ByLaws

Article I: Name and Purpose
Grace Community Church of Whitmore exists to glorify God by making disciples of Jesus
Christ through the faithful preaching of God’s Word, the administration of the ordinances,
the equipping of the saints, and the proclamation of the gospel to the lost. The church seeks
to exalt Christ, edify the body, and evangelize the world.

Article II: Statement of Faith
The church affirms the essential doctrines of historic Christian orthodoxy as revealed in the
Scriptures and summarized in the church’s Statement of Faith. This includes our belief in
the triune God, the full deity and humanity of Jesus Christ, the authority and sufficiency of
Scripture, the necessity of regeneration, justification by faith alone, and the return of Christ.
The Statement of Faith shall serve as the theological foundation for the teaching, preaching,
and practice of the church.

Article III: Church Family
Section 1. Definition and Calling
The local church is a spiritual family of redeemed sinners called by God to live in covenant
community. As a family, we are to love one another, serve one another, bear one another’s
burdens, and pursue Christ together in humility and truth (Rom 12:10, Gal 6:2, Eph
4:15–16).
Section 2. Life Together
Church family are called to commit themselves to authentic relationships marked by grace,
accountability, hospitality, mutual encouragement, and service. We value both the gathered
corporate worship and the dispersed daily life of the church family in homes,
neighborhoods, and workplaces.
Section 3. Mutual Care
Members are to engage in intentional discipleship, practicing the “one anothers” of
Scripture (e.g., love, admonish, forgive, serve). This includes welcoming correction in love
and caring for one another in times of need.
Section 4. Service and Stewardship
Each member is gifted by the Holy Spirit for the building up of the body and is expected to
use their gifts for ministry within and beyond the church. Time, talents, and treasures are to
be stewarded faithfully.
Section 5. Discipline and Restoration
Loving correction and, if needed, church discipline may be practiced in accordance with
Matthew 18:15–17 and Galatians 6:1, with the goal of restoration and holiness. The process
is always to be marked by grace, patience, and truth.

Article IX: Church Finances
Grace Community Church of Whitmore recognizes that all resources belong to God and that
we are stewards of His provision. Our financial practices are to reflect integrity,
accountability, generosity, and faithful stewardship in accordance with biblical principles (2
Cor 8:20–21; Prov 3:9–10).
Section 1. Stewardship and Giving
We affirm that giving is an act of worship and discipleship. Church family is encouraged to
give regularly, cheerfully, and sacrificially to support the ministry of the church, the needs
of the saints, and the advancement of the gospel (2 Cor 9:6–7).
Section 2. Budget and Oversight
The elders shall oversee the budget, which reflects the mission and priorities of the church.
Designated individuals may be appointed to assist in the management of church finances.
Section 3. Financial Accountability
Financial records shall be maintained with transparency and integrity. Funds shall not be
used in a manner inconsistent with the mission, doctrine, or commitments of the church.
Section 4. Debt and Borrowing
The church shall exercise caution regarding indebtedness. No debt shall be incurred
without the approval of the elders and only when deemed biblically wise and necessary for
the furtherance of the church’s mission.

Article X: Missions and Outreach
Grace Community Church of Whitmore embraces the Great Commission as central to its
purpose (Matt 28:18–20; Acts 1:8). We are called to proclaim the gospel and make disciples
both locally and globally. Additionally, we are called to care for and build up the saints (Jn
21:15-17).
Section 1. Evangelism and Witness
All members are encouraged and equipped to share the gospel in their everyday
relationships and spheres of influence. The church will regularly encourage evangelism and
missions - here, near and far.
Section 2. Missions Support and Sending
The church will support missionaries and ministries that align with our doctrinal
convictions. This includes prayer, financial support, and personal involvement in short- and
long-term missions.
Section 3. Church Planting and Partnerships
The church seeks opportunities to plant new churches and partner with like-minded
ministries for the advancement of the gospel. Elders will oversee these partnerships and
ensure they reflect biblical fidelity.
Section 4. Holistic Ministry
While the proclamation of the gospel is primary, we recognize the value of ministries of
mercy, justice, and compassion. Outreach efforts will aim to meet spiritual and practical
needs in the name of Christ.

