstrated godly character, faithfulness to the membership covenant, and qualities of spiritual leadership. The office of elder is confined to males (1 Timothy 3:1, 2). While God has gifted women to serve in various roles within the church, Scripture clearly restricts the office of elder to men. The apostle Paul bases this distinction on God’s intended order in creation (1 Tm 2:12-14). This distinction is not based on any inferiority in women, but on the divinely ordained roles God has established for men and women. A prospective elder must meet the biblical qualifications for elder delineated in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9.
2.7 – Accountability The elder is first and foremost accountable to God (Hebrews 13:17; 1 Pt 5:1-5). Secondarily the elders are accountable to each other and to the members of the church. If an elder errs, the primary goal is always spiritual restoration (Galatians 6:1-5). If an elder should engage in activities that disqualify him for spiritual leadership, the Board of Elders will require his resignation. The standard of accountability must always be consistent with Matthew 18:15-18 and 1 Timothy 5:19. Church members are encouraged to express concerns to the elders, or discuss potential ministry opportunities. Any church member may attend an elders’ meeting, but he/she must first notify the Chairman of the Elders of their intent at least 3 days before the scheduled meeting. The Board of Elders may reserve a part of any elders’ meeting for confidential business.
2.8 – Decisions by the Board of Elders The Board of Elders will function according to the principle of unanimity. Decisions shall be reached after prayerful consideration only by consensus of the Board of Elders in a spirit of humility, regarding one another as more important than themselves. In cases of normal business, a quorum consists of a majority of elders present. However, absent elders should be notified as soon as possible of important decisions, and strong objections will warrant reconsideration of decisions. If the matter under consideration involves large expenditures of capital (i.e. nonbudgeted or undesignated expenses), affirming an elder or deacon, supporting a missionary, approval of the annual budget, or the amendment to or modification of the Bylaws or Statement of Faith, a quorum shall consist of all members of the Elder Board. The Board of Elders shall seek the approval of the congregation on any of the aforementioned decisions. A three-fourths majority of voting members present is required to approve any of these decisions. The Board of Elders may call, or request the dismissal of a staff pastor for reasons other than disqualification if its decision is unanimous (not including the pastor under consideration) and approved by three-fourths of the voting members. A pastor that is dismissed or resigns for reasons other than disqualification will receive 60 days severance. When calling a staff pastor, the Elder Board shall act as the search committee, and may designate other church members to be a part of the search committee.
2.9 – Elder-appointed Member Committees To facilitate the efficient handling of church business, the Board of Elders may appoint various committees from within the HBC membership. These committees may be long term (e.g. Finance Committee, Building and Grounds Committee, Missions Committee), or short term (e.g. VBS, Special Events, etc.). These committees shall perform tasks solely in accordance with the duties and with the powers delegated by the Board of Elders. The general functions of the committees shall be:
· To bring recommendations concerning ministries to the Board of Elders · To provide a wider base of counsel to the Elders in their general oversight of specific ministries
2.10 – Offices The Board of Elders shall choose a Chairman, Vice-chairman, and Secretary from among the serving Elders.
2.11 – Terms of Office All elders shall serve as long as they desire the office, are biblically qualified, and are physically and mentally able. Staff elders will serve on the Elder Board for the duration of their employment by the church. The Chairman, Vice-chairman, and Secretary shall serve one year terms, and be chosen at the first elders’ meeting of each calendar year. Any elder may resign effective upon giving written notice to the Chairman or the Vicechairman of the Board of Elders. Staff elders who resign from the Elder Board are likewise resigning from their employment by HBC. A temporary absence from the Elder Board may be requested and granted by the Board upon review of the circumstances surrounding the request.
2.12 – Delegation of Deacons The Board of Elders shall nominate Deacons as delineated in Article VIII, Section 5.
Section 3. – Staff Elders
3.1 – Qualifications As elders, staff pastors must meet the qualifications set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9.
3.2 – Responsibilities The primary responsibility of a pastor is “the equipping of the saints for the work of service” (Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Timothy 4:6, 11, 14-16, 21; 2 Timothy 2:1, 2, 14, 15; 4:2; Titus 2:1, 15; 3:8). Along with an equipping ministry, the pastors will also be responsible for the spiritual welfare of the congregation. The Board of Elders will determine the specific areas of responsibility for all staff elders.
3.3 – Term of Service A staff elder shall serve for an indefinite period of time. Dismissal shall be in accordance with Article VIII, Section 2.11 and carry a thirty days notice, except in cases where dismissal is the result of disqualification, whereby dismissal is immediate. All staff elders who resign their position shall give at least thirty days prior notice to the Board of Elders of their intent to resign. The Elder Board shall not consist of more than fifty-percent pastoral staff.
Section 4. – Non-staff Elders The non-staff elders, in addition to their biblical elder responsibilities, are responsible for facilitating discussion of, and pro-active determination of, salary, benefit packages (i.e. health insurance, pension plans, vacation, conferences, resources, etc.), and other financial issues related to the staff elders and other church employees. In the event that there are less than two non-staff elders, these issues will be determined by the currently serving non-staff elder along with the Chairman of the Deacons.
Section 5. – Deacons
5.1 – Purpose The role of Deacon shall be one of service and not governing, and in a support role to the elders, assisting the elders in implementing the goals which the elders believe the Spirit of God is leading them to pursue in the local church (Acts 6:1-6). The deacons will lovingly, humbly, and self-sacrificially minister to the physical needs of the congregation through acts of mercy and compassion. Such acts shall include, but are not limited to:
· Caring for widows and orphans · Hospitality · Helping the needy · Providing for those with special needs · Benevolence · Exercising good stewardship Deacons will also be responsible for the care and maintenance of property and facilities owned by the church, and assisting the elders with the oversight of church finances.
