The Crossing at BCC

BY LAWS

The Crossing Bixby
555 South B Ave - Bixby, OK 74008

These Bylaws are adopted to provide structure and order for the ministry of The Crossing Bixby. They are intended to ensure that the affairs of the Church are conducted in accordance with the teachings of Scripture, under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, and in alignment with the mission of this body of believers: to live with Jesus, like Jesus, for Jesus. While these Bylaws establish guidelines for governance and organization, the ultimate authority of the Church rests in Christ as Head of His body, and all matters shall be carried out in prayerful dependence upon Him.

Date Offered: 10-16-2025
Date Adopted: 10-16-2025

Article I – Name and Purpose
Section A: Name This organization shall be known as The Crossing Bixby, and may also do business as The Crossing @BCC or The Crossing OK or Bixby Christian Church.
Section B: Purpose The purpose of this Church is to live …WITH Jesus, LIKE Jesus, FOR Jesus… by: 1. Carrying out the mission of Christ as expressed in the New Testament, including the making of disciples throughout the world as commanded by the great commission. 2. Providing a local church home for nurturing spiritual growth, discipleship, and service. 3. Fulfilling the biblical command to conduct all affairs “decently and in order” (1 Cor. 14:40).

Article II – Business Organization
Section A: Purpose of the Board 
The Board shall provide oversight for the legal and business affairs of the Church while ensuring all matters align with the spiritual mission outlined in Article I.
Section B: Scope of Oversight 
The Board shall oversee: - Church policy, doctrine, and direction, in alignment with Scripture. - Financial stewardship, budgeting, and facilities. - Strategic planning for ministry and outreach. - Accountability for staff and ministry leaders.
Section C: Role of the Pastor 
The Pastor shall serve as Chairman of the Board, presiding over all meetings. The Pastor is not a voting member of the Board, except in the event of a tie vote, at which point the Pastor shall cast the deciding vote.

Article III – Membership
Section A: Qualifications for Membership
 Membership in The Crossing Bixby shall consist of those who: 1. Have confessed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and are in the process of following Him according to the Word of God (Romans 10:9–10). 2. Have completed a discipleship course approved by the Board (currently the Apprenticeship course).
Section B: Responsibilities of Members 
Members are encouraged to: 1. Participate in the worship, fellowship, and mission of the church. 2. Serve with their time, talent, and resources to build up the body of Christ (Mark 10:45). 3. Live in a manner consistent with Scripture, showing love, unity, and humility as followers of Christ.
Section C: Qualifications for Voting 
1. Voting privileges shall be granted to all members 18 years of age or older who have been active members for at least two months. 
2. An active member is one who adheres to the qualifications listed in Section A of this Article. 3. Quorum for any vote shall consist of those members present at a duly called meeting of the congregation.
Section D: Termination of Membership 
Membership in The Crossing Bixby may be ended in the following ways: 
1. Voluntary Withdrawal – Any member may voluntarily withdraw their membership by notifying the Pastor or the Board. 
2. Transfer of Membership – Membership may be transferred to another Bible-believing church upon the member’s request. 
3. Inactivity – Members who no longer participate in the life of the church or who cease to meet the qualifications of membership for a period of six months may, at the discretion of the Board, be placed on inactive status or removed from membership.
 4. Discipline – If a member is found to be in persistent, unrepentant sin or divisive conduct, the Board, following the biblical model of Matthew 18:15–17 and Galatians 6:1, may remove the individual from membership. Such action is to be carried out in love, with the aim of restoration.

