BYLAWS OF UNITY CENTER OF DES MOINES
ARTICLE I - Name
The name of this local ministry shall be Unity Center of Des Moines Inc. hereto after referred to as “Ministry”. The board and minister(s) may designate other names for common use as deemed appropriate.
ARTICLE II - Purpose
Section 1. Statement of Purpose. The purpose of Unity Center of Des Moines, an Iowa nonprofit corporation, is to teach the universal principles of Truth, as taught and demonstrated by Jesus Christ and other spiritual teachers and interpreted by the Association of Unity Churches, Inc., d/b/a Unity Worldwide Ministries, a Georgia nonprofit corporation, with headquarters at Unity Village, Missouri, hereinafter referred to as Unity Worldwide Ministries (UWM); and to live its vision, mission, and core values as adopted by the members of UWM from time to time.
Section 2. Accomplishment of Purpose. In the accomplishment of this purpose, the Ministry shall conduct services of worship and classes of instruction and to demonstrate the principles of Truth by using them in the operation of the ministry and adopt other means that in the judgment of the minister shall further the principles of positive practical Christianity. If the Ministry is temporarily without a minister, the board of trustees (board), will carry out this and all other functions until a new minister is selected.
Section 3. Unity Worldwide Ministries. Unity Center of Des Moines shall be a vital part of the worldwide Unity movement and a member of UWM. Any member of this ministry may call upon the resources and support of UWM through its senior minister (or co-ministers, board of trustees, (hereinafter referred to as the board), staff, or through direct communication with the UWM.
In the spirit of cooperation, the operation and conduct of this ministry shall comply with the bylaws, policies, and regulations of UWM, insofar as they do not conflict with the laws of the State of Iowa.
A. Participation. This ministry may have its voice heard and its wishes expressed in the membership meetings of UWM, and its members may participate in workshops, seminars, and classes designed to encourage and foster their spiritual development and that of the ministry.
B. Resources. This ministry can benefit from its membership in UWM and its corresponding region through direct support, materials, and coaching regarding the organization, finances, music, adult and youth education, church growth programs, ethics compliance, and other topics related to church function.
C. Leadership. This ministry shall have as its leader an ordained or licensed Unity minister(s) approved for ministry employment by UWM or a person serving under special dispensation approved by UWM. For the purpose of these bylaws, the term "minister" shall include a person serving under the special dispensation program of UWM.
D. Teaching. The principles of practical Christianity shall be taught through this ministry using methods, textbooks, literature, and other materials consistent with the guidelines of UWM.
E. Comply with Requests. The ministry shall comply with all requests for identifying information from UWM, including, but not limited to copies of the ministry:
1. Articles of Incorporation.
2. Bylaws whenever updated.
3. Deeds to properties owned by the ministry.
4. Form SS-4 Application for Employer Identification Number, once it has been returned by the IRS to the ministry, 22-B Change of Address of Responsible Party.
F. Reports. The ministry shall make annual reports to the UWM as required.
ARTICLE III - Office and Official Records
Section 1. Principal Office. The principal executive office of the ministry shall be fixed by the board of trustees. Said office shall be in Polk County, State of Iowa, or at such other place within Iowa, as the board of trustees hereafter shall designate. The Ministry may also have offices at such other place or places as they may from time to time designate.
Section 2. Official Records. Records of membership, finances, donations, corporate minutes, and other records required by law or as designated by the board of trustees shall be maintained at the principal office of the Ministry. Confidential documents are available only for use by the minister(s), board members, or designated professional staff and advisors. Non-confidential documents are available to members.
ARTICLE IV-Members
Section 1. Qualifications. A member of Unity Center of Des Moines (Ministry) shall endeavor to live in accord with the principles of love and truth as taught by Jesus Christ and Unity to further the work of this ministry through active interest, participation, love, and support.
Section 2. Election of Members. Anyone desiring membership in Unity Center of Des Moines shall attend a new member class led by a member approved by the board of trustees. Upon completion of the requirements in Section 1, the applicant shall become an active member. All staff ministers and licensed Unity teachers are considered members of this ministry.
A. New Members. Sixty (60) days after acceptance as a new member, each member shall have voting rights at all membership meetings up through and including the next regularly scheduled annual membership meeting after joining the church.