Article XI: Conflict Resolution
Grace Community Church of Whitmore is committed to resolving conflicts in a manner that
honors Christ, promotes reconciliation, and upholds biblical truth. We aim to preserve the
unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph 4:1–3).
Section 1. Biblical Reconciliation
When relational or doctrinal conflict arises within the church, church family members are
encouraged to resolve it privately and lovingly, following the principles of Matthew
18:15–17, Galatians 6:1, and other relevant Scriptures.
Section 2. Role of the Elders
If a matter cannot be resolved privately, having worked the steps of Matt 18, the elders shall
be involved to provide counsel, mediation, and, if necessary, discipline. The goal is always
repentance, restoration, and unity in Christ.
Section 3. Outside Mediation (if necessary)
In rare situations where internal resolution proves insufficient, the church may seek
counsel or mediation from a like-minded sister church or biblically sound mediation
ministry, as deemed appropriate by the elders.

Article XII: Amendments to Bylaws
Section 1. Proposal of Amendments
Proposals to amend these bylaws may be initiated by the elders. Church family may submit
suggestions to the elders for consideration.
Section 2. Elder Review and Congregational Input
All proposed amendments shall be carefully and prayerfully reviewed by the elders. The
congregation shall be informed of changes.
Section 3. Approval
Amendments to these bylaws shall require unanimous approval by the elder team. The goal
in every decision is unity and alignment with Scripture, not expedience or personal
preference.

Article XIII: Church Property and Facility Use
Section 1. Stewardship of Property
The facilities and resources of Grace Community Church of Whitmore are gifts from God and
are to be used for His glory. They shall be maintained and utilized in a manner consistent
with the mission, doctrine, and values of the church.
Section 2. Use of Facilities
Church facilities are primarily for the ministries, events, and gatherings of the church body.
Use by outside individuals or groups must align with the church’s doctrinal convictions and
be approved by the elders or their designees.
Section 3. Weddings and Ceremonies
All weddings, ceremonies, or events conducted on church property must reflect the church’s
biblical understanding of marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman and
must be officiated by individuals approved by the elders.
Section 4. Property Ownership
Property owned by the church shall be held in the name of the church and managed under
the authority of the elders, who act as stewards on behalf of the congregation and before
God.

Article XIV: Dissolution
Section 1. Voluntary Dissolution
In the event that Grace Community Church of Whitmore is no longer able to continue its
ministry or fulfill its biblical mission, the church may be voluntarily dissolved. Such
dissolution must be unanimously affirmed by the elders.
Section 2. Distribution of Assets
Upon dissolution, none of the assets of the church shall be distributed to any individual or
member. All remaining assets shall be given to one or more like-minded, biblically faithful
ministries or churches, as determined by the elders, that align with the church’s doctrinal
convictions and purposes (e.g., missions, church planting, theological training, or
benevolence).

Article XV: Ordination, Licensing, and Commissioning
Section 1. Ordination of Elders and Deacons
Grace Community Church of Whitmore recognizes the biblical precedent and importance of
ordaining qualified men to the office of elder and qualified men and women to the office of
deacon. Ordination is a formal recognition by the elders and the congregation of God’s call
and gifting on an individual’s life for ministry leadership.
Section 2. Licensing for Gospel Ministry
Men who demonstrate a clear call to preach, teach, and shepherd may be licensed by the
elders to perform certain ministerial duties. Licensing is typically granted for those
pursuing pastoral ministry or missionary work and includes assessment of character,
doctrine, and gifting.
Section 3. Commissioning for Service
Members called to specific ministry tasks—such as missions, church planting, or para-
church service—may be publicly commissioned and prayed over by the elders and
congregation as a sign of the church’s affirmation and ongoing support.

Article XVI: Affiliations
Section 1. Biblical Autonomy
Grace Community Church of Whitmore is an autonomous local church under the Lordship of
Jesus Christ. The church reserves the right to govern its own affairs independent of outside
control, while remaining accountable to Scripture and led by a plurality of elders.
Section 2. Gospel Partnerships
While autonomous, the church may choose to associate with like-minded churches,
networks, or ministries for the purposes of fellowship, cooperation, accountability,
missions, church planting, and theological training. These partnerships must align with the
church’s doctrinal convictions and be approved by the elders.
Section 3. Doctrinal Integrity
Any affiliation or partnership must uphold the authority of Scripture and the centrality of
the gospel. Should an affiliated organization deviate from biblical truth or compromise
essential doctrine, the church may reevaluate and, if necessary, discontinue the
relationship.

Article XVII: Adoption of Bylaws
These bylaws of Grace Community Church of Whitmore were prayerfully developed under
the guidance of Scripture and adopted by the unanimous consent of the elders. They serve
to provide clarity, order, and faithfulness in the life and ministry of the church, under the
authority of Jesus Christ, the Chief Shepherd.

These bylaws were adopted on July 17, 2025, and shall remain in effect until amended or
superseded according to the procedures outlined in Article XII.

May God be glorified, Christ be exalted and all be done in the power of the Spirit.