Constitution of Gateway Church Downtown Cleveland

Cleveland, Ohio

Adopted by the Elders on the recommendation of the congregation on January 25, 2016. Amended by the congregation on September 17, 2017 and May 16, 2021.

Preamble

Since Almighty God in His sovereignty saw fit to establish a gathering of people to bear the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ in Cleveland, Ohio in 2006, a work which He has sustained by His gracious and powerful hand; and

Whereas, we, the members of Gateway Church Downtown Cleveland, look to better organize ourselves in light of God's word to further the ends that Christ by His Spirit have for us in this time and place; and

Now therefore we, the members of Gateway Church Downtown Cleveland, do hereby organize ourselves and adopt this Constitution as our bylaws of governance to be interpreted at all times to reflect the character of and bring glory to Jesus Christ, as revealed in the Holy Bible and articulated in the standards set forth in the Statement of Faith (Article II below) and Members’ Covenant of this church.

Article I: Name

The name of this church is Gateway Church Downtown Cleveland (“Gateway Church Downtown” or “This Church”), a non-profit corporation incorporated in the state of Ohio.

Article II: Statement of Faith

I. The Word of God

We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that it has supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.

II. The Trinity

We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons, that these are equal in every divine perfection, and that they execute distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence, and redemption.

III. God the Father

We believe in God, the Father, an infinite, personal spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power and love. We believe that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of all people, that He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ.

IV. Jesus Christ

We believe in Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, and teachings. We believe in His substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, perpetual intercession for His people, and personal visible return to earth.

V. The Holy Spirit

We believe in the Holy Spirit who came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify, and empower all who believe in Jesus Christ. We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Christ, and that He is an abiding helper, teacher, and guide.

VI. Regeneration

We believe that all people are sinners by nature and by choice and are, therefore, under condemnation. We believe that those who repent of their sins and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior are regenerated by the Holy Spirit.

VII. The Church

We believe in the universal church, a living spiritual body of which Christ is the head and all regenerated persons are members. We believe in the local church, consisting of a company of believers in Jesus Christ, baptized on a credible profession of faith, and associated for worship, work, and fellowship. We believe that God has laid upon the members of the local church the primary task of giving the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost world.

VIII. Christian Conduct

We believe that Christians should live for the glory of God and the well-being of others; that their conduct should be blameless before the world; that they should be faithful stewards of their possessions; and that they should seek to realize for themselves and others the full stature of maturity in Christ.

IX. The Ordinances

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has committed two ordinances to the local church: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. We believe that Christian baptism was instituted by Christ for a commemoration of the washing away of sin and new life in Him. We believe that the Lord’s Supper was instituted by Christ for commemoration of His death. We believe that these two ordinances should be observed and administered until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ to those who follow Him.

X. Religious Liberty

We believe that every human being has direct relations with God, and is responsible to God alone in all matters of faith; that each church is independent and must be free from interference by any ecclesiastical or political authority; that therefore Church and State must be kept separate as having different functions, each fulfilling its duties free from dictation or patronage of the other.

XI. The Last Things

We believe in the personal and visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth and the establishment of His kingdom. We believe in the resurrection of the body, the final judgment, the eternal felicity of the righteous, and the endless suffering of the wicked.

Article III: Purpose

This Church exists by the grace of God, for the glory of God, which shall be the ultimate purpose in all its activities. This Church glorifies God by loving Him and obeying His commands through:

• Worshiping Him;
• Equipping the saints through Bible instruction and study;
• Proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ through preaching and personal evangelism, and any other means consistent with the teachings of Holy Scripture;
• Encouraging Biblical fellowship among believers;
• Administering the ordinances of baptism and communion;
• Working to reclaim God’s intended purposes for the city;
• Encouraging, supporting, and participating in missions work, local, domestic, and international; and
• Serving other individuals, families, and churches by providing for physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, in the name of Jesus Christ.

