The Final Constitution vote is scheduled for Sunday, August 30th, after service. Announcements pertaining to this can be found in the foyer, on our private Facebook page, and on the Trinity Connect App. The following items were discussed after service on Sunday, August 9th and are clarified below:
Exclusion of the SBC -- It was discussed that this exclusion allows Trinity to be led by the Holy Spirit and remain autonomous. This is clarified in Article IV Governance, Section A as follows:
A. Christ’s Headship
This church is a self-governing local church under the lordship of Jesus Christ, and is not governed by any external denomination, convention, or ecclesiastical body. This church may voluntarily cooperate with like-minded churches, associations, networks, mission agencies, and ministries where such cooperation does not surrender the church’s doctrine or autonomy. Biblical support: Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18
*The exclusion of the SBC does not indicate a decision to leave the SBC. That decision will be a future discussion and/or vote.*
Vote on Pastor appointment -- The congregation requested an active role in appointing Trinity's next and any future Pastor. This is edited in the updated version of the constitution. This is clarified in “Bylaw 1 – Church Leadership” of the constitution under “2. Lead Pastor” as follows:
Call Process: When a pastoral vacancy occurs, the elders shall establish and oversee the search process, either by conducting it directly, or by appointing a search team that remains accountable to the elders. The elders shall thoroughly examine each prospective candidate with respect to doctrine, character, ministry qualifications, and practical compatibility with the church and its Statement of Core Beliefs. Before final selection, the congregation shall be given an opportunity to submit written input regarding the candidate. After considering such input, the elders shall select the final candidate and present him to the congregation for a vote at a duly called business meeting with fourteen days' prior notice given. The congregation shall then affirm the candidate as lead pastor with a two-thirds vote of members present.
It is also restated in “Bylaw 5 – Membership” as follows:
Members shall vote on reserved major matters, which include affirming a lead pastor, approval of the annual church budget, borrowing money beyond policy thresholds, acquisitions/disposals/encumbrances of real property, amendments/rescindments to the church constitution and/or by-laws, and merger/dissolution of the church. A two-thirds vote of members present at a duly called meeting shall be required for a matter to pass.
Elder accountability and the ability of the Congregation to bring forth grievances against an/the Elders -- Discipline within the church is addressed in Article VI -- Church Discipline and Restoration. This Article has been amended to include those in the role of Elder and reference 1 Timothy 5:19 which states, "Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses." This verse in scripture outlines a protocol designed to provide accountability for the Elders. As such Article VI – Church Discipline and Restoration has been adjusted to the following:
Article VI – Church Discipline and Restoration
Church discipline shall be administered by the Elder Board and practiced for the glory of God, the purity of the church, and the protection of the flock. For any member who has a grievance toward another member, including toward those members in leadership positions, the member should submit that grievance to the Elder Board. The ordinary pattern of inquiry and examination of the grievance shall be private correction, witness-supported correction, and elder involvement. In all cases, the aim shall be truth, repentance, reconciliation, restoration, and peace. Detailed procedures shall be stated in the Bylaws. Nothing in these governing documents shall be construed to prevent the church from taking immediate protective action or complying with civil reporting obligations in cases involving abuse, criminal conduct, or threats to safety.
Biblical support: Proverbs 31:8-9; Matthew 18:15-17; Romans 13:1-4; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 2 Corinthians 2:6-8; Galatians 6:1; Ephesians 4:3; 1 Timothy 5:19; James 5:19-20
Clarification of the role of Pastor and other Staff Positions -- The role of Pastor is stated in Article IV, Section B as follows:
B. Elder-led Governance
The spiritual leadership of this church shall be entrusted to an Elder Board, which includes the lead pastor and elders, who shepherd the congregation, guard sound doctrine, provide vision, and administer church discipline. The lead pastor serves as one of the elders and functions as the primary teaching elder. All elders are equal in authority, though they may differ in function, gifting, and labor.
Biblical support: Acts 14:23; Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4
Specific job descriptions are to be created for our handbook and stored in the Trinity Operations Binder; therefore, they are not required in the constitution which is meant to be a governing document for the church. All positions staff, deacon, and Elder positions are filled by those with beliefs that align with this Constitution.