5.2 – Qualifications A deacon must have been a member of HBC for a minimum of one year, faithful to the membership covenant, and fulfill the requirements set forth in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. The qualifications for the office of deacon are essentially the same as those for the elder with the exception that the deacon need not be “able to teach” (1 Timothy 3:2). As with the office of elder, the office of deacon is restricted to males (1 Timothy 3:8). However, the title of deaconess seems to have been applied to women (Romans 16:1). A deaconess is not an office of the church, but a title for those women who serve in a support role to the elders and deacons in ministry to the congregation. The deaconess ministers primarily to the needs of women, fulfills the requirements of 1 Timothy 3:11, and serves as a “Titus 2” woman (Titus 2:3-5).
5.3 – Selection and Terms Deacons shall be selected by the Board of Elders and presented to the congregation for confirmation. Unless designated otherwise by the elders, the term of office for a deacon shall be two years with the possibility of being affirmed for another two year term. The Elder Board may establish a nominating committee to help with filling key ministry roles, such as that of deacon.
5.4 – Board of Deacons The Board of Deacons shall select their officers, subject to approval by the Elder Board. All decisions of the Board of Deacons shall be by simple majority vote.
Section 6. – Non-pastoral Church Staff Additional support staff (i.e. secretaries, administrator, etc.) may be hired at the discretion of the Elder Board with consideration given to the current budget.
Article IX – Church Records The church shall keep the following records:
· Minutes of elders’ and deacons’ meetings
· Minutes of all congregational meetings
· Up to date membership rolls
· Resolutions adopted by the Elder Board
· Appropriate accounting records
· The Bylaws, Statement of Faith, and all current amendments to the same
Any member shall be entitled to inspect and copy any of the above records, with the exception of congregational giving records, provided the Elder Board finds that the member has a legitimate purpose. This shall be done at a reasonable time and location, specified by the Board of Elders, and upon reasonable notice of at least five business days. The Elder Board may limit access to any records that contain confidential information.
Article X – Finances
Section 1. – Financial Support HBC will be supported by the offerings of its people, who give as God prospers and according to His leading (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).
Section 2. – Treasurer The church treasurer shall be appointed by the elders, and will serve for as long as he/she is willing and physically and mentally able. The treasurer shall be responsible for the timely payment of the church’s financial obligations, keeping accurate and up to date financial records, and shall provide periodic financial reports to the Elder Board. These reports will be made available for viewing by members upon request.
Section 3. – Annual Budget The church’s annual budget shall be prepared by the Elder Board and be based upon financial information provided by the treasurer. The proposed budget will be submitted to the congregation a minimum of one week prior to being presented at the Annual Members Meeting for congregational approval.
Article XI – Teachers All teachers shall submit themselves to, and teach in accordance with, the Statement of Faith and Bylaws of HBC. They shall also be faithful to the membership covenant, and seek to be an example of godly character to the church body.
Article XII – Missionaries All missionaries supported through the church shall submit themselves to the official Missions Policy of the church and shall be approved by the Board of Elders. To assist with these approvals, the Elder Board may appoint a Missions Committee, which shall consist of at least one elder, one deacon, and members of the church; the number of which shall be determined by the Elder Board and which may vary from time to time.
Article XIII – Licensing and Ordination
Section 1. – Licensing An HBC license, as recognized by the State of Tennessee, is issued by the Elder Board and approved by the congregation in recognition of a man’s call to the gospel ministry. The purpose of the license is to allow a man to perform ecclesiastical duties and sacerdotal functions associated with ministry (e.g. weddings, funerals). The license indicates that he meets the qualifications of being a “clergyman” in the eyes of the State.
Section 2. – Ordination Ordination by HBC refers to the unanimous recognition by the Board of Elders of a man’s call to ministry, his biblical qualifications (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9), plus his recognized capabilities for Christian ministry. The latter includes the ability to preach and teach. The candidate for ordination will be examined by an Ordination Council, which will consist of the Elder Board or a panel designated by the Elder Board, to assess the doctrinal preparation of the candidate. The council session can be open to non-elders, including the candidate’s family members unless otherwise requested by the candidate. The candidate will be questioned concerning pertinent areas of theology, biblical knowledge, pastoral ministry, and spiritual life. If affirmed by the elders, the candidate shall be presented to the congregation for affirmation, receive “the laying on of hands” by the elders, and be presented with a certificate of ordination. Ordination shall be conferred for life so long as the man continues to manifest the qualifications of the office.
Article XIV – Ordinances
Section 1. – Believer’s Baptism See Article V, Section 2.
Section 2. – The Lord’s Supper At HBC we practice open communion. All those who have submitted to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, striving to live a life of obedience to His Word, and are living in fellowship with the Lord, are welcome to partake of the Lord’s Supper. We strongly encourage parents not to let their children partake unless they are certain their children understand the import of the Lord’s Supper and the need for careful self-examination before partaking of the elements.
Article XV – Dissolution In the event of dissolution, the assets of HBC will be distributed in accordance with a plan of distribution adopted by the Elder Board and approved by the congregation by simple majority vote. No part of the assets of HBC shall benefit any pastor, elder, deacon, member, donor, or private individual, except for required dissolution expenses. All assets must be distributed to one or more organizations whose purpose is consistent with that of HBC. Dissolution shall be by three-fourths of the voting membership at a special meeting called solely for this purpose.
Article XVI – Amendments Amendments to these Bylaws may be made by three-fourths vote of the voting members in attendance at any Members Meeting. Proposed amendments must be submitted to the Elder Board at least four weeks prior to the Members Meeting, at which a vote will be taken, and, if approved by the Board of Elders, must be made available to the membership at least two weeks in advance of the meeting date.