Article IV: Sola Scriptura and Interpretation

The Statement of Faith in Article II indicates that its few points do not exhaust the extent of our beliefs as Christians. Namely, it asserts that the Bible itself is “fully inspired and without error…[and] has supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.” While charity is enjoined as far as possible in the differences between members, for the purposes of This Church’s faith, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, the Elders (as defined in Article VIII, Section 2), under Christ and led by the Spirit’s guidance, are This Church’s final interpretive authority on the Bible’s meaning and application.

Article V: Gospel Partnership

Gateway Church Downtown may associate with other organizations or associate with networks of churches, whether denominational or other bodies, for the sake of gospel partnerships. Such associations will in no way limit the right of This Church to govern its affairs under Christ. Excepting denominational affiliation, such associations may be entered into by the Elders on behalf of This Church. Association or disassociation with a denomination requires a two-thirds vote of the members at a regularly scheduled or special Members’ Meeting.

Article VI: Membership

Section 1: Qualifications

To qualify for membership in This Church, a person must be a believer in Jesus Christ who gives evidence of regeneration, who has been baptized, in obedience to Christ, following his or her regeneration, and who wholeheartedly believes in the Christian faith as revealed in the Bible. Each member (“Member”) must agree to submit to the teaching of scripture as expressed in the Statement of Faith and must promise to keep the commitments expressed in the Members’ Covenant. The Elders shall be responsible for determining each person’s qualification for membership. In making this determination, they may rely on a person’s profession of faith, or such other evidence, as the Elders deem appropriate.

At their discretion, the Elders may require individuals to complete membership classes to better inform them of the beliefs, polity, culture, or other issues pertaining to Gateway Church Downtown as part of ensuring their qualification for membership.

Section 2: Admission of Members

To be admitted into church membership, applicants shall be recommended by the Elders for admission and accepted by vote of the Members at any regular or special meeting of the Members, and shall at that point relinquish their membership in other churches. The Moderator (“Moderator,” as defined in Article VII, Section 2) shall declare admitted to membership all applicants receiving a simple majority of all votes cast.

Section 3: Duties and Privileges of Membership

In accord with the duties enumerated in the Members’ Covenant, each Member shall be privileged and expected to participate in and contribute to the ministry and life of This Church, consistent with God’s leading and with the gifts, time, and material resources each has received from God. Beginning six (6) months after the initial adoption of this constitution, only those who are Members of this congregation shall be entitled to serve in the ministries of the This Church; non-members may serve on an ad hoc basis with the approval of the Elders. Notwithstanding, non-members may serve This Church for purposes of administration and professional consultation.

Under Christ this congregation is governed by its Members. Therefore, it is the privilege and responsibility of Members to attend all Members’ Meetings and vote on the election of officers, on decisions regarding membership status, and on such other matters as may be submitted to a vote.

Section 4: Associate Membership

Students and others temporarily residing in the Cleveland, Ohio area who are Members of an evangelical church may apply for associate membership. Qualifications are identical to those for full membership as set out above, except that home church membership must be retained. A letter of commendation will be sought from the applicant’s home church.

Duties and privileges of associate members are the same as for other Members except that: (a) when absent from the Cleveland, Ohio area for extended periods of time they are released from the responsibility to attend This Church’s services and (b) while they will be encouraged to participate in Members’ Meetings they will not be eligible to stand for any office or to vote.

Termination of associate membership as a disciplinary measure will be as it is for other Members, except that the Elders shall notify the pastor or Elders of the home church of that termination. Associate membership will normally terminate immediately upon the ending of the period of temporary residence in the Cleveland, Ohio area.

Section 5: On Church Discipline

Any Member consistently neglectful of his or her duties or guilty of conduct by which the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be dishonored, and so opposing the welfare of This Church, shall be subject to the admonition of the Elders and the discipline of This Church, according to the instructions of our Lord in Matthew 18:15–20 and the example of scripture. Church discipline, then, should ordinarily be contemplated after individual private admonition has failed.

