HAPPY TRAILS COWBOY CHURCH BYLAWS
ARTICLE I. MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1: ESTABLISHING MEMBERSHIP
Membership in the Happy Trails Cowboy Church is open to anyone who meet; the following qualifications:

A. A personal commitment of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.

B. Baptism by immersion after faith in Christ as a testimony of salvation.

Membership may be established in the following ways:
A. Letter
Candidates who are members in good standing of another church of like faith and order may petition the
Cowboy Church to acquire a letter of membership from their previous church.

B. Statement
Candidates who have previously been members of another church of like faith and order, but are unable to
obtain a letter of membership from said church, may join by affirming that they are baptized (immersed)
believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, holding to the historic teachings of Christianity, and desiring membership
in the Happy Trails Cowboy Church.

C. Baptism
Candidates accepting Christ as their Savior and requesting Christian baptism by immersion will be accepted
as members upon baptism.
All candidates for membership shall give a verbal testimony of their conversion, baptism, and walk with Christ to
a pastor or elder.

SECTION 2: TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
A person’s membership in the happy Trails Cowboy Church may be terminated in one of the following ways:

A. Death

B. Letter
A letter of dismissal for any member in good standing shall be granted to any church of like faith and order
upon request from said church.
C. Exclusion

Happy Trails Cowboy Church Bylaws

If a member conducts himself in a manner which brings the name of Christ and the church into disrepute,
it will be the responsibility of the elders under the guidance of the pastor to attempt to restore the member
in a spirit of love according to the guidelines set forth in Matthew 18:15 -17. If the member fails to respond
positively to these attempts, exclusion will require a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the church membership present
and voting at a called church conference.

D. Erasure
If a member requests erasure or offers proof of membership in a church of another denomination, his name
will be removed from the roll.

SECTION 3: RIGHTS OF MEMBER
Each active member (has attended the church’s regular worship services at least 6 times in the 90 days preceding
the vote) present, 16 years of age and older, shall be entitled to one (1) vote on each matter submitted for a vote at
any called church conference. The right of a member to vote shall cease upon the termination of his membership
in the church. Members have the right to vote on the following matters: the call of the pastor and other professional
ministerial staff, the election of elders, the annual church budget, indebtedness associated with land acquisition
and/or building improvements, cumulative indebtedness for all other aspects of church business that exceeds 20%
of the annual church budget, the disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the church, the merger or
dissolution of the church, and any other matter submitted by the elders to the church for a vote.

ARTICLE II: MINISTERIAL LEADERSHIP
SECTION 1: PASTOR

A. Call
Upon the pastor’s termination, a church conference will be called and the church will elect a pastor search
team. This team will consist of no fewer than two and no more than eight members. This team will seek out
and evaluate prospective pastoral candidates until they achieve complete consensus single candidate. They
will then report to the elders who will set a time and date for the candidate to be received by the church. On
that date, a church conference shall be called and after a full discussion, a vote will be taken by secret ballot.
A three-fourths (3/4) vote of the church members present and voting is required to extend a call. If a call is
not extended by the church to the candidate, or if the candidate declines to accept, then the pastor search
team will begin a new search and come before the church with a second recommendation. This method will
proceed until a pastor is secured.
Happy Trails Cowboy Church Bylaws

B. Duties
The pastor shall be the spiritual leader of the congregation. In that capacity, under the Lordship of Jesus
Christ and the leadership of the Holy Spirit, he shall preach and teach the word of God, lead the church in
regular worship services, administer the ordinances of the church, serve as moderator at church conferences,
provide leadership to the ministerial staff, serve as over all administrator of the church, and generally fulfill
all his pastoral duties as set forth in Scripture.

C. Termination
The pastor’s duties with the church may be terminated by resignation, death, or dismissal. Such dismissal
will require two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present and voting at a called business meeting. The
moderator for such a meeting will be a disinterested third party appointed by the elders.

SECTION 2: PROFESSIONAL MINISTERIAL STAFF

A. Call
Professional ministerial staff sufficient for fulfilling the church’s mission will be employed by the church.
Such ministerial staff will require two-thirds (2/3) vote of the congregation upon the recommendation of the
search team.

B. Duties
Professional ministerial staff persons will have specific and written job descriptions as outlined by the pastor
and Personnel Team.

C. Termination
The service of professional staff persons may be terminated by resignation, death, or a two-thirds (2/3) vote
of the members present at a church conference and/or it will be understood that all ministerial staff can be
terminated by lead elder(pastor) upon written notification given to the Personal Team or (Elders).

SECTIONS 3: LAY PASTORS

A. Purpose and Function
Lay pastors shall serve as an extension of the ministry of the senior pastor and in that capacity may serve as
ex-officio members of teams, administer the ordinances of the church, assist in leading worship, and
generally perform any other ministerial function of the senior pastor with his approval or at his request.