B. Existing Members. To retain active membership rights, each member must indicate a desire to remain a member by any method of demonstrating active interest, love, and support as approved by the board of trustees.
C. Inactive Members. If a member has not indicated a desire to remain a member by any method of demonstrating active interest, love, and support, that person becomes inactive and cannot serve on the board of trustees or vote at any membership meeting.
D. Youth Membership.
1. Youth membership is open to those who are no less than thirteen (13) years of age and no more than seventeen (17) years of age.
2. A youth member shall have the right to speak at all meetings which members have the right to speak. Youth members shall be ineligible to vote at the annual and special business meetings. Upon obtaining the age of eighteen (18) a youth member becomes a voting member.
3. Youth members are not eligible to serve as members of the board of trustees.
4. Any additional qualifications for youth membership shall be at the discretion of the local Ministry.
E. Reinstatement of Inactive Membership.
1. Reinstatement within two years. Former members who wish to return to membership within the first two years after losing membership, who meet membership qualifications and when approved by the board of trustees shall be reinstated as members. In order to vote at a membership meeting such members must fulfill these requirements at least sixty (60) days before a membership meeting.,
2. Reinstatement after two years. Persons who have not been members for two (2) years or more and desire to return to membership may complete the requirements for new members.
F. Removal of Membership for Cause. A member may be removed for cause by the board of trustees. Prior to any vote concerning removal the member in question must be notified by certified mail at last thirty (30) days prior to the board of trustees meeting of the charges that may lead to the removal of membership and thereafter by given an opportunity for a hearing before the board. The member shall have the right to be present at the hearing by the board of trustees and may bring a person to counsel him/her who must be a member of the local ministry. A two-thirds (2/3rds) vote of the entire membership of the board currently in office shall be required for the removal of membership. A member so removed is ineligible to be reinstated as a member within two (2) years of removal unless approved by a two-thirds (2/3rds) vote.
G. Membership Maintenance. Periodically, as determined by the board of trustees, the Secretary (or someone designated by the board) shall cause to be reviewed the official membership database, for the purpose of establishing or maintaining the current active membership. During this process, those individuals whose membership has been inactive for less than two years will be contacted by mail or electronic means. The board will retain those who respond with a desire to remain on the membership list and remove those who respond with a desire to not remain on the membership list, and those who do not respond. Individuals whose membership has been inactive for more than two years, and all those individuals that have addresses that are over one hundred (100) miles from the Ministry’s principal executive office as designated per ARTICLE III, Section 1. may be removed from the membership database. In certain cases, individuals may be retained on the list as inactive members at the discretion of the board.
Section 3. Rights of Active Members. Each member of Unity Center of Des Moines, (Ministry) shall have the following rights:
A. To vote at any membership meeting, either in person, by telephone, or by other electronic means simultaneously with a minimum standard being oral communication.
B. To serve board committees and ministry teams if selected; to speak in a debate at any membership meeting according to the rules provided for debate.
C. To offer suggestions to the minister(s) or board of trustees as may seem advisable for the good of the ministry.
D. To contact the Regional Representative or UWM directly for guidance, support, or information on available resources.
E. To participate in all activities and programs of the Ministry.
F. To review the annual financial report for the past year.
G. To attend board of trustee meetings should a member request.
ARTICLE V - Meetings
Section 1. Meetings. There shall be one annual membership meeting each year.
A. Date and Location of Annual Meeting. The annual membership meeting shall be held during the third quarter at the principal executive office of the Ministry or online at a time and date established by agreement between the senior minister or co-ministers and board of trustees.
B. Notice. Written notice stating the date, time, and place of the annual meeting shall be sent by postal or electronic mail to all members at least thirty (30) days in advance of that meeting.
C. Quorum. A quorum shall be at least members present in order to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any annual membership meeting.
D. Presiding Officer. The board of trustees shall determine who will serve as the presiding officer of the annual membership meeting, to a representative of UWM, or to a professional registered parliamentarian.
