¶7.1 The Board of Stewards is a representative body elected by and accountable to the local congregation, deriving its powers and functions from the Discipline and the local church. Representing the laity and key committees within the church, the Board of Stewards is the chief governing body in the absence of the church conference. While the Board of Stewards is responsible for executing the business of the local church, certain major items of business must always be brought before either the Annual or a Special Church Conference, including:
1. Hiring of a pastor. See Chapter 6.
2. Determining Church Affiliation. See Chapter 3.
3. Encumbrance of Church property.
4.
Changing
Other important items which may be deemed prudent to bring before the entire church include: substantial amendments to the budget; approval of a new building; etc.
¶7.2 The Board of Stewards should be composed of at least three (3) members and not more than eleven (11) members. The following positions, boards and committees should be represented:
1. Church Treasurer.
2. Finance Committee Chairman or representative.
3. Pastoral Relations Committee Chairman or representative.
4. Property Maintenance Committee Chairman or representative.
5. Sunday School Superintendent or representative.
¶7.3 Candidates for Board membership must be members of the church body and at least eighteen (18) years of age. They should demonstrate evidence of discretion, kindness, humility, responsibility and prudence with regard to stewardship of church funds and property and any other qualities consistent with spiritual maturity and Christian leadership.
¶7.4 Board members are elected to one year terms. No Board member, except the Treasurer, may serve for more than three consecutive terms. For the sake of continuity, terms of Board members should be structured so that approximately a third of the Board rotates off each year. All members of the Board of Stewards are eligible to vote, except the Chairman, who may vote only in the case of a tie.
¶7.5 The Stewards shall be elected at the Annual Church Conference. As soon as possible after their election, the Stewards shall organize and elect their Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Secretary and determine the time of their regular monthly meeting.
¶7.6 The minutes of all meetings of the Stewards shall be kept in a permanent record by the Secretary of the Stewards and shall be available to the Stewards and the pastor. Any member of the local church may review the minutes upon request.
¶7.7 All committees of the church shall work with the Stewards and pastor and report to them when called upon to do so.
¶7.8 The Stewards shall lead the congregation in all spiritual matters by precept and example by: (1) calling on visitors, the sick and the needy; and (2) endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace while nurturing and preserving the unity of the faith among members and especially teachers, youth leaders and those in positions of influence.
¶7.9 It shall be the duty of the Stewards to nominate the succeeding year’s Nominating Committee.
¶7.10 If any elected position becomes vacant, the Stewards may fill said vacancy.