B. Qualifications
Since lay pastors represent the ministry of the senior pastor, they must be men beyond reproach who meet
Happy Trails Cowboy Church Bylaws the biblical the qualifications set forth in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9.

C. Selection
Lay pastors shall be appointed as needed by the senior pastor and elders.

D. Duties
Each lay pastor will have specific responsibilities as assigned by the senior pastor.

E. Term of Office
Lay pastors will be appointed to three year terms, but may serve multiple terms by mutual consent of the
senior pastor, the elders, and the lay pastor involved.

F. Removal
A Lay pastor may be removed before their term of office expires by death, resignation, or consensus decision
of the elders.

SECTION 4: ELDERS

A. Purpose and Function
Elders shall serve to provide spiritual leadership and accountability to the church in accordance with
scripture. They will provide a brotherhood of support and accountability for the pastor, assist the ministry
teams with difficult issues, serve as arbiters in matters of conflict or church discipline, and in general provide
spiritual leadership, guidance, and assistance wherever and whenever appropriate. The elder body shall be
made up of three elected elders plus the pastor, who is the Lead elder.

B. Qualifications
Because elders may be called on to handle the weightiest matters of the church, they should above all be men
filled with wisdom, love, and the Holy Spirit. All elders must meet the Biblical qualifications set forth in 1st
Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. The senior pastor shall be an elder.

C. Selection and Term of Office

1. On or about January 1st of each year, the church will be asked to submit in writing the names of men
to serve as elders. These names will be screened by the pastor and existing elders to ensure that the
nominees meet the qualifications set forth above. If it is determined that a nominee is qualified, his
name will be placed before the church as a candidate. However, if the elders, the pastor, or the
nominee determine that he is not qualified, then he will not be a candidate.

2. Once a list of qualified candidates has been assembled, an election will be held on or before January
31st of each year. The candidates names shall be placed on a secret ballot and those church members
present and voting shall be asked to mark three names. The three candidates receiving the most votes
will serve as elders until the next election unless precluded by death, resignation, or removal.
An elder may not serve more than three consecutive terms.

3. The 1 st three Elders will be enlisted as follows: One for a one year term, the second for a two year
term and the third for a three year term; this allowing for one elder to rotate off each year

D. Removal
Any member of the church may bring a written scriptural reason for removal of an elder. Elders may be
removed from office by their own decision or by consensus decision of the other elders. Removal shall be
based upon being spiritually unqualified or the inability to serve.

E. Vacancies
Elder vacancies can occur by death, resignation, or removal. When a vacancy occurs, the existing elders shall
select an interim to fill the vacancy until the next election.

ARTICLE III: SUPPORT STAFF
The pastor and Personnel Team will employ and terminate other employees as necessary for the efficient conduct
of the business of the church.

ARTICLE IV: MINISTRY TEAMS
SECTION 1: GENERAL MINISTRY TEAMS

A. Purpose and Function
Ministry teams shall be organized to carry out the specialized ministries of the church. Each ministry team
shall have specific functions and responsibilities as assigned or approved by the pastor and/or elders.

B. Structure
Ministry teams will be made up of an even number (usually 4-6) of people organized to carry out a necessary
ministry or function of the church. Each team member will have individual functions and responsibilities as
assigned by the team. A staff member or lay pastor will be assigned to each team to offer assistance and
serve as a liaison between the team and the senior pastor and elders. One member of the team shall be
designated by the lay pastor or staff member to be team leader and will be responsible for ensuring that the
team functions properly. Teams will function by consensus, not majority vote. This means that teams must
arrive at decisions that can be supported by each member of the team. If consensus cannot be reached, the
matter shall either be tabled or placed before the pastor and elders for a final decision.

C. Qualifications
Team members must: be members of the church in good standing, love the Lord and have a desire to see his
kingdom grow, have credibility with other church members, have a passion for the mission of the team, be
determined to make the team a top priority in their lives (this means that they are willing to rearrange their
daily schedules or do whatever it takes to participate in team meetings and activities), and desire to use their
talents and abilities to accomplish the team’s mission.

D. Formation of Teams
General Ministry teams may be formed as needed by the pastor and/or elders, by the Leadership Team, or
by any lay pastor, ministry team leader, or church member with the pastor’s approval.

E. Selection and Term of Office
Members of general ministry teams may be appointed by the pastor and/or elders, or be enlisted by a lay
pastor or ministry team leader. Ordinarily members will be enlisted by the team leader or lay pastor directly
responsible for the team. The term of office for general ministry team members will be two years, but
members may serve multiple terms by mutual consent of the team leader, lay pastor, and team member
involved.

F. Removal
If a team member causes conflict, fails to carry out his or her responsibility to the team, or otherwise hampers
the work of the team, every effort should be made by the team leader and assigned staff person to rectify the
issue in a positive redemptive manner. However, if the problem persists, a team member may be removed
by the pastor and/or elders, or by consensus decision of the other team members.


