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Kingdom Bylaws

v.1.1 April 22, 2026

Article I: Name and Purpose

Section 1. Name

The name of the corporation is Kingdom Church Troy (hereafter referred to as “the Church”).

Section 2. Purpose

The Church is organized exclusively for religious, charitable, and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The mission of the Church is to receive grace, extend grace, and bear witness to Jesus Christ through worship, instruction, encouragement, and outreach.

Article II: Ecclesial Identity

Section 1. Nature of the Church

The Church is a Christian church and operates as a gathered, worshiping body and missional witness.

Article III: Authority and Governance

Section 1. Headship of Christ

Jesus Christ is the sole head of the Church.

Section 2. Governing Authority

The governing authority of the Church is vested in a body of Elders, who exercise oversight in submission to Christ and in service to the Church.

Section 3. Limitations of Authority

No individual Elder may:

  • Unilaterally add or remove Stewards (voting members)

  • Unilaterally alter the Statement of Faith

  • Unilaterally change the structure of the Church budget in a material way

  • Affiliate the Church with any external organization without approval as provided in these bylaws

  • Unilaterally add or remove Elders

Section 4. Major Decisions

Decisions that materially affect the doctrine, leadership, finances, or long-term direction of the Church (“Major Decisions”) require approval by a vote of the Stewards. Major Decisions include but are not limited to Appointment / Reappointment of Elders, approval of the Annual Budget, amendments to Bylaws or Statement of Faith, Dissolution. 

Section 5. Records

The Church shall hold at least one annual meeting of Stewards for the purpose of reporting, budget approval, and other necessary business.

Article IV: Elders

Section 1. Definition

Elders serve as spiritual overseers and administrators of the Church. They are responsible for spiritual leadership, pastoral care, doctrinal faithfulness, and organizational oversight.     

Section 2. Qualifications

Elders must:

  • Be a Steward of the Church, meeting the qualification for a Steward in Article V Section 2

  • Show evidence in their walk with Christ the qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3 ,Titus 1, and 1 Peter 5

Section 2. Appointment and Affirmation

New potential Elders shall be nominated by the existing body of Elders and appointed through affirmation by a vote of the Stewards. The number of Elders shall be determined by the needs and size of the Church, with a minimum of 3 elders serving at any time.

Section 3. Term and Areas of Oversight

Elders serve for a term of three years. 

  • After three years, Elders have the choice to step down or, if willing to continue, are required to seek reaffirmation by the Stewards to initiate a new term.

  • Elders may step-down at any time prior to the end of their term. 

Elders shall be assigned specific areas of oversight, including but not limited to teaching, worship, discipleship, outreach, or children’s ministry.

To ensure continuity of leadership, Elder terms shall be staggered. 

  • The body of Elders shall be divided into two or more classes, with each class beginning and ending its term at different times so that no more than a portion of the Elders complete their terms within the same year. 

  • Initial appointments may be adjusted in length as necessary to establish and maintain this staggered rotation.

Section 4. Meetings and Decision-Making

The body of Elders shall meet no less than monthly. Elders shall seek consensus in decision-making. When consensus cannot be reached, decisions may be made by majority vote, with each Elder carrying one equal vote. All Elders must be given the opportunity to participate in such votes.

Section 5. Removal of Elders

An Elder may be removed from office by decision of the body of Elders for reasons including disqualification, abuse of power, or inability to fulfill the responsibilities of the role. The Stewards shall be informed of such action in a timely and appropriate manner.

  • Congregants / Stewards who are aware of potential issues regarding an elder’s ability to fulfill their role, should feel encouraged to bring their concerns to the other Elders. 

Section 6. Indemnification

The Church shall indemnify its Elders to the fullest extent permitted by state law for actions taken in good faith within the scope of their duties as outlined in Article IV Section 1.

Article V: Stewards (Members)

Section 1. Definition

For legal purposes, the individuals referred to within the Church as “Stewards” shall constitute the voting members of the corporation.

Section 2. Qualifications

Stewards must:

  • Confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior

  • Have made a public confession of faith through baptism

  • Actively participate in the life of the church

  • Affirm the Statement of Faith

  • Affirm the Steward Covenant

Section 3. Becoming a Steward

  • Meet the qualifications from section 2

  • Affirmation from Elders

Section 4. Rights and Responsibilities

Stewards participate in votes concerning Major Decisions, the affirmation of Elders, approval of the annual budget, overseeing specific ministries by direction of elders, and dissolution of the Church.

Section 5. Meetings and Voting

Votes of the Stewards may be called only by the body of Elders. Procedures for meetings and voting shall be determined by the Elders.

Section 6. Removal of Stewards
Stewards who no longer meet the above qualification can be removed by an Elder vote.

Article VI: Finances

Section 1. Fiscal Oversight

The Elders shall have oversight of the financial affairs of the Church.

Section 2. Expenditures

Elders may authorize expenditures within their area of ministry responsibility. All expenditures shall be reviewed by the body of Elders on a regular basis and reported to the Stewards at least quarterly.

Section 3. Reimbursements and Compensation

Any reimbursement or compensation-related expense must be approved by an Elder vote

Section 4. Conflict of interest

Any Elder or Steward with a financial or personal interest in a matter before the Church shall disclose such interest and abstain from voting. The remaining Elders shall determine whether a conflict exists. The Church shall only enter into transactions that are reasonable, in good faith, and in furtherance of its religious and charitable purposes.

Section 5. Budgets

An annual budget shall be prepared by the Elders and approved by the Stewards. Elders may appoint a steward to manage the monthly budgets and reporting. The Church shall work with an independent, unbiased 3rd party to review annual income and expenses.

Section 6. Compensation of Elders

Elders shall serve without compensation unless compensation is approved by the body of Elders and affirmed by a vote of the Stewards.

Article VII: Dissolution

Upon dissolution of the Church, and following approval by both the body of Elders and the Stewards, all remaining assets shall be distributed to one or more organizations organized and operated exclusively for purposes consistent with Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. No part of the assets shall inure to the benefit of any Elder, Steward, or private individual.

Article VIII: Amendments

These bylaws may be amended by the body of Elders, provided that any amendment materially affecting doctrine, governance, or finances is approved by a vote of the Stewards.


Drafted by the body of Elders. Nick Alspaugh, Aaron Gosser, Fletcher Durham
[End Kingdom Church Bylaws]