Article IV – Church Board
Section A: Composition of the Board 
1. The Church Board shall consist of the Pastor (Chairman), the Elders, and additional members elected by the congregation as needed.
 2. The Pastor shall preside over the Board as Chairman but shall not vote except in the case of a tie. 
3. Elders shall automatically serve as members of the Board.
 4. Deacons shall not serve on the Board by virtue of their office, though they may be appointed or elected separately if approved by the Board.
Section B: Qualifications of Board Members
 1. Board members shall be members of The Crossing Bixby in good standing and contributing financially to The Crossing. 
2. Board members shall demonstrate Christian character, maturity, and a commitment to the mission of the Church (1 Timothy 3:1–13; Titus 1:5–9). 
3. Elders shall meet the biblical qualifications of spiritual oversight and shepherding. 
4. Deacons, including both men and women, shall meet the biblical qualifications of service and character.
Section C: Election of Board Members
 1. Board members shall be nominated by the existing Board or through pastoral and congregational recommendation and elected by the congregation at a duly called meeting. 
2. No write-in candidates shall be permitted. 
3. A majority vote of members present shall constitute election.
Section D: Terms of Service
 1. Elected Board members shall serve an initial term of one year. 
2. At the conclusion of their term, members may be reappointed or reelected without limitation, provided they continue to meet the qualifications outlined in Section B.
 3. Elders shall serve as long as they remain qualified and affirmed by the Board.
Section E: Duties of Elected Officers of the Board
1. Chairman of the Board – Pastor
The Pastor shall serve as Chairman of the Board and shall call and conduct all board meetings. The Pastor shall preside over all congregation business meetings and, with the aid of the Elders, shall provide spiritual leadership and directional oversight for all church ministries and programs. The Pastor shall not be a voting member of the Board, except in the event of a tie, in which case the Pastor shall cast the deciding vote.
2. Vice-Chairman of the Board
The Vice-Chairman shall serve in the capacity of the Chairman in the Pastor’s absence and shall assist in providing leadership and support to the Board as needed.
3. Secretary
The Secretary shall keep accurate minutes of all Board meetings and report those minutes at scheduled meetings. The Secretary shall maintain official records of Board actions and church membership. They shall also ensure that, in their absence, a qualified individual is appointed to fulfill these responsibilities. The Elders shall assist in maintaining accurate membership records and follow-up.
4. Treasurer
The Treasurer shall serve as Chairman of the Finance Committee and oversee the receipt and disbursement of all general funds of the church as approved by the Board. The Treasurer shall prepare and present a monthly financial statement to the Board and ensure that individual donation records remain confidential. The Treasurer or an appointed representative shall prepare and present a yearly individual giving statement to each donor at the end of each calendar year. Appointees may also be authorized to assist in maintaining financial records and handling deposits, under the Treasurer’s oversight.
Section F: Duties of the Board 
The Board shall: 
1. Serve as the legal governing body of the Church.
 2. Oversee the business, property, and financial affairs of the Church. 
3. Provide accountability, support, and direction for the Pastor and ministry leaders.
 4. Protect the doctrinal integrity of the Church.
 5. Ensure that all ministries operate in alignment with the mission of the Church.
Section G: Meetings of the Board
 1. The Board shall meet as often as necessary to conduct the business of the Church. 
2. Special meetings may be called by the Pastor or by any two Board members.
 3. A quorum shall consist of those Board members present at a duly called meeting.
Section H: Removal of Board Members
 1. A Board member may resign at any time by submitting notice to the Pastor or Board. 
2. A Board member may be removed by majority vote of the remaining Board members if they:  - No longer meet the qualifications of Section B.  - Engage in persistent, unrepentant sin, divisive behavior, or conduct harmful to the Church.  - Fail to actively fulfill their responsibilities as a Board member. 
3. All actions for removal shall be carried out in accordance with biblical principles of discipline and restoration (Matthew 18:15–17; Galatians 6:1).
Section I: Selection and Removal of the Pastor
1. Pastoral Selection: When a pastoral vacancy occurs, the Board shall prayerfully identify and recommend a qualified pastoral candidate to the congregation.
-The candidate must be examined regarding doctrine, character, and calling to ministry.
-A congregational meeting shall be called for the purpose of voting on the candidate.
-A super majority (two-thirds) vote of the active members present shall be required to extend a call to the candidate to serve as Pastor of The Crossing Bixby.
2. Pastoral Removal: The removal of the Pastor may be recommended to the congregation by a majority vote of the Church Board after prayerful consideration and due process. 
-Grounds for removal include moral failure, doctrinal error, persistent divisiveness, or failure to fulfill the duties of the office.
-A congregational meeting shall then be called for the purpose of voting on the recommendation.
-A simple majority vote of the active members present shall be sufficient to remove the Pastor from office.
3. Interim Leadership: In the event of a pastoral vacancy, the Board shall appoint an interim leader or preaching team to ensure continuity of ministry until a new Pastor is called.