Church discipline can include admonition by the Elders or congregation, suspension from communion for a definite period, deposition from office, and excommunication (see Matthew 18:15–20; 2 Thessalonians 3:14–15; 1 Timothy 5:19– 20; 1 Corinthians 5:4–5).

The purpose of such discipline should be

• for the repentance, reconciliation, and spiritual growth of the individual disciplined (see Proverbs 15:5; 29:15; 1 Corinthians 4:14; Ephesians 6:4; 1 Timothy 3:4–5; Hebrews 12:1–11; Psalm 119:115; 141:5; Proverbs 17:10; 25:12; 27:5; Ecclesiastes 7:5; Matthew 7:26–27; 18:15–17; Luke 17:3; Acts 2:40; 1 Corinthians 5:5; Galatians 6:1–5; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14–15; 1 Timothy 1:20; Titus 1:13–14; James 1:22);
• for the instruction in righteousness and good of other Christians, as an example to them (see Proverbs 13:20; Romans 15:14; 1 Corinthians 5:11; 15:33; Colossians 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:14 [note this is written to the whole church, not just to leaders]; 1 Timothy 5:20; Titus 1:11; Hebrews 10:24– 25);
• for the purity of the church as a whole (see 1 Corinthians 5:6–7; 2 Corinthians 13:10; Ephesians 5:27; 2 John 10; Jude 24; Revelation 21:2);
• for the good of our corporate witness to non–Christians (see Proverbs 28:7; Matthew 5:13–16; John 13:35; Acts 5:1–14; Ephesians 5:11; 1 Timothy 3:7; 2 Peter 2:2; 1 John 3:10); and
• supremely for the glory of God by reflecting His holy character (see Deuteronomy 5:11; 1 Kings 11:2; 2 Chronicles 19:2; Ezra 6:21; Nehemiah 9:2; Isaiah 52:11; Ezekiel 36:20; Matthew 5:16; John 15:8; 18:17, 25; Romans 2:24; 15:5–6; 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1; Ephesians 1:4; 5:27; 1 Peter 2:12).

Section 6: Termination of Membership

This Church shall recognize the termination of a person’s membership following his or her death, and may do so after he or she has voluntarily resigned or joined with another church. Membership may also be terminated as an act of church discipline (ordinarily, but not necessarily, at the recommendation of the Elders) upon the vote of at least two-thirds of the Members present at any regular or special meeting of the Members.

This Church shall have authority to refuse a Member’s voluntary resignation or transfer of membership to another church, either for the purpose of proceeding with a process of church discipline, or for any other biblical reason.

Article VII: Meetings

Section 1: Worship Meetings

Worship services shall be held each Sunday, and may be held throughout the week as This Church determines.

Section 2: Members’ Meetings

In every meeting together, Members shall act in that spirit of mutual trust, openness, and loving consideration which is appropriate within the body of our Lord Jesus Christ.

There shall be a regular Members’ Meeting held at least once per tertile, at some time apart from a public worship service agreed upon by the membership.

An elder designated by the Elders shall preside as Moderator at all Members’ Meetings of This Church. The Elders shall see that the stated meetings of This Church are regularly held and that required reports are submitted to This Church by the responsible Members.

Provided all constitutional provisions for notification have been met, a quorum shall be understood to be met by those Members present. All votes shall be tallied based on the number of votes cast by Members present.

A budget shall be approved by the membership at a Members’ Meeting not more than three months after the start of the fiscal year. Prior to this approval and subject to the Elders’ discretion, expenditures may continue at the prior year’s level, unless otherwise required for such things as rent and other required expenditures which may increase without the Elders’ control but the payment of which is required for the continued functioning of this Church, in which case the Elders may approve such expenditures until a budget is approved by the membership.

At any regular or special Members’ Meeting, officers may be elected and positions filled as needed, so long as all relevant constitutional requirements have been met.

Special Members’ Meetings may be called as required by the Elders, or at the written request, submitted to the Elders, of five percent or five of the voting membership, whichever number is greater. The date, time, and purpose of any special meeting shall be announced at all public services of This Church within two weeks preceding the meeting. In the event of a written request from the Members, the Elders shall call a special meeting to be held within one month of their receipt of the request.

