THE CONSTITUTION OF THE NORRISTOWN MINISTERIUM
Norristown, Pennsylvania
ARTICLE I
NAME
This association shall herein and hereafter be known as the Norristown Ministerium.
PURPOSE
The Norristown Ministerium is a union of clergy and congregations, which serve the community of Norristown, Pennsylvania, by promoting and advancing the Kingdom of God. We seek to emphasize the unity of our faith in the Lordship of Jesus Christ, through the proclamation of His redeeming and liberating Gospel.
As an association of congregations, the Norristown Ministerium coordinates worship services for holy and special days, which include but are not limited to, Christmas, Holy Week, Easter, Thanksgiving and Martin Luther King Day. Moreover, it is the purpose of the Ministerium to facilitate greater cooperation and fellowship among member churches through joint missionary ventures, coordination of schedules and the support of Christian fellowship.
As an association of clergy, the functions of the Norristown Ministerium are various. It shall act as a forum for the discussion and resolution of issues concerning the Norristown community. It shall initiate programs, which will edify the community. The association will seek to improve the professional skills of its members through regular study and consultation. It shall provide fellowship and the strength of Christian association of its members, especially new clergy in the area.
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1.
The Ministerium is a reflection of the Norristown community as a whole. It is not merely a fellowship of individuals, but it is a representative fellowship of churches who are in mutual relationship and are in harmony with the aims and goals of the Norristown Ministerium
Section 2.
Church Membership: The charter members of the Norristown Ministerium are Ebenezer Methodist, Macedonia Baptist, Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal,
New Hope Baptist, Norristown Church of God, and Siloam Baptist. Additional congregations may be admitted to the fellowship upon petition by the pastor and the governing board of the church, and a majority vote of the Ministerium.
Section 3.
Membership in the Ministerium indicates a willingness of the pastor and the congregation to participate in the joint programs of the association. Moreover, membership implies that the pastor and the congregation will cooperate with the programs of the association as long as they are not in violation of doctrines established by a member congregation.
Section 4.
Any church petitioning for membership in the Ministerium must subscribe to the doctrinal affirmations as set forth for membership in the National Council of Churches, USA.
Section 5.
Full Membership: The pastors of the associated churches shall be members of the Ministerium. Under no circumstances shall a person other than the pastor of an associated church officially represent a congregation in meetings of the Ministerium.
Section 6.
Affiliate Membership: Retired Ministers, former pastors and other clergy associated with a member church may apply for affiliate membership in the Ministerium. Upon petition and approval of the applicant’s pastor, the majority of full members present at a regular meeting of the Ministerium may admit an individual to affiliate membership.
Section 7.
Unless specifically noted, affiliate members have privileges of voice, but no vote.
MEETINGS
Section 1.
The Norristown Ministerium, at the discretion of the body, shall establish a regular meeting time. Regular meetings shall not be held during the months of July and August. Special meetings may be called by the President or upon the petition of ½ of the full members. All members must be notified of any specially
called meetings.
Section 2.
One more than ½ of the full members shall constitute a quorum.
ARTICLE V
ELECTIONS
Election of officers shall take place in the month of January during the even numbered years, at the regular meeting. The officers shall be elected by a simple majority of all full members voting. No proxy ballots will be allowed.
ARTICLE VII
OFFICERS
The officers of this organization shall be president, vice-president, recording secretary, corresponding secretary and treasurer. They shall function as the Executive Committee.
OFFICERS
Section 1.
PRESIDENT
The president shall preside at all meetings, business and worship. He shall exercise oversight of the general well being of the organization. He shall be an ex-officio member of all committees, both standing and appointed. The president may appoint a special secretary at his/her discretion to assist in administrative duties.
Section 2.
VICE-PRESIDENT
The vice president shall exercise the duties of the president’s office in the absence of or at the direction of the president as circumstances may necessitate.
Section 3
RECORDING SECRETARY
The recording secretary shall keep a complete record of the transaction of all business meetings. The recording secretary shall maintain the names, addresses and phone numbers of all members of this organization. He/She will give notice of all meetings, will read minutes of previous meetings, record current proceedings, and make announcements. Upon leaving office, he/she shall promptly deliver to his/her successor all books and records of the organization.
Section 4.
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY
The corresponding secretary shall prepare all correspondence of the organization at the direction of the president. He/She shall maintain a roster of all members and churches comprising this organization, and of all business firms, groups or individuals with whom this organization relates to on a regular basis.
Section 5.
TREASURER
The treasurer shall receive and have custody of the funds on behalf of the Ministerium. All deposits shall be made in the Ministerium’s name and checks drawn by the treasurer shall be in the name of the Ministerium. The treasurer shall keep account of all funds raised. Funds may be dispersed only in accordance with the wishes of the Ministerium at the direction of the president.
Section 6.
The treasurer shall submit, at the regular meeting, an itemized report of receipts and disbursements that reflect the actual financial condition of the organization. The treasurer shall submit his/her records for audit when directed by the Ministerium or upon the president’s order.
Section 7.
The president, secretary and treasurer shall be signatories, on the president and treasurer shall be required for the issuing of checks. However, in the absence of the president. The secretary may sign at the president’s direction.
Section 8.
Moneys received at services sponsored by the Ministerium shall be at the direction of the treasurer. In addition to the treasurer, and/or another officers of the Ministerium, two officers of member churches shall assist in receiving such funds and shall count the collection together and agree on the total thereof.
COMMITTEES
Section 1.
The following shall constitute the standing committees of the Ministerium:
Finance
Membership
Program
Social Concerns
Section 2.
The Finance Committee in cooperation with the treasurer shall annually prepare a budget and report such to the Ministerium for its approval. The budget shall include projections as to ways and means for income, and expenses as it relates to program support and special projects.
Section 3.
The Membership Committee shall screen all applicants who wish to be full or affiliate members of the Ministerium.
Section 4.
The Program Committee is responsible for the development, structure and scheduling of all programs sponsored by the Ministerium. This committee shall work in concert with pastors and churches as they host Ministerium events.
Section 5.
The Social Concerns Committee shall report to the Ministerium those areas of concern that impact upon the greater Norristown community and society at large. In addition, they shall suggest ways in which the Ministerium may respond.
ARTICLE X
AMENDMENTS
This constitution may be amended after a majority of the members have approved such amendments at two consecutive meetings of the Norristown.
