CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS


A DIFFERENT CHURCH

A DIFFERENT ACADEMY

A DIFFERENT UNIVERSITY

Omaha, Nebraska and Affiliated Campuses


Adopted this thirteenth day of May 2020



PREAMBLE


We, whose names appear upon the membership of this church, in order to establish and maintain a place for worship of Almighty God our Heavenly Father do recognize ourselves as a sovereign local church, academy, and university. We desire to provide a place and/or environment whereby church members may strive to fulfill the Great Commandment that Jesus gave us in Matthew 22:37-39, manifest the fruits of the Spirit as described in Galatians 5:22-23, and fulfill the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20. We desire to provide for Christian fellowship of those of like-minded faith, share our testimony, and accept our share of responsibility and privilege of multiplying the gospel of Jesus Christ by means approved by this church, both locally and throughout the world; and for this purpose we do adopt the following articles of church order and submit ourselves to be governed by them.


CONSTITUTION


ARTICLE I. NAME


The name of this church shall be A DIFFERENT CHURCH, ACADEMY, AND UNIVERSITY, INC. and incorporated in the state of Nebraska.



ARTICLE II. RIGHTS & PRIVILEGES


Section 1. This church shall have the right to govern itself according to the standards of the New Testament scriptures.


Section 2. This church shall implement its Christianity as instructed by the New Testament according to the following rights and privileges:


* this church is led and managed by a Senior Executive Elder, Executive Elders, Elders, and Deacons as guided by the Holy Spirit and New Testament scripture

** oversight of all church activities for all campuses shall be managed and governed by the Senior Executive Elder and the Executive Elder Board

** the Executive Elder Board shall serve in the capacity of Board of Directors for the corporation

** each individual campus shall be managed by its own Elder Board whose members are ultimately approved by the Executive Elder Board

** Executive Elders may also serve as Elders for individual campuses


* to administer regular ordinances of this church


* to establish and maintain such departments, institutions and services within this church for the multiplying of the gospel and its work embraced by the purpose of this corporation


* to examine candidates for various ministries in this church and to ordain a Senior Executive Elder, Executive Elders, Elders, and Deacons who have been approved by the Executive Elder Board of this church according to the standards set forth by the New Testament. All Elders will bear and share responsibility for teaching, shepherding, leading, and managing this church. Some responsibilities may be delegated to Deacons, but the Elders maintain ultimate responsibility.


* to examine candidates and appoint missionaries and to endorse and support missionary programs according to the standards set forth by the New Testament and the policies of this church.


* to establish new church campuses, church schools, missions, and Christian centers both at home and around the world according to the standards set forth by the New Testament.


* to designate its own Senior Executive Elder, Executive Elders, Elders, and Deacons, to appoint committees, to arrange for its own meetings and events, and to govern itself in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws herein and after defined.


* to establish and define policy by which it shall be governed


Section 3. In connection herewith, or incidental thereto, it shall have the right to purchase, rent, lease, or acquire by gifts, bequest, or otherwise, either directly or as trustee, and to own, hold in trust, use, sell convey mortgage, lease or otherwise dispose of any real estate or chattels, as may be necessary for the furtherance of its purposes; all in accordance with its Constitution and Bylaws or as the same may be hereafter modified or amended.



ARTICLE III. ASSOCIATION


While maintaining its inherent rights to sovereignty in the conduct of its own affairs, this church shall, at its discretion, voluntarily enter into spiritual fellowship with all churches of like faith.


ARTICLE IV. TENETS OF FAITH


This church accepts the Holy Scriptures as the revealed will of God, the all-sufficient rule of faith and practice; and for the purpose of maintaining general unity, adopts the following statements of fundamental truths. These statements of faith do not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality and the proper conduct of mankind, is the sole and final source of all that we believe. For purposes of Church doctrine, practice, policy and discipline, our Executive Elder Board is the church’s final interpretive authority on the Bible’s meaning and application.