Article VIII: Officers

Section 1: Summary

The Biblical offices in the church are Elders and Deacons. This Church understands the term “elder” to be identical with the terms “overseer” and “shepherd” (or “pastor”) when in reference to the church office. In addition, This Church recognizes the administrative positions under this constitution of Clerk and Treasurer. All officers must be Members of This Church prior to assuming their responsibilities.

Section 2: Board of Directors

For purposes of compliance with the non-profit corporation laws of the State of Ohio, the Board of Directors shall consist of the Elders, the Clerk, and the Treasurer.

Section 2: Elders

The Elders shall be comprised of men who satisfy the qualifications for the office of elder set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:6–9. Insofar as Christ provides men who satisfy these requirements, This Church should strive to maintain a plurality of Elders. No elder shall hold the office of Deacon during his tenure.

Subject to the will of the congregation, the Elders shall oversee the ministry and resources of This Church. In keeping with the principles set forth in Acts 6:1–6 and 1 Peter 5:1–4, the Elders shall devote their time to prayer, the ministry of the Word (by teaching and encouraging sound doctrine), and shepherding God’s flock.

This Church shall recognize men gifted and willing to serve in this calling in accordance with the constitutional provisions on elections. These men shall be received as gifts of Christ to His church and set apart as Elders. This recognition shall be reaffirmed by This Church triennially or whenever an elder is returning to this office after any time apart from it. An elder who is not a staff elder must step down from the office for at least one (1) year after he has served any combination of days totalling six (6) years out of the previous seven (7) years.An elder's term of office may be terminated by resignation or by dismissal. Any two (2) Members with reason to believe that an elder should be dismissed should express such concern to the Elders and, if need be, to the congregation. Any such action shall be done in accordance with the instructions of our Lord in Matthew 18:15–17 and 1 Timothy 5:17–21. Any of the Elders may be dismissed by a two-thirds vote of the Members at any Members’ Meeting of This Church.

The Elders shall take particular responsibility to examine and instruct prospective Members, examine and recommend all prospective candidates for offices and positions, oversee the work of the Deacons and appointed church agents and committees, conduct worship services, administer the ordinances of baptism and communion, equip the membership for the work of the ministry, encourage sound doctrine and practice, admonish and correct error, oversee the process of church discipline, coordinate and promote the ministries of This Church, and mobilize This Church for world missions. The Elders are further to ensure that all who minister the Word to the congregation, including outside speakers, share our fundamental convictions.

The Elders may establish ministry positions or committees to assist them in fulfilling their responsibilities. The Elders may also propose funding for new paid staff positions. The membership shall approve all candidates to fill the positions of Lead Pastor or other staff elder. The scope and approval of job descriptions for any staff position shall reside in the hands of those with hiring authority for that position.

The Elders shall have primary responsibility for the employment, supervision, and evaluation of staff members. This responsibility may, on a case-by-case basis, be delegated to another staff member.

Each year the Elders, after consultation with the Deacons and the membership, shall present to This Church an itemized budget. This budget shall be presented for discussion at a specially-called budget meeting and called up for a vote at the following Members’ Meeting. No money shall be solicited by or on behalf of This Church or any of its ministries without the approval of the Elders.

The Elders shall elect a chairman of Elders’ meetings and shall also elect one (1) of their number to serve as Moderator of Members’ Meetings. For purposes of compliance with the nonprofit corporation laws of the State of Ohio, the Elders shall elect one (1) of their number to serve as the president of the corporation.

Section 3: Staff Elders

All Staff Elders will be Elders who shall perform the duties of an elder described in Section 2 above, receiving compensation from This Church for this work. The lead pastor (“Lead Pastor”), in particular, shall be recognized by This Church as particularly gifted and called to the full-time ministry of preaching and teaching.

Staff Elders’ calls shall not be subject to the triennial reaffirmation or to the term limitation set out in Article VI, Section 2, for Elders. The call of the Lead Pastor and other Staff Elders shall be defined as per Article IX, Section 3.