Clarification of Gender -- Gender has been included and defined in Section M of Article III – Statement of Core Beliefs as follows:
M. Gender / Marriage / Sexual Holiness
We believe that God determines and fixes gender at conception, either male or female. Gender is assigned by His divine design and not by human choice. We believe that the term “marriage” has only one meaning: the uniting of one biological man and one biological woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture. We believe marriage was instituted and designed by God to be a relationship, a sacred bond. It is defined in the Bible as a covenant, a picture of the union and loving relationship between Christ and His church. Sexual intimacy is God’s gift to be enjoyed only within the marriage covenant. All forms of sexual immorality are contrary to God’s design.
Biblical support: Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:18-25;Psalm 139:13; Matthew 19:4-6; 1 Corinthians 6:9-20; Ephesians 5:22-33; Hebrews 13:4
To view the constitution in its entirety, it can be viewed via the QR code below, the QR code in the foyer of the church, the link on the announcements on either the Facebook page or the Trinity Connect App, or on the Trinity website under the “About” tab.
Shawn Mullen
Trinity Constitution Updates and Vote!!
Mark Your Calendars: Constitution Vote on August 30!
Church family, we are wrapping up the process of updating our church constitution! We will be holding our final vote on Sunday, August 30, right after the morning service.
To help everything run smoothly, this vote will be a straight "yes" or "no" on the final document, meaning we won't be doing any open discussion or making changes on the floor that day. Because every voice matters, we want to make sure all of your questions and thoughts are fully cared for before we gather to vote! Here is how we can prepare together:
Take a Look: Use the previously provided link, the link below, or the QR code to review the latest draft. Any updates made from our August 9th business meeting are highlighted in blue so they are easy to find!
Let’s Connect: If you have any questions or concerns, please submit them in writing to an Elder, Deacon, or Staff Member—or send them right through the Trinity app—by Sunday, August 23 at 5:00 PM. This gives the leadership council adequate time to personally respond to you before the vote.
Thank you so much for your prayers and your heart for our church as we take this exciting step forward together!
Constitution Link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1emZn1wld6pF3s_LXtMLjt1MGRhz6sWSNaN8tIEx-NZg/edit?usp=sharing
The Final Constitution vote is scheduled for Sunday, August 30th, after service. Announcements pertaining to this can be found in the foyer, on our private Facebook page, and on the Trinity Connect App. The following items were discussed after service on Sunday, August 9th and are clarified below: Exclusion of the SBC -- It was discussed that this exclusion allows Trinity to be led by the Holy Spirit and remain autonomous. This is clarified in Article IV Governance, Section A as follows: A. Christ’s Headship This church is a self-governing local church under the lordship of Jesus Christ, and is not governed by any external denomination, convention, or ecclesiastical body. This church may voluntarily cooperate with like-minded churches, associations, networks, mission agencies, and ministries where such cooperation does not surrender the church’s doctrine or autonomy. Biblical support: Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18 *The exclusion of the SBC does not indicate a decision to leave the SBC. That decision will be a future discussion and/or vote.* Vote on Pastor appointment -- The congregation requested an active role in appointing Trinity's next and any future Pastor. This is edited in the updated version of the constitution. This is clarified in “Bylaw 1 – Church Leadership” of the constitution under “2. Lead Pastor” as follows: Call Process: When a pastoral vacancy occurs, the elders shall establish and oversee the search process, either by conducting it directly, or by appointing a search team that remains accountable to the elders. The elders shall thoroughly examine each prospective candidate with respect to doctrine, character, ministry qualifications, and practical compatibility with the church and its Statement of Core Beliefs. Before final selection, the congregation shall be given an opportunity to submit written input regarding the candidate. After considering such input, the elders shall select the final candidate and present him to the congregation for a vote at a duly called business meeting with fourteen days' prior notice given. The congregation shall then affirm the candidate as lead pastor with a two-thirds vote of members present. It is also restated in “Bylaw 5 – Membership” as follows: Members shall vote on reserved major matters, which include affirming a lead pastor, approval of the annual church budget, borrowing money beyond policy thresholds, acquisitions/disposals/encumbrances of real property, amendments/rescindments to the church constitution and/or by-laws, and merger/dissolution of the church. A two-thirds vote of members present at a duly called