1. The Scriptures Inspired


The Bible is the inspired Word of God, a revelation from God to mankind, the infallible rule of faith and conduct, and is superior to conscience and reason, but not contrary to reason. 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Peter 1:23-25; Hebrews 4:12


2. The One True God

The one true God has revealed himself as the eternally self-existent, self-revealed “I Am”, and has further revealed himself as embodying the principles of relationship and association, i.e., as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29; Isaiah 43:10; Matthew 28:19


3. Mankind, The Fall and Redemption


Mankind was created good and upright, “So God created human beingsd in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” But mankind, by voluntary transgression, fell, and its only hope of redemption is in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Genesis 1:26-31; 3:1-7; Romans 5:12-21


4. The Salvation of Man


A. Conditions to Salvation. “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.” “Repent of your sins and turn to God,” “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9 & 13; John 14:6; Acts 16:31; Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Mark 6:12; Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4


B. The Evidence of Salvation. Salvation must be evident inwardly to the individual and outwardly to the world. Inwardly we experience faith in God and hope in eternal life. Outwardly we express love for God and for mankind. The fruits of the Holy Spirit are evidence of our Salvation as are our good works. We allow the Holy Spirit to guide our lives.

1 Corinthians 13:13; Galatians 5:16 & 22-23; Ephesians 2:10; James 2:26


5. Water Baptism


Water Baptism is not connected to our Salvation. We do not have to be Baptized in order to be saved. Symbolically, Water Baptism is Biblically important. Jesus Christ Himself spoke of the importance of Baptism in The Great Commission. We believe that Water Baptism symbolizes: 1-the death of our old selves and ways of life; 2-we rise with Christ to become new creatures and live Godly lives; 3-we are united in Fellowship with God and to the community of fellow believers, committing to support each other with love and peace. We believe that Baptism symbolizes our participation in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The preferred method of Baptism is full immersion in water, however we realize this may not always be possible and water Baptism may be accomplished by the pouring of water on the head or of sprinkling water on the person to be Baptized. This church believes Baptism should be available to those believers who are old enough to understand right from wrong and make decisions accordingly.

Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 6:3-10; 1 Corinthians 12:13


6. The Lord’s Supper


We celebrate the Lord’s Supper, consisting of bread and grape juice (or substitutes) in respect and remembrance that Jesus Christ suffered and shed His blood so that we may realize Salvation. We are thankful for God’s Grace found in the New Covenant. Those who celebrate the Lord’s Supper with us must be believers who examine their own hearts before participating. Are we thankful for the sacrifices of Jesus or are we partaking for selfish motives? We must repent and ask God’s forgiveness for our sins prior to engaging in the Lord’s Supper.

Matthew 26:26-28; John 6:51 & 53-58; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-27


7. Progressive Sanctification


This church believes that Sanctification is a life-long process of seeking and learning to be like Jesus. We strongly believe in the development of the church body and will offer continuous Discipleship training, education, and development in God’s five New Testament purposes for our lives; Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Ministry, and Mission and in the Fruits of the Spirit.

John 4:23-24; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Mark 12:30; Matthew 22:37-39; 1 Corinthians 12:27; 1 Corinthians 10:24; 1 John 1:3; John 15:12-13; James 4:8a; Matthew 18:20; Romans 14:19; John 13:34-35; 1 Peter 2:17; James 5:16; Matthew 28:19-20; Luke 6:4o; 2 Corinthians 3:18b; John 15:8; Colossians 1:10; 2 Peter 1:5-8; Acts 2:42; Ephesians 4:11-16; 2 Timothy 2:15; Matthew 5:16; Proverbs 16:1-3; Titus 2:6-7; Psalm 78:72; Matthew 20:26-28; Psalm 78:52; 1 Corinthians 9:19; 1 Peter 3:15; John 14:6; Psalm 51:13; Matthew 25:34-40; James 5:19-20; Matthew 4:19; Galatians 5:16 & 22-23


8. The Church


The Church is the people who believe in Jesus Christ. They are the Body of Christ. Each believer is an important part of the Church.


