Constitution
INTERVARSITY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
TAFT COLLEGE CHAPTER CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I. NAME
The name of the organization will be the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at Taft College
ARTICLE II. PURPOSE
In response to God’s love, grace and truth:
The Purpose of the Chapter is to establish and advance at Taft College witnessing communities of students and faculty who follow Jesus as Savior and Lord: growing in love for God, God’s Word, God’s people of every ethnicity and culture and God’s purposes in the world
ARTICLE III. DOCTRINAL BASIS
We believe in:
The only true God, the almighty Creator of all things, existing eternally in three persons Father, Son, and Holy Spirit–full of love and glory.
The unique divine inspiration, entire trustworthiness and authority of the Bible.
The value and dignity of all people: created in God’s image to live in love and holiness but alienated from God and each other because of our sin and guilt, and justly subject to God’s wrath.
Jesus Christ, fully human and fully divine, who lived as a perfect example, who assumed the judgment due sinners by dying in our place, and who was bodily raised from the dead and ascended as Savior and Lord.
Justification by God’s grace to all who repent and put their faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.
The indwelling presence and transforming power of the Holy Spirit, who gives to all believers a new life and a new calling to obedient service.
The unity of all believers in Jesus Christ, manifest in worshipping and witnessing churches making disciples throughout the world.
The victorious reign and future personal return of Jesus Christ, who will judge all people with justice and mercy, giving over the unrepentant to eternal condemnation but receiving the redeemed into eternal life.
To God be glory forever.
ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Associated Student Organization Requirements
All Taft College sanctioned clubs fall under the Associated Student Organization and therefore, must be in compliances with all legislation under the Taft College Associated Student Organization Constitution. It is the responsibility of the club advisor and elected officers to be well-versed and abide by the requirements and bylaws of the Associated Student Organization constitution.
Section 2.
Membership in the Chapter is open to anyone officially connected to Taft College as faculty, staff, or registered student.
An Active Member is a currently enrolled student at the Taft College who has attended meetings of the Chapter for at least two (2) months and is enrolled in five (5) or more units. All Members must have a current Associated Student Body sticker and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. (Associated Student Organization stickers can be purchased at the Cashier’s desk in the Student Services/Administration building).
Employees (Staff) of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF)/USA assigned by IVCF to the Chapter may partner with the Chapter.
ARTICLE V. LEADERS
Section 1.
A Leadership Team of members will guide the Chapter each year. The number of leaders, including the Leadership Team, and other positions will vary each year depending on current membership and the needs of the fellowship. InterVarsity Staff are full members of the chapter Leadership Team. The standing Leadership Team, which includes InterVarsity Staff, will determine positions each year. The Leadership Team may select secondary leaders to serve the Chapter each year as needed.
Section 2.
The Leadership Team will be responsible for organizing all meetings, activities and events of the Chapter in order to fulfill the Purpose of the Chapter (c.f. Article II)
Section 3.
Leadership of the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at Taft College involves significant spiritual commitment. Chapter leaders are expected to indicate their agreement with InterVarsity’s Doctrine and Purpose Statements and exemplify Christ-like character, conduct and leadership (c.f. the following relevant passages: 1 Peter 5:1-7; I Timothy 3:1-13; Galatians 5:19-26; and 1 Corinthians 6: 7-11).
Section 4. Additional Eligibility Requirements
Officers must meet the school’s eligibility requirements for leaders of registered student organizations as listed below:
- Be enrolled in a minimum of 5 units
- Have a current ASO sticker
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
- Be in good standing with the college
Section 5.
Leaders may be removed from their position by a simple majority of the Leadership Team. Any member of the Chapter may make a complaint against any leader in the Chapter including a member of the Leadership Team. Following the complaint, the Leadership Team (or a member(s) of the Leadership Team) shall meet to confer with the Chapter’s IVCF Staff for advice and counsel. They will also meet with both the complaining individual and the accused leader. No leader may be removed without first receiving a full and fair hearing from the Leadership Team. A leader complained against may only be removed by at least a simple majority agreement of the remaining members of the Leadership Team. Misrepresentation on the leadership application (c.f. Article XI) shall be grounds for the immediate removal of the leader by the Leadership Team.
ARTICLE VI. OPERATIONS
Section 1.
Only Active Members will be eligible to be nominated for leadership positions. An Active Member can receive a leadership application (c.f. Article XI) upon nominating her/himself or upon nomination by any other Active Member. Each application will ask potential leaders to express their views on matters that are necessary for advancing the purpose and core beliefs of the Chapter stated in Articles II and III of this Constitution. Applications must be signed to be considered.
Section 2.
After review of the applications and interviews with the candidates, the Leadership Team (or a selection committee assigned by the Leadership Team with the advice of the IVCF Staff), shall nominate at least one finalist to serve in each Leadership Team position and will submit those individuals to a vote by the Active Members. Those finalists who receive a majority affirmation by the Active Members shall be named as leaders-elect and will serve a term of one (1) year.
Section 3.
Leaders-elect assume their positions as leaders at the end of Taft College semester following their election.
ARTICLE VII. FINANCES
The Chapter will obtain funding in the following ways:
- Through private donations and other fund-raising activities
2. Through funding from student fees
A member of the Leadership Team will be responsible for the Chapter’s finances and for administering any segregated fee grants.
ARTICLE VIII. AMENDMENTS
Section 1.
Amendments can be proposed verbally at a Leadership Team meeting or may be submitted in writing to any Leadership Team member.
Section 2.
Any Active Member of the Chapter may submit an amendment.
Section 3.
Amendments will be considered by Leadership Team members and must pass by a 3/4ths vote of the Leadership Team.
Section 4.
The Chapter may not amend Article II or Article III of this Constitution without the express, written permission of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA.
ARTICLE IX. REMOVAL OF MEMBERSHIP
Members of the Chapter may be removed by a majority of the Leadership Team (after consultation with the IVCF Staff) if they pose any form of a threat – physical, spiritual or psychological – to any member of the organization or if they disrupt Chapter meetings or other activities.
ARTICLE X. CHAPTER COVENANT
Active Members of the Chapter who wish to be leaders must sign the Statement of Agreement (Purpose Statement (c.f. Article II) and Doctrinal Basis (c.f. Article III)), commit to abide by the Statement of Agreement in their conduct, and agree to devote sufficient time to the Chapter, as indicated by completing and signing the leadership application (c.f. Article XI).
ARTICLE XI. LEADERSHIP APPLICATION
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
Chapter Leadership Application
Taft College
- Chapter Application
- As a prospective leader of the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at Taft College you are preparing for serious spiritual responsibilities. You will be expected to exemplify Christ-like character, conduct and leadership (c.f. the following relevant passages: 1 Peter 5:1-7; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Galatians 5:19-26; and 1 Corinthians 6: 7-11). This application is designed to help you understand these expectations more clearly. It will also assist the Leadership Team in getting to know you as they seek to pass on the leadership of this Chapter to faithful person.
- Leadership Commitments
- Scripture sets high standards for Christian leaders. Read and study the following passages: 1 Peter 5:1-7; Galatians 5:19-26; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; and 1 Corinthians 6: 7-11. Bearing in mind these qualifications (and the fact that all believers are in the process of becoming more Christ-like and have not yet reached perfection), can you in good conscience make yourself available for a leadership position?
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship Application and Leadership Committment