meeting shall be required for a matter to pass. Elder accountability and the ability of the Congregation to bring forth grievances against an/the Elders -- Discipline within the church is addressed in Article VI -- Church Discipline and Restoration. This Article has been amended to include those in the role of Elder and reference 1 Timothy 5:19 which states, "Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses." This verse in scripture outlines a protocol designed to provide accountability for the Elders. As such Article VI – Church Discipline and Restoration has been adjusted to the following: Article VI – Church Discipline and Restoration Church discipline shall be administered by the Elder Board and practiced for the glory of God, the purity of the church, and the protection of the flock. For any member who has a grievance toward another member, including toward those members in leadership positions, the member should submit that grievance to the Elder Board. The ordinary pattern of inquiry and examination of the grievance shall be private correction, witness-supported correction, and elder involvement. In all cases, the aim shall be truth, repentance, reconciliation, restoration, and peace. Detailed procedures shall be stated in the Bylaws. Nothing in these governing documents shall be construed to prevent the church from taking immediate protective action or complying with civil reporting obligations in cases involving abuse, criminal conduct, or threats to safety. Biblical support: Proverbs 31:8-9; Matthew 18:15-17; Romans 13:1-4; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 2 Corinthians 2:6-8; Galatians 6:1; Ephesians 4:3; 1 Timothy 5:19; James 5:19-20 Clarification of the role of Pastor and other Staff Positions -- The role of Pastor is stated in Article IV, Section B as follows: B. Elder-led Governance The spiritual leadership of this church shall be entrusted to an Elder Board, which includes the lead pastor and elders, who shepherd the congregation, guard sound doctrine, provide vision, and administer church discipline. The lead pastor serves as one of the elders and functions as the primary teaching elder. All elders are equal in authority, though they may differ in function, gifting, and labor. Biblical support: Acts 14:23; Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4 Specific job descriptions are to be created for our handbook and stored in the Trinity Operations Binder; therefore, they are not required in the constitution which is meant to be a governing document for the church. All positions staff, deacon, and Elder positions are filled by those with beliefs that align with this Constitution. Clarification of Gender -- Gender has been included and defined in Section M of Article III – Statement of Core Beliefs as follows: M. Gender / Marriage / Sexual Holiness We believe that God determines and fixes gender at conception, either male or female. Gender is assigned by His divine design and not by human choice. We believe that the term “marriage” has only one meaning: the uniting of one biological man and one biological woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture. We believe marriage was instituted and designed by God to be a relationship, a sacred bond. It is defined in the Bible as a covenant, a picture of the union and loving relationship between Christ and His church. Sexual intimacy is God’s gift to be enjoyed only within the marriage covenant. All forms of sexual immorality are contrary to God’s design. Biblical support: Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:18-25;Psalm 139:13; Matthew 19:4-6; 1 Corinthians 6:9-20; Ephesians 5:22-33; Hebrews 13:4 To view the constitution in its entirety, it can be viewed via the QR code below, the QR code in the foyer of the church, the link on the announcements on either the Facebook page or the Trinity Connect App, or on the Trinity website under the “About” tab.
Mark Your Calendars: Constitution Vote on August 30! Church family, we are wrapping up the process of updating our church constitution! We will be holding our final vote on Sunday, August 30, right after the morning service. To help everything run smoothly, this vote will be a straight "yes" or "no" on the final document, meaning we won't be doing any open discussion or making changes on the floor that day. Because every voice matters, we want to make sure all of your questions and thoughts are fully cared for before we gather to vote! Here is how we can prepare together: Take a Look: Use the previously provided link, the link below, or the QR code to review the latest draft. Any updates made from our August 9th business meeting are highlighted in blue so they are easy to find! Let’s Connect: If you have any questions or concerns, please submit them in writing to an Elder, Deacon, or Staff Member—or send them right through the Trinity app—by Sunday, August 23 at 5:00 PM. This gives the leadership council adequate time to personally respond to you before the vote. Thank you so much for your prayers and your heart for our church as we take this exciting step forward together! Constitution Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1emZn1wld6pF3s_LXtMLjt1MGRhz6sWSNaN8tIEx-NZg/edit?usp=sharing
August 8th, 5:00 pm