Organizational Name and Purpose:

• Organization Name: "Seek The Lord"

• Organization Purpose: "The purpose of Seek The Lord is to serve Christ-centered individuals and communities by hosting gatherings of worship and prayer, and sustaining our own community of believers who may not easily fit traditional church models and support their spiritual formation to grow closer to God and one another."

Membership:

• Qualifications: "Membership is open to all individuals who profess faith in Jesus Christ and agree to abide by the church's statement of faith and core values."

• Voting Rights: "Members in good standing have voting rights on important matters affecting the church, as determined by our Board of Elders and Advisors."

Board of Elders (Directors):

• Leadership Team: "The church shall be governed by a Board of Elders consisting of five elected members."

• Roles and Responsibilities: "The board shall oversee and take responsibility for the spiritual and administrative activities within our community, appoint leadership roles, and make significant decisions— accountable to God and members of our community."

Meetings:

• Worship & Prayer Services: "Worship services that are open to the public shall be held at least twice a month."

• Small Group Services: "Worship and Prayer gatherings for Small Groups will be served at irregular intervals/as requested and may include participation that is not open to the public."

• Sacraments of Communion and Baptism: “Seek The Lord” elders can appoint and commission each other or key leaders to serve the sacrament of communion at gatherings, we however do not administer the sacrament of Baptism- instead, we encourage members to pursue baptism in a local church.”

Non-Denominational Identity and Cooperation:

Article I: Non-Denominational Identity

Section 1 - Non-Denominational Status:

• Seek The Lord shall maintain its non-denominational status, valuing the freedom and diversity of theological perspectives and preferred practices among its members.

• We affirm that the primary focus of our church is on Christ-centered worship, prayer, and fellowship, rather than denominational affiliation.

Section 2 - Inclusivity and Openness:

• Seek The Lord gatherings shall welcome all individuals, regardless of denominational background or affiliation, fostering and protecting an inclusive and accepting environment.

• We shall respect and learn from the diverse theological insights and traditions represented by our members.

• So all individuals are welcome, yet all behaviors are not welcome.

Article II: Cooperation with Mainline Denominations

Section 1 - Ecumenical Engagement:

• Seek The Lord recognizes the value of cooperation with mainline denominations for the advancement of the Kingdom of God and the modeling Christ-centered unity among believers.

• We shall actively seek opportunities for dialogue, joint initiatives, and collaborative efforts with mainline denominations in matters of common interest.

Section 2 - Support and Partnerships:

• Seek The Lord may engage in supportive partnerships with mainline denominations for specific outreach programs, charitable activities, or shared ministry endeavors.

• Such partnerships shall be based on mutual respect, shared values, and the pursuit of common objectives, without compromising our purpose, mission, or identity.

Article III: Decision-Making and Denominational Matters

Section 1 - Autonomy in Decision-Making:

• Seek The Lord shall retain its autonomy in matters of governance, doctrine, and ministry, guided by the Bible and the Holy Spirit and our non-denominational principles.

• Decisions regarding organizational policies, teachings, and financial matters shall be made by the Board of Elders and communicated to our members (taking into account their input and consensus).

Section 2 - Denominational Matters:

• While Seek The Lord shall remain non-denominational, members are free to participate in mainline denominations and other faith communities as individuals.

• Seek The Lord shall not officially endorse or promote specific mainline denominations but shall respect the individual choices of its members.

Finances:

• Donations: "The church shall accept donations and offerings from its members and supporters to fund its activities."

• Budgeting: "An annual budget shall be prepared and approved by the board to guide financial decisions, and made public to members of our community in an annual report."

Amendments:

• Proposed amendments shall be shared with the congregation in advance to allow for thoughtful consideration and discussion.

• Amendment Process: "These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Elders at a special meeting called for that purpose."

Dissolution:

• Dissolution Clause: "In the event of the church's dissolution, all remaining assets shall be distributed to one or more charitable organizations with similar religious purposes, as determined by the board."

Non-discrimination:

• Non-discrimination Statement: we do not discriminate against any individual based on race, ethnicity, gender, or any other protected characteristic."

• Welcome Statement: "All individuals are welcome to participate in gatherings and membership, but not all behaviors are welcome. We will maintain and protect a safe environment (physically, mentally, and spiritually) for all attendees and members.”

Indemnification:

• Indemnification Clause: "Seek The Lord shall indemnify its elders, directors, and key leaders to the fullest extent permitted by law for actions taken in good faith and within the scope of their duties."

Legal Compliance:

• Legal Compliance: "These bylaws are designed to comply with the laws and regulations governing non-profit organizations and religious institutions in Honolulu, HI."