This church:

* is led and served by a Senior Executive Elder, Executive Elders, and Elders

* is served by Deacons

* pursues purity and unity

* exercises church discipline

* develops strong connections with other churches

* celebrates the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper


Equipped by the Holy Spirit with spiritual gifts for ministry, this church regularly gathers to:

* worship the triune God

* proclaim His Word

* engage non-Christians with the gospel

* disciple their members

* care for people through prayer and giving

* stand both for and against the world

Ephesians 1:22; 2:19-22; Matthew 18:20; Ephesians 5:18-20; Matthew 5:8; 1 Corinthians 1:10; Matthew 18:15-17; Acts 20:28; Philippians 2:1-2; Luke 22:19-20; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Matthew 28:19; Matthew 3:16-17; Isaiah 62:11; Galatians 6:2; Ephesians 6:10-12; 1 Corinthians 16:13-14


9. End Times

Though there are differing understandings of the ‘end-times’ these differences do not affect our Salvation.


Pre-Tribulation Rapture


This church believes in and teaches a pre-Tribulation rapture. At this time, just prior to the Tribulation, all Christians dead and alive will be caught up into the clouds to join Jesus forever. This is the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:50-55; Romans 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; Revelation 3:10; Luke 21:36; John 14:1-4, Daniel 12:1-3


The Tribulation


The Bible is clear that there will be a seven year time of Tribulation and Great Tribulation here on earth and this church believes and teaches accordingly.

Matthew 24:21; Matthew 24:4-7; 2 Timothy 3:1-4; Revelation 13:5-8; Daniel 12:1-3; Luke 21:25-28


The Third Coming of Christ


After the seven year Tribulation and Great Tribulation, this church believes Jesus Christ will return to Earth for a third and final time. This is when the battle of Armageddon will occur and Jesus will establish His Kingdom on Earth.

1 Thessalonians 3:12-13; Zechariah 14:4-7; Revelation 19:11-21


The Millennium


The Bible tells us there will be a 1,000 year Millennium period after the Third Coming of Christ. At the end of the Great Tribulation, God's people, those who accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior during the Tribulation period, along with the Christians who were Raptured just before the Tribulation, will join Jesus Christ and live in Heaven on Earth for 1,000 years. This is the millennium. Those remaining, who rejected God, will face an eternity of torture in hell. During this time there will be peace on Earth. At the



end of the Millennium, satan will be released one last time to test God’s people before he and any unbelievers will be cast into the lake of fire for eternity.

Daniel 12:1-3; Revelation 20; Daniel 2:44


New Jerusalem


After satan and his followers are forever cast into the lake of fire, there will be a new Heaven and a new Earth and God's people will live forever with Him in new Jerusalem. This is our eternal reward!

Revelation 21


10. Marriage


This church believes in the Biblical definition of marriage and that union can only be between one man and one woman. Although we believe that women may hold leadership positions within the church, we believe the Bible is clear that women are to be submissive to their husbands in marriage just as the church is submissive to the authority of Jesus Christ. This church believes that women are equal leaders in the home with their husbands with equal love and respect for each other, however the final authority in the family belongs to the husband.

Ephesians 5:21-23


ARTICLE V. MEMBERSHIP


This church shall extend membership to all applicants who give evidence of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who subscribe to its tenets of faith and who consent to abide by and be governed by its Constitution and Bylaws as herein set forth, and who adhere to the membership process of this church.


ARTICLE VI. CHURCH GOVERNMENT


Church government is distinguished from the government of the Academy and the University.


All church officials must come from within church membership. Church officials may be men or women.