E. Participation. The right to speak in debate, to make motions, and to vote during annual meetings shall be restricted to those members who were admitted to membership at least sixty (60) days prior to the date of the annual meeting. The right of other persons to speak during membership meetings may be extended by the presiding officer or by a two-thirds (2/3rds) vote. UWM’s Representative(s) have a right to speak when they are at that meeting.
F. Voting. Unless otherwise provided in these bylaws, a majority of the members present qualified to vote, and voting shall be necessary for approval or disapproval of the action being voted upon.
G. Power and Authority. At annual membership meetings, members shall have the power and authority to do all of the following:
1. Elect members to the Board.
2. Approve proposed amendments to these bylaws.
3. Approve by a two-thirds (2/3rds) vote any expenditure regarding the sale, pledge, or proposed financing of real property belonging to this ministry that exceeds twenty-five-thousand dollars ($25,000) to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) or thirty-five percent (35%) of the previous year's income, whichever is less.
4. Elect three (3) members to serve on the Nominating Committee.
5. Override any action of the board of trustees provided notice of the action to be voted upon is sent by postal or electronic mail to all members in writing thirty (30) days prior to the meeting and is approved by a two-thirds (2/3rds) vote.
6. Remove by a two-thirds (2/3rds) vote any or all trustee(s) from the board of trustees provided notice of the action is sent by mail to all members in writing fifteen (15) days prior to the meeting.
7. Any active member may request in writing, no later than thirty (30) days prior to the annual meeting, that a specified matter be placed on the agenda.
8. Vote on any matters officially brought to the attention of the membership.
H. Prayer. In any annual membership meeting, the presiding officer, minister(s), UWM representative, or any member may request that action on an item of business be suspended while the membership enters into a time of prayer concerning the item of business. Upon such request the presiding officer shall provide a period of prayer and silence.
Section 2. Special Membership Meeting.
A. Requesting Special Meetings. Any time the affairs of this ministry warrant, a special membership meeting may be requested by the senior minister or co-ministers; by a majority vote of the entire number of trustees currently serving on the board of trustees; or by a petition signed by ten (10) members of the membership and submitted to the board of trustees.
B. Calling Special Meetings. Upon receiving a proper request for a special membership meeting, the Presiding Officer of the board of trustees shall call the special meeting on behalf of the requesting party within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the request. The notice of a special meeting shall be sent by post or electronic mail to all members at least fifteen (15) days prior to that meeting. The location, quorum, presiding officer, participation, voting, and prayer provisions for special membership meetings shall be the same as those for annual meetings.
C. Special Congregational Meeting Business. Business conducted at a special membership meeting shall be limited to the pre-stated purpose(s) given in the meeting notice.
ARTICLE VI - Board of Trustees
Section 1. The board of trustees shall be composed of the senior minister or co-ministers and no fewer than at least four (4) other trustees. The trustees shall be elected from among the active voting members of the Ministry at the annual membership meeting. Churches with fifty (50) members or less may choose to have a board of trustees composed of the senior minister and at least three (3) other trustees.
Section 2. Eligibility and Term of Office.
A. Qualifications. To be eligible to be elected to the board of trustees a person must be a member of Unity Center of Des Moines for at least six (6) months. In addition, candidates for election shall endeavor to live in accord with the Jesus Christ principles of love and truth as taught by Unity Worldwide Ministries, uphold the Code of Ethics and other ministry policies, and, have the time to serve on the board of trustees.
B. Term of Office. Elected trustees shall hold office for three (3) years, or until their successors have been elected and assume office. Trustees elected at any annual membership meeting shall take office at the conclusion of the annual membership meeting at which they were elected. No elected trustee shall serve more than two (2) consecutive terms without an interval of one (1) year between terms. Any person who serves on the board for more than half of a term shall be credited with having served a full term.
Section 3. Prohibition of Board Service. The following persons are prohibited from serving on the Board:
A. Any active licensed Unity teacher from this Ministry.
B. Relatives, significant others or household members of any trustee of the Ministry.
C. Individuals receiving compensation from the ministry with the exception of the senior minister or co-ministers, unless specifically approved by the board.
D. Relatives, significant others or household members of any individual receiving compensation from the ministry may serve on the board but may not vote on any matter of compensation as it relates to such individual or a business entity owned by such individual.