Article V – Elders and Deacons
Section A: Elders 
1. Role – Elders are entrusted with spiritual oversight of the Church. They shall serve as shepherds, teachers, and protectors of the congregation, guarding doctrine and guiding the people in discipleship and prayer (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1–3). 
2. Qualifications – Elders must meet the biblical qualifications outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9. 3. Responsibilities – Elders shall:  - Provide spiritual care and counsel to the congregation.  - Assist the Pastor in teaching, preaching, and equipping the saints for ministry.  - Guard against false teaching and uphold sound doctrine.  - Pray for the sick and minister to those in need.  - Serve on the Church Board as voting members.
Section B: Deacons 
1. Role – Deacons are appointed to serve the practical needs of the Church, supporting the ministry of the Word and prayer by caring for physical, logistical, and service-oriented responsibilities (Acts 6:1–4). 
2. Qualifications – Deacons must meet the biblical qualifications outlined in 1 Timothy 3:8–13. Both men and women may serve as deacons. 
3. Responsibilities – Deacons shall:  - Lead and serve in practical ministries of the Church, including care for the poor, hospitality, facilities, and administration.  - Support the Pastor and Elders in carrying out the mission of the Church.  - Model a servant-hearted lifestyle of humility and faithfulness. 
4. Board Participation – Deacons do not automatically serve as members of the Church Board but may be appointed or elected separately to serve if approved by the Board.

Article VI – Congregational Meetings
Section A: Annual Meeting
 1. The Church shall hold an Annual Congregational Meeting at a time designated by the Board. 
2. The purpose of this meeting shall be to:  - Receive reports of the Pastor, Elders, Deacons, and Board.  - Review the financial condition of the Church.  - Elect Board members as needed.  - Conduct any other business deemed necessary.
Section B: Special Meetings 
1. Special meetings of the congregation may be called by:  - The Pastor.  - The Church Board.  - A written request submitted by at least 25% of the voting members. 
2. Notice of such meetings shall be announced at least one week prior, except in cases of emergency as determined by the Board.
Section C: Notice and Quorum
 1. Announcement of any congregational meeting shall be made from the pulpit at least two Sundays prior to the meeting, and may also be communicated by email, printed notice, or other appropriate means. 
2. A quorum for any congregational meeting shall consist of those members present.
Section D: Voting 
1. Only active members in good standing, 18 years of age or older, shall be eligible to vote. 
2. All matters shall be decided by a majority of votes cast by members present, unless otherwise specified in these bylaws. 
3. Proxy or absentee voting shall not be permitted.
Section E: Rules of Order
 1. All congregational meetings shall be conducted in a spirit of unity, guided by the principles of Scripture. 
2. In matters requiring formal procedure, Robert’s Rules of Order (latest edition) may be used as a guideline at the discretion of the Pastor or Board.

Article VII – Amendments
Section A: Authority to Amend 
The Church Board shall have the sole authority to amend, revise, or repeal these Bylaws, provided that such changes remain consistent with the Word of God and the mission of The Crossing Bixby.
Section B: Procedure
 1. Proposed amendments may be submitted by any Board member. 
2. Amendments shall be adopted upon approval by a majority vote of the Board. 
3. Notice of adopted amendments may be communicated to the congregation at the discretion of the Board.
Section C: Limitations
 No amendment shall alter the essential mission of the Church to glorify God, proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, and make disciples in accordance with Scripture.

Article VIII – Auxiliary Organizations
Section A: Purpose
 Auxiliary organizations within The Crossing Bixby exist to support the mission of the Church by providing opportunities for fellowship, discipleship, and service in specific areas of ministry.
Section B: Scope
 Auxiliary organizations may include, but are not limited to: 
1. Men’s Ministry 
2. Women’s Ministry 
3. Youth Ministry 
4. Children’s Ministry 
5. Other groups as approved by the Pastor and Board
Section C: Oversight
 1. All auxiliary organizations shall function under the spiritual and organizational leadership of the Pastor, in cooperation with the Church Board. 
2. Leaders of auxiliary organizations must be members of The Crossing Bixby in good standing and demonstrate faithfulness, maturity, and alignment with the mission of the Church. 3. Activities, events, and teaching within auxiliary organizations shall remain consistent with Scripture and the vision of the Church.

Article IX – Uncovered Situations
Section A: General Provision
 Any matters not specifically addressed within these Bylaws shall be handled first by the Pastor and Elders, in prayerful consideration of Scripture and the mission of The Crossing Bixby.
Section B: Congregational Action 
If circumstances arise that require broader input, the Pastor and Board may bring such matters before the congregation for discussion or decision at a duly called meeting.
Section C: Guiding Principle
 In all situations, decisions shall be made in the spirit of unity, humility, and obedience to God’s Word, with the aim of glorifying Christ and strengthening His Church.