The Lead Pastor, with the assistance of the other Elders, shall preach worship meetings, administer the ordinances of baptism and communion, and perform such other duties as usually pertain to that office, or as set forth in the constitution.

In the absence or incapacity of the Lead Pastor, the Elders shall assume responsibility for his duties, any of which can be delegated.

Section 4: Pastoral Assistants

The Elders may hire additional staff to assist with pastoral ministry, designated as pastoral assistants. These shall not be Staff Elders, though they may be recognized as Elders should they be nominated by the Elders and elected by the congregation, in accordance with Article VI, Section 2.

The Elders shall define the responsibilities of the pastoral assistant(s). They shall serve at the will of the Elders for an initial term up to four (4) years, though that term may be extended with the approval of the Elders.

Section 5: Deacons

The office of Deacon (“Deacon”) is described in 1 Timothy 3:8–13 and Acts 6:1–7. This Church shall recognize, in accordance with the constitutional provisions on elections, men and women who are giving of themselves in service to This Church, and who possess particular gifts of service. These members shall be received as gifts of Christ to His church and set apart as Deacons.

A Deacon may be elected to any number of consecutive terms totalling a maximum of six (6) years. After a period of six (6) consecutive years served as a Deacon or after a period of seven (7) years in which six (6) or more are served as a Deacon, a Member may only be elected to another term after at least one (1) year from the expiration of the prior term.

Deacons shall care for the temporal needs of Members, attend to the accommodations for public worship, and encourage and support those able to help others and those with gifts of administration.

The Deacons shall take particular responsibility for helping the Elders oversee the benevolence ministries of This Church, including maintaining and disbursing funds for benevolence as the Elders direct. The Deacons shall be responsible for reporting on the use of such funds to the Elders at their request and reporting to This Church its total receipts and total disbursements only.

The Deacons, with the agreement of the Elders, may establish unpaid administrative positions or committees of Members to assist them in fulfilling their responsibilities in This Church.

Section 6: Clerk

It shall be the duty of the Clerk of This Church (“Clerk”) to record the minutes of all regular and special Members’ Meetings of This Church, to preserve an accurate roll of the membership, and to render reports as requested by the Elders, the Deacons, or This Church.

The Clerk shall be nominated by the Elders and elected by the congregation to serve a term of one (1) year. After a period of three (3) consecutive terms as Clerk, a Member may only be elected to another term after at least one (1) year from the expiration of the prior term.

In the absence or incapacity of the Clerk the Elders shall appoint a Member to perform the duties of the Clerk.

For purposes of compliance with the nonprofit corporation laws of the State of Ohio, the Clerk shall serve as the secretary of the corporation.

The Clerk shall ensure that dated copies of the most recent revision of this constitution shall be available for all This Church’s members.

Section 7: Treasurer

The Treasurer of This Church (“Treasurer”), who shall not be an active Elder, Deacon, or paid church staff member, shall ensure that all funds and securities of This Church are properly secured in such banks, financial institutions, or depositories as appropriate. The Treasurer shall also be responsible for presenting regular reports of the account balances, revenues, and expenses of This Church at each Members’ Meeting. The responsibility may be delegated with the approval of the Elders. The Treasurer shall also ensure that full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements are kept in books belonging to This Church, and that adequate controls are implemented to guarantee that all funds belonging to This Church are appropriately handled by any officer, employee, or agent of This Church. The Treasurer shall render to the Elders annually, or whenever they may require it, an account of all transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of This Church.

The Treasurer shall be nominated by the Elders and elected by the congregation to serve a term of one (1) year.After a period of three (3) consecutive terms as Treasurer, a Member may only be elected to another term after at least one (1) year from the expiration of the prior term.

In the absence or incapacity of the Treasurer the Elders shall appoint a Member to perform the duties of the Treasurer.