Section 4. Regular Board Meetings. Regular meetings of the board of trustees shall be held at least once a month unless otherwise determined by the board. There must be a minimum of one (1) board meeting per quarter. The board of trustees has the authority to determine to what level a board meeting will be open to the active voting membership.
Section 5. Special Board Meetings. Special meetings of the board shall be called by the board if requested by the senior minister or co-ministers; if requested by three (3) or more trustees; by a written petition of ten percent (10%) of the ministry’s voting members, or if deemed necessary. Any request for a special board meeting shall be made in writing. All current board members, including the senior minister or co-ministers, shall be sent notice by post or electronic mail of any special board meeting at least seventy-two (72) hours in advance of that meeting. The attendance of any member of the board at the meeting shall serve as a waiver of this notice requirement.
Section 6. Action Without a Meeting. The board may take an action without a meeting if consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, is signed, or electronically acknowledged by all of the trustees and is thereafter ratified at a regular board meeting or special board meeting.
Section 7. Quorum. A majority of the total number of trustees including the minister(s) constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Unless otherwise provided herein, the vote of a majority of the trustees present and voting shall be necessary for approval of the action being voted upon. Should the total number of trustees, including the minister(s), fall below a quorum, the remaining trustees shall refer to and implement Section 13 concerning vacancies. Telephonic or electronic attendance is permitted and is not considered an absence.
Section 8. Board Authority.
A. Except as provided in these bylaws, all authority is vested in the board of trustees only when it meets in session after notice to all trustees and the senior minister (or co-ministers), and a quorum is present.
B. When discussing the minister’s (or co-minister’s) compensation, working conditions, or review of the minister’s work record the board (including the minister) may decide to exclude the minister from that portion of the discussion.
Section 9. Prayer. It is important that in addition to adhering to the normal procedures for legal functioning set forth in these bylaws, that the spiritual principles taught by Unity Worldwide Ministries be utilized in the handling of decisions before the board of trustees. During the discussion of any item of business, a trustee may request a time for prayer concerning the topic. Upon such request, the President shall provide a period of prayer and silence.
Section 10. Duties and Responsibilities of the Board of Trustees. As representatives of the membership, the board of trustees shall:
A. Uphold the spiritual purpose of this ministry as stated in Article II, Section 2 of these bylaws.
B. Uphold the best interests of the membership in conducting the business of this ministry.
C. Be conversant with bylaws, articles of incorporation, and establish policy for the operation of the ministry.
D. Be faithful in attendance at services as well as board, membership, and special meetings of this ministry.
E. Determine the business needs of this ministry and authorize payment of funds for those purposes.
F. Provide for the administration of the real and personal property of this ministry.
G. Make decisions regarding the sale, pledge, or proposed financing of real property belonging to this ministry provided that all decisions concerning the sale, pledge, or proposed financing of real property exceeding twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) or 25% of the previous year's income, whichever is less shall be presented to the membership at a properly constituted membership meeting for final approval.
H. Employ an ordained or licensed Unity minister(s) through cooperation with the employment procedures of the Unity Worldwide Ministries (UWM).
I. When conflict arises between the individual board members or between the board and the senior minister (or co-ministers), such ministry shall seek to reconcile differences and immediately notify UWM for help with procedures and to provide guidance and consultation. After a ministry and its senior minister or co-ministers have sought to reconcile differences and cooperated with the procedures and guidance of the UWM, the board of trustees may terminate the employment of a senior minister or co-ministers by a two-thirds (2/3rds) vote (excluding the minister.) If the senior minister (or co-ministers) position becomes vacant, the board shall notify UWAM within three (3) business days.
J. The board of trustees shall determine staff positions, including associate and assistant ministers, and authorize compensation through the annual budget process.
K. Establish the fiscal year as the calendar year unless the board finds a compelling reason to adopt a non-fiscal calendar year.
L. Adopt an annual income and expense budget.
M. Authorize periodic reviews or audits of the finances of the ministry which may be conducted by an outside auditor or from a committee of members elected by the board.