SECTION 2: STANDING MINISTRY TEAMS

A. Purpose and function
Standing ministry teams shall provide oversight of the church’s regular business affairs and assist in finding
and providing the tangible resources necessary to effectively carry out the church’s ministries.

B. Structure
Standing ministry teams shall be composed of six members serving three year terms with two members
rotating off each year. A staff member or lay pastor will be assigned to each team to offer assistance and
serve as a liaison between the team and the senior pastor and elders. Each year, one member of the team shall
be designated by the lay pastor or staff member to be team leader and will be responsible for ensuring that
the team functions properly. Teams will function by consensus, not majority vote. This means that teams
must arrive at decisions that can be supported by each member of the team. If consensus cannot be reached,
the matter shall either be tabled or placed before the pastor and elders for a final decision.

C. Qualifications
Qualifications for standing ministry team members will be the same as those of general ministry team
members. (Article IV., Section 1.)

D. Standing Teams
The standing teams of the church shall be:

1. Personnel Team
The Personnel Team will be responsible to ensure that the church has adequate support staff to
effectively carry out its ministries. They will fill staff vacancies as needed or as directed by the
church, conduct periodic staff evaluations, make salary recommendations, and mediate church/staff
disputes.

2. Facility Team
The Facility Team will be responsible to ensure that the church has adequate facilities to effectively
carry out its ministries. They will oversee the care, maintenance, and use of all facilities and grounds
except the arena. They will also assist the pastor and elders with long range planning which will
ensure that the church has adequate facilities to meet future needs.

3. Finance Team
The Finance Team will be responsible to ensure that the church has adequate financial resources to
effectively carry out its ministries. They shall work cooperatively with the pastor, elders, lay pastors,
professional staff, and team leaders to find maximum resources for meeting each ministry need. They
shall also be responsible for the preparation of the annual budget, for the oversight and accounting
of all financial records, and for assisting the pastor and elders with long term planning which will
ensure that the church has financial resources to meet future ministry needs.

4. Arena Team
The Arena Team will be responsible for providing the tools, resources, and personnel necessary for
the church to effectively carry out its arena ministry. They shall be responsible for the oversight, care,
maintenance, and use of the arena. They will work with the Leadership Team as well as other
ministry teams to develop strategies and plan events that will utilize the arena to effectively reach
the cowboy/western culture for Christ.

E. Selection and Term of Office
Members of standing ministry teams may be appointed by the pastor and/or elders, or be enlisted by a lay
pastor or ministry team leader. Ordinarily members will be enlisted by the team leader or lay pastor directly
responsible for the team. The term of office for standing ministry team members will be three years with two
members rotating off each year.

F. Removal
If a standing team member causes conflict, fails to carry out his or her responsibility to the team, or otherwise
hampers the work of the team, every effort should be made by the team leader and assigned staff person to
rectify the issue in a positive manner. However, if the problem persists, a team member may be removed by
the pastor and/or elder, or by consensus decision of the other team members.

SECTION 3: LEADERSHIP TEAM

A. Purpose and Function
The Leadership Team will serve to provide a forum in which the various ministry teams can brainstorm,
coordinate activities and events, share resources, and generally work together to enhance the overall
effectiveness of the church's ministries. It will be responsible for setting the church calendar.

B. Structure
The Leadership Team will consist of the team leaders from each ministry team, the pastor, the elders, the
lay pastors, and staff. In addition, its meetings will generally be open to the participation and input of the
entire church membership. Leadership team meetings shall be moderated by the senior pastor or a person
whom the senior pastor will designate.

C. Meetings
The Leadership Team will meet as often as necessary to effectively plan and coordinate the activities and
events of the church.

ARTICLE V. CORPORATE OFFICERS
SECTION 1: PRESIDENT

The senior pastor shall serve as the president and overall administrator of the corporation. He will serve as
moderator at church conferences and be responsible for ensuring that the daily business affairs of the church are
appropriately effectively executed.

SECTION 2: TRUSTEES

A. Purpose and function
When authorized and instructed by the elders, Trustees shall sign the title to church property; all legal
documents involving the sale, mortgage, purchase, or rental of property; all notes and loan instruments;
and such other legal documents as may require execution on behalf of the church. There shall be 3
trustees.

B. Selection and Term of Office
Trustees shall be appointed by the elders to three year rotating terms with one trustee rotating off
annually.

C. Removal
A trustee may be removed by death, resignation, or consensus decision of the elders.

SECTIONS 3: CLERK/SECRETARY

A. Purpose and function
The Church Clerk shall serve as secretary of the corporation. The responsibilities of the clerk will be to
keep the minutes of all church conferences, insure that a proper file of all members is maintained, and
prepare an annual report to be given to the Paluxy Baptist Association.

