What and Why are these documents needed?
Eternal Church is more than an organization; we are a community on mission for Christ.
Just as a house needs a solid foundation, a church needs structure to thrive.
That’s where Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and the Handbook come in.
These documents help us function with wisdom, integrity, and faithfulness.
Just as a house needs a solid foundation, a church needs structure to thrive.
That’s where Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and the Handbook come in.
These documents help us function with wisdom, integrity, and faithfulness.
Articles of Incorporation, ByLaws, and Handbook of Practices
Articles of Incorporation legally establish the church as a nonprofit. This document outlines who we are, why we exist, and whom we serve. It also allows the church to apply for tax-exempt status and ensures it operates within the law. If the Articles are the foundation, the Bylaws are the blueprint, defining how the church is led, how decisions are made, and how the church cares for its people. The Handbook of Practices is the longest document that contains policies and procedures, additional content related to our values and beliefs, and ways elders and other leaders self-organize to provide shepherding and leadership. This handbook is the easiest of the three to change with a simple majority of the Session.
No one document is the heart of the church—Jesus is. But just like a trellis supports a tomato vine, these structures protect what matters, reduce confusion, and keep Christ at the center.
We have recently refreshed and updated our governing documents. Throughout the past few months, we have modified the new documents based on congregational input as well. If you would like a "redlined" version of the documents showing the changes made, please feel free to reach out to John Zimmer ([email protected]).
The proposed Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws as well as the new Handbook of Practices are available below.
No one document is the heart of the church—Jesus is. But just like a trellis supports a tomato vine, these structures protect what matters, reduce confusion, and keep Christ at the center.
We have recently refreshed and updated our governing documents. Throughout the past few months, we have modified the new documents based on congregational input as well. If you would like a "redlined" version of the documents showing the changes made, please feel free to reach out to John Zimmer ([email protected]).
The proposed Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws as well as the new Handbook of Practices are available below.
Governing Documents
(Proposed) Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and
(Proposed) Amended and Restated ByLaws can be found by clicking on the buttons below.
If you would like a redline of the final documents compared to the drafts shared with members in March, please reach out to John Zimmer at [email protected], and he will provide a copy to you.
The (Proposed) Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws will be voted on by the members of Eternal Church on June 8, 2025.
(Proposed) Amended and Restated ByLaws can be found by clicking on the buttons below.
If you would like a redline of the final documents compared to the drafts shared with members in March, please reach out to John Zimmer at [email protected], and he will provide a copy to you.
The (Proposed) Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws will be voted on by the members of Eternal Church on June 8, 2025.
Recap of the Informational Meeting | 3.23.25
John Zimmer led an Informational Meeting on Sunday, March 23rd introducing the proposed Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and proposed Second Amended and Restated Bylaws. There will be two additional meetings to allow the congregation to review and ask questions about the governing documents prior to the vote in June of this year.
Following are the slides as well as the recording of the meeting. As always, please feel free to reach out to one of the elders personally if you have questions or you can submit them to [email protected].
Following are the slides as well as the recording of the meeting. As always, please feel free to reach out to one of the elders personally if you have questions or you can submit them to [email protected].