N. Fill the unexpired term of any trustee.
O. Create board committees as needed related to board functions and responsibilities of the board.
P. Seek UWM assistance in the event of a dispute affecting the ministry.
Q. Attend and actively participate in ongoing board education programs.
R. Consider issues brought to their attention by the minister(s) or members of the board.
S. Keep or cause to be kept a background check on all staff and volunteers directly involved with the children’s programs.
T. Keep or cause to be kept accurate records of gifts to the ministry in compliance with Internal Revenue Service regulations, acknowledge in writing contributions in compliance with Internal Revenue Service regulations.
U. Issue or cause to be issued necessary 1099 and W-2 forms in compliance with Internal Revenue Service regulations.
V. Secure Insurance covering the building, grounds, and other properties, also Worker’s Compensation insurance and liability insurance for all board of trustee members and either a fidelity bond or theft and dishonesty insurance for all persons who handle money.
W. Take such other actions as may be deemed necessary for the best interests of this ministry.
X. Send the Annual Ministry Report to UWM after approval by the Board.
Section 10. Nomination and Election.
A. Nominating Committee.
1. Selection. A Nominating Committee shall consist of two (2) of the following: the senior minister; one (1) current board member, and two (2) members of the Ministry selected at the annual meeting.
2. At the annual membership meeting, the membership shall select two (2) members to serve on the Nominating Committee for the following year’s election. In the event a person elected to serve becomes unavailable the board shall elect a person from among the members who is not a current member of the board to fill the vacancy.
3. The board shall elect one of its trustees to serve on the Nominating Committee.
4. The Nominating Committee shall select the chair from among the two (2) congregant members.
5. In the event of an interim board, the Nominating Committee shall complete its selection process within thirty (30) days from the establishment on the interim board. shall complete its selection process within thirty (30) days from the establishment of the interim board.
B. Duties and Responsibilities. The Nominating Committee shall initiate a search for at least one (1) qualified candidate per opening for nomination as a member of the board of trustees. The report of the Nominating Committee shall be sent to all members at least thirty (30) days prior to the annual membership meeting.
1. Other Nominations. Any member wishing to nominate another member may do so by contacting the Nominating Committee no later than fifteen (15) days in advance of the annual business meeting.
2. Self-Nominations. Any member not nominated by the Nominating Committee may submit their name to the board of trustees no later than fifteen (15) days prior to the annual membership meeting, such nominees shall then be placed on the board ballot for election at the annual business meeting.
C. Nomination Procedure. The presiding officer of the annual membership meeting shall:
1. Read Article VI Section 11A and 11C of these bylaws just prior to beginning the process of nomination and election; and read the names of additional nominees that have submitted their names at least fifteen (15) days prior to the annual business meeting.
D. Election Procedure. The election shall be by ballot if there are any partial terms to be filled or if there is more than one (1) nominee for each position. The result of the vote shall be announced at the annual membership meeting. The two (2) nominees receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected to fill three (3) year terms. The candidates receiving the next highest number of votes shall be elected to the longest unexpired term. If the number of nominees is equal to or less than the number of openings on the board of trustees, the presiding officer may entertain a motion to cast a unanimous oral ballot. If the motion carries, written ballots are not required, and the board of trustees will determine which member will fill each unexpired term. Written ballots are required upon the failure of the motion. In the event that all candidates receive an equal number of votes, the newly constituted board will decide who fills each term.
Section 11. Removal of Board of Trustees.
A. Any trustee may be removed by the board of trustees due to unexcused absences from three (3) successive regular board meetings, failure to uphold the Code of Ethics and other ministry policies, or disruptive or unethical behavior. Removal from office shall require a majority vote of the other board members.
Section 12. Vacancies.
A. Should there be a vacancy on the board of trustees, the board shall select a qualified replacement to fill the position. A majority vote shall be necessary for the election. The term of service shall expire on the date of the next annual membership meeting.
B. Should the number of board members fall beneath the quorum requirement, the remaining board of trustees shall be empowered to call and hold the special meetings allowed by Section 13 C and to carry on the necessary day-t0-day activities of the ministry.
C. Should the number of board members fall beneath the quorum requirement, two special membership meetings shall be called.