B. Selection and Term of Office
The Church Secretary shall serve as Church Clerk. Appointed by and removed by the Lead Elder/ Pastor

SECTION 4: VACANCIES
In the event a vacancy occurs in any corporate office, the elders shall appoint a successor to fill the unexpired
term.

ARTICLE VI: CHURCH BUSINESS
SECTION 1: FINANCES

A. Fiscal year
The fiscal year of the church will be on a calendar year basis beginning on January 1 and ending on
December 31 of each year.

B. Accounting Procedures
A system of accounting that -will adequately provide for the handling of all funds shall be the
responsibility of the Finance Team.

C. Budget
The Finance Team, in consultation with the pastor and ministry team leaders, shall prepare and submit a
budget for congregational approval prior to the beginning of each fiscal year.

D. Checks, Drafts, Etc.
All checks, drafts or orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in
the name of the church shall be signed by at least two people who have been designated by the Finance
Team for that purpose.

E. Deposits
All funds of the church shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the church in such banks,
trust companies or other depositories as determined by the Finance Team.

SECTION 2: CHURCH CONFERENCES

A. Church Conferences
Church conferences may be called by the elders or by written petition of 25% of the active resident
members presented to the elders. An active resident member is one who lives in or around the Somervell
County area and has attended the church’s regular worship services at least 6 times in the 90 days
preceding the circulation of the petition.

B. Notices
Notices of the time and place of all church conferences shall be given not later than the Sunday prior to
such meetings by publication in the church newsletter or worship bulletin, or by public announcement at
a regular Sunday morning worship service.

C. Place of Church Conferences
All church conferences shall be held on the premises of the church.

D. Quorum
The church members present at any duly called church conference shall constitute a quorum.

E. Proxies
Voting by proxy at any church conference shall not be allowed or recognized.

F. Will of the Church
All Ministry Teams, officers, and organizations of the church shall carry out the will of the church on
any given matter, duly expressed by its vote.

G. Rules of Procedure
The order of proceedings at church conferences shall be determined by the rules of practice contained in
Robert’s Rules of Order., Revised.

H. Conduct of Church Business
All business of the church shall be conducted in a manner that honors Christ and respects others. The
church shall strive to seek the will of God by prayerful deliberation and common consensus.

SECTION 3. CONTRACTS
The Trustee’s shall execute and deliver any contract or instrument in the name of the church which may be
authorized by the church to be so executed and delivered. In this connection, the church body as a whole shall be
the ultimate authority for all actions taken by the church and no other person, organization or corporate officer
shall have any authority to contract or otherwise bind the church without express authorization from the church
body.

SECTION 4. BOOKS AND RECORDS
The church shall keep and maintain a complete and accurate record of all financial accounts, membership lists,
and church conference minutes at its principle office. All books and records of the church may be inspected by
any member, or his agent or attorney, for any purpose at any reasonable time.

SECTION 5: PROHIBITION AGAINST SHARING IN CORPORATE EARNINGS
No member, officer, or person connected with the corporation, or any other private individual shall receive at
any time any of the net earnings of pecuniary profit from the operations of the corporation, provided that this
shall not prevent the payment to any such person of a reasonable compensation for services rendered to or for
the corporation in effecting any of its purposes as shall be fixed by the church; and no such person or persons
shall be entitled to share in the distribution of any of the corporate assets upon the dissolution of the corporation.
All members of the church shall be deemed to have expressly consented and agreed that upon such dissolution
or winding up of the affairs of the corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, the assets of the corporation,
after all debts have been satisfied, then remaining in the hands of the officers of the church shall be distributed,
transferred, conveyed, delivered, and paid over, in such amounts as the church may determine or as may be
determined by a court of competent jurisdiction upon application of the church, exclusively to charitable,
religious, or educational organizations which would then qualify under the provisions of Section 501 ©(3) of the
Internal Revenue Code and its regulations as they now exist or as they may hereafter be amended.

SECTION 6: EXEMPT ACTIVITIES
Notwithstanding any other provision of these by-laws, no member, officer, or representative of the corporation
shall take any action or carry on any activity by or on behalf of the corporation not permitted to be taken or
carried on by any organization exempt under Section 501 © (3) of the Internal Revenue Code and its
Regulations as they now exist or as they may hereafter be amended, or by any organization contributions to
which are deductible under Section 170 ©(2) of such code and regulations as they now exist or as they may
hereafter be amended.

ARTICLE VII: AMENDMENTS
These Bylaws may be amended by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the members present at a church conference
called for that purpose. Amendments may be proposed by the elders or by written petition of 25% of the resident
membership presented to the elders. Proposed amendments for church consideration shall be in written form and
mailed two weeks prior to the church conference to the last known address of all members eligible to vote.
Amendments will be numbered, dated and attached to the original instrument.