Article IX: Elections

Section 1: Principles

The process for church elections shall be interpreted and carried out to fulfill the following principles:

• Substantial prayer, both individually and corporately, should be an integral part of the election process.

• Nominations should proceed with the support of the Elders.

• All candidates for church office should be treated with the grace, kindness, and honesty appropriate in evaluating fellow Members.

• The election process shall express that spirit of mutual trust, openness, and loving consideration that is appropriate within the body of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Section 2: Selection of Officers

The election of officers shall be held at a Members’ Meeting of This Church. Names of nominees to serve as Elders, Deacons, Clerk, or Treasurer shall be presented by the Elders to the congregation at least eight (8) weeks prior to the election. In notifying the congregation, the Elders should use due diligence to ensure all Members receive the notification. Announcing the notifications at the previous Members’ Meeting, providing the time requirement has been met, will be considered due diligence. The election shall proceed as directed by the Moderator.

The Elders should seek recommendations and involvement from the general Membership in the nomination process. Any Member with reason to believe that a nominated candidate is unqualified for an office should express such concern to the Elders. Members intending to speak in opposition to a candidate should express their objection to the Elders as far in advance as possible before the relevant church Members’ Meeting.

The Moderator shall declare elected all men receiving a 75% majority of all votes cast for the office of elder. For all other offices, the Moderator shall declare elected all persons receiving a simple majority of all votes cast; abstentions will not be considered as votes cast.

The persons elected shall assume their respective offices upon election, unless another date has been specifically designated.

Section 3: Calling of Staff Elders

In the calling of any man to the pastorate, the same basic process of calling an elder must be followed. In addition, however, This Church must be given adequate opportunity to assess the preaching gifts of any potential staff elder (or other teaching gifts in the case that the potential staff elder is serving in a role significantly away from the pulpit) and, before being asked to express its judgment, must receive assurance from the Elders that, having interviewed the man concerned, they are in no doubt as to his wholehearted assent to the Statement of Faith and Members’ Covenant. Notice of the nomination of a man to be elected to membership and called as staff elder (which shall include, if necessary, election to membership of his wife if he is married) must be given at two (2) Sunday morning services following the nomination, prior to the vote at a Members’ Meeting.

Article X: Indemnification

Section 1: Mandatory Indemnification

If a legal claim or criminal allegation is made against a person because he or she is or was an officer, employee, or agent of This Church, This Church shall provide indemnification against liability and costs incurred in defending against the claim if the Elders determine that the person acted (a) in good faith, (b) with the care an ordinarily prudent person in a similar position would exercise under similar circumstances, and (c) in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in the best interest of This Church, and the person had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.

Section 2: Permissive Indemnification

At the discretion of the Elders, This Church also may indemnify any person who acted in good faith and reasonably believed that his or her conduct was in This Church’s best interest and not unlawful.

Section 3: Procedure

If a quorum of the Elders is not available for an indemnification determination because of the number of Elders seeking indemnification, the requisite determination may be made by the membership or by special legal counsel appointed by the membership.

Article XI: Dispute Resolution

Believing that the Bible commands Christians to make every effort to live at peace and to resolve disputes with each other in private or within the Christian Church (see, e.g., Matthew 18:15–20, 1 Corinthians 6:1–8), This Church shall require its Members to resolve conflict among themselves according to biblically-based principles, without reliance on the secular courts. Consistent with its call to peacemaking, This Church shall encourage the use of biblically-based principles to resolve disputes between itself and those outside This Church, whether Christian or pagan, and whether individuals or corporate entities.

Article XII: Amendments

The Statement of Faith (as reflected in Article II above) and Members’ Covenant may be amended by a three-quarters vote of the Members present and voting at a Members’ Meeting, provided the amendment shall have been offered in writing at the previous Members’ Meeting, and shall have been announced from the pulpit at church services two successive Sundays prior to such vote.

Other provisions of this constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the Members present and voting at a Members’ Meeting, provided the amendment shall have been offered in writing at the previous Members’ Meeting, and shall have been announced from the pulpit at church services two successive Sundays prior to such vote.