1. the first special meeting shall occur within thirty (30) days with notice of that meeting sent by postal or electronic mail to all members at least fifteen (15) days prior to the meeting. The purpose of this meeting shall be:
a. To elect interim board members.
b. To constitute or reconstitute the Nominating Committee.
c. To set the date for a second special membership meeting. The second special membership meeting shall be held no later than seventy-five (75) days after the first meeting with notice sent to all members by postal or electronic mail at least fifteen (15) days prior to the meeting.
2. The Nominating Committee shall:
a. Complete their search for board nominees within thirty (30) days of the first special membership meeting.
b. The results of the Nominating Committee work shall be sent by post to all members within forty-five (45) days.
3. The board members shall be elected at the second of these special membership meetings. If the regular annual meeting of this ministry should be scheduled in this time period, then board elections shall be held at the regular annual meeting of this ministry.
D. Election Procedure. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes shall fill the longest unexpired term, the candidate receiving the next highest number of votes receives the next longest term. This procedure is followed until all vacancies are filled.
Section 13. Board of Trustee Officers. The board of trustees may decide to function without officers by a majority vote of the board. This will become a team leadership board. If the board of trustees decide to serve with officers, then the officers of the board of trustees shall be a president, a vice president, a secretary, and a treasurer and other officers as the board may decide. All officers shall be elected by a majority of the board members present and voting at the first board meeting after the annual meeting or at a special board meeting called for the purpose of electing officers. The term of office shall be one (1) year or until successors are elected.
Section 14. Duties of Officers.
A. President. The President shall preside at all board of trustee meetings, preside at all membership meetings, appoint members of board committees related to board functions (except the Nominating Committee) with the advice of the board, serve as an ex officio member of all board committees except the Nominating Committee, sigh such papers and documents upon proper authorization as may be necessary, and be responsible for collaborating with the senior minister in the planning of board orientations, retreats, and workshops.
B. Vice President. The vice president shall assist the president in the performance of that officer's duties; perform all the duties of the president of the board in the absence of the president; and succeed to the office of president in case the office of the president becomes vacant. In such a case, a new vice president shall be elected from among the remaining trustees to fill the remainder of the unexpired term.
C. Secretary. The secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept, an accurate record of the minutes of all board and membership meetings; hold in custody and be responsible for all reports, contracts, and other legal papers, keep the meeting minute books at the principal executive office of the ministry at all times or in such other depository as prescribed by the board; be a signatory to any legally required documents which the state or local government determine necessary, attend to all official business as directed by the board.
D. Treasurer. The treasurer shall be the custodian of all funds belonging to this ministry; cause to be paid out funds authorized by the board; see that all expenditures are evidenced by proper receipts and vouchers, keep or cause to be kept a record of all financial transactions; submit a monthly financial report at each regular board meeting; submit a financial report covering the last complete fiscal year and a budget for the upcoming year to be approved by the membership at the annual membership meeting; and account or cause to be accounted for by the appointment of qualified persons, all funds received being responsible to assure that all such funds are deposited in accounts authorized by the board. When counting ministry funds there should be at least two (2) persons present. The Treasurer is required to pass background checks for the faithful performance of his or her duties as the board may require.
ARTICLE VII – Emergency Situations
In the case of a national emergency declared by the President of the United States, a State Emergency declared by the governor, or a local emergency as determined by a two-thirds (2/3rds) vote of the local ministry trustees present and voting, the board of trustees is authorized to meet by electronic means and to have the full power to adjust budgets and cancel/postpone events or reschedule them as electronic meetings. As long as the emergency lasts the board of trustees may take any other emergency actions deemed helpful and necessary to assure the welfare of this ministry.
ARTICLE VIII – Administration and Leadership
Section 1. Administration. The administration of Unity Center of Des Moines shall be vested in the senior minister or co-ministers as the administrative director, and the board of trustees elected from the membership, or a qualified individual determined by the board of trustees.
Section 2. Minister(s).
A. Senior Minister (or Co-ministers). The senior minister (or co-ministers) shall be duly licensed or ordained Unity minister(s) or someone serving under special dispensation.
1. Qualifications. Any senior minister shall agree to abide by the UWM Code of Ethics and the Sexual Conduct Policy.
2. Duties. As the spiritual leader(s) of this ministry, the senior minister or co-ministers shall be responsible for the scheduling, conduct, content of services, classes, and all other activities that further the purpose of this ministry. As administrative director(s), these minister(s) shall:
a. Be and serve as voting member(s) of the board of trustees on all matters excep0t their own employment, or that of their successor(s).
b. Serve as ex officio member(s) of all ministry teams.
c. Be responsible for promptly seeking UM’s assistance in the event of a dispute adversely affecting the ministry.
3. Selection. The board of trustees shall select the senior minister (or co-ministers) following the employment procedures for ministerial personnel of UWM.
4. Compensation. The compensation of the senior minister
(or co-ministers) employed by this ministry shall be set by the board of trustees and be in alignment with the approved budget.
B. Associate and/or Assistant Ministers. Associate and/or assistant minister(s) are hired by the senior minister (or co-ministers) with the consent and approval of the board of trustees. The senior minister (of co-ministers) shall select the associate and/or assistant minister (or co-ministers) following the employment procedures for ministerial personnel of UWM. These ministers function with less responsibility than the senior minister (or co-ministers).
1. Qualifications. Any associate and/or assistant minister shall agree to abide by the UWM Code of Ethics and the Sexual Conduct Policy.
2. Duties. The associate and/or assistant minister(s) shall perform the duties and fulfill the responsibilities assigned to them by the senior minister (or co-ministers).
3. Compensation. To the extent funded by the board, the compensation of the associate and/or assistant minister(s) shall be fixed by the board of trustees.
Section 3. Definitions.
A. A Unity Ministry is a ministry recognized by UWM.
B. Senior Minister. A senior minister is a Unity minister duly ordained, licensed [or serving under special dispensation] by the Association of Unity Churches Inc. (DBA Unity Worldwide Ministries) or by or Unity School of Christianity prior to July 1,1966, who assumes the spiritual and administrative leadership role in a member ministry. This leader oversees teaching, preaching, healing, counseling, praying, and all spiritual services and fellowship activities of the ministry. The senior minister shall also be responsible for overseeing the administration and operation of the ministry.
C. Co-Minister. In shared partnership ministries, a co-minister is a Unity minister duly ordained or licensed by the Association of Unity Churches Inc. (DBA Unity Worldwide Ministries) or by or Unity School of Christianity prior to July 1,1966, or serving under special dispensation, who equally assumes the leadership role with another minister in a member ministry.
D. Associate Minister. In ministries with more than one minister, an associate minister may be equal in ability, but function with less responsibility than the senior minister. The associate minister reports to the senior minister who determines the scope of the associate’s responsibilities.
E. Assistant Minister. The skills and/or experience of the assistant minister may be less than those of the senior minister. The assistant minister reports to the senior minister, who determines the scope of the assistant’s responsibilities. The assistant may be placed in a specialized service area of the ministry, i.e., pastoral visitation, or administrative support.
ARTICLE IX - Dissolution
In the event that this ministry is dissolved, after the liquidation of personal property, real estate, and all assets, the minister shall deliver all funds remaining after the payment of the debts of the ministry shall be delivered to UWM. Such funds or property shall be for the use and benefit of UWM as may be determined by the UWM Board of Trustees in alignment with current policies and procedures. Should UWM no longer exist, any remaining assets of this ministry after dissolution shall be disposed of by a court of competent jurisdiction of the county in which the principal executive offices of the ministry are then located and shall be used exclusively for such purposes or distributed to such organization or organizations as said court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for purposes set out in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1054 as amended.
ARTICLE X - Parliamentary Authority
The rules contained in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern this ministry in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws and any special rules of order the ministry may adopt.
ARTICLE XI-Amendment of Bylaws
Any amendment(s) to or general revision of these bylaws may be considered after approval of the proposed amendment or revision by UWM. After such approval, the proposed amendment or revision shall be adopted at any annual or special membership meeting provided that written notice setting forth the exact working of such proposed amendment(s) or general revision has been sent by postal or electronic mail to all members at least fifteen (15) days prior to that meeting at which they shall be considered. An affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3rds) of the members present and voting shall be necessary to adopt any amendment(s) to or general revision of these bylaws.
Date of Adoption: September 26, 2023