Church officials shall consist of a Senior Executive Elder (SEE), Executive Elders (EE's), Elders, and Deacons. Church officials are generally not compensated for their service. As the church grows and demands on the service of the church officials increases, compensation for the SEE and EE's may be recommended by the Executive Elder Board (EEB) and approved by a two-thirds vote of church membership. Compensation for Elders and Deacons of individual church campuses may be recommended by the EEB and approved by a two-thirds vote of the membership of the individual church campus. Compensation of church officials will be considered and recommended by the EEB on an individual basis. Compensation of an individual official does not grant that official authority over other like officials.


The Executive Elder Board shall serve as Board of Directors for the corporation and the Senior Executive Elder shall serve as CEO/President.


When a church official vacates their position, compensation for that official is terminated. Compensation of the new official in that position is suspended pending approval or disapproval by the EEB, and if approved, such compensation may be different than that of the previous official.


All church officials, with the exception of Michael Ray Bianchi, whether at the corporate or campus level, shall be elected to serve for one four year term. No official may serve for more than two consecutive terms and may only serve three terms (12 years) total in one official capacity. Church officials may serve multiple terms in different official capacities. All officials, with the exception of Michael Ray Bianchi, must be re-elected every four years.


Section 1. Initial Church Officials. The first two Elders and the first two Deacons may be appointed by Michael Ray Bianchi as he sees fit and without a vote of the church membership unless church membership exceeds 15 people. If church membership exceeds 15 people, then Michael Ray Bianchi will ask the church membership for nominees for the initial Elders and Deacons and, if accepted by Michael Ray Bianchi, such nominees may be approved by a two-thirds vote of the church membership.


There is no need to establish an Executive Elder Board (EEB) until there is more than one campus of the church. Until an EEB is established, the Elder Board will serve in its capacity.


Section 2. Executive Elder Board (EEB). The Executive Elder Board shall serve as Board of Directors of the corporation.


The spiritual and temporal government of this church, academy, and university at all campuses shall be vested in an Executive Elder Board, which shall consist of the Senior Executive Elder (SEE) and Executive Elders (EEs). The SEE shall be the chairman of the EEB and may break any tie votes. The Executive Elder Board shall have a minimum of 3 members and a maximum of 5 members consisting of the following:

* Preferably at least one man and one woman.

* 1 Member with the gift of leadership.

* Preferably 1 member with the gift of teaching.

* Preferably 1 member with the gift of encouragement.

* Preferably 1 member with the gift of administration.

* Preferably 1 member with the gift of apostleship or wisdom.


The process of selection for members of the Executive Elder Board is as follows:

* First, the church membership will be asked for nominations.

* The Deacon Board (DB) and Elder Board (EB) will review nominations from the church membership and add nominees of their own. Nominees approved by vote of the DB and EB will be submitted to the Executive Elder Board.

* The Executive Elder Board reviews nominations and adds nominations of their own. The EEB

votes on nominees and submits them to the SEE for approval.

** Michael Ray Bianchi, as SEE, may approve or disapprove any or all nominees as he sees

fit.

** After Michael Ray Bianchi leaves office as SEE, the SEE holding office may not override

the vote of the EEB. However, the SEE may return the nomination to the EEB for

further consideration. If the EEB approves the nominee again then the nominee

officially becomes an EE.

* Approved nominees are submitted to the church membership for final vote.

* A two-thirds majority of all votes cast shall be necessary to constitute an election.


The Senior Executive Elder may, at any time, designate an associate to attend Executive Elder Board meetings for the purpose of presenting or clarifying his or her program.



The EEB shall be the custodians of all the church, academy, and university property. They shall, on behalf of the church, academy, and university, have the right, power and authority to purchase, acquire by gift, devise, bequest, or otherwise, either directly or as trustee, including the right and power to acquire property by the issuance of annuity bonds or other similar covenants given to persons deeding property to it, to own the beneficial title of or hold in trust or as lessee any real property needed for the carrying out of its plans for the furtherance of the interests of the Kingdom of God, to sell, convey, lease, assume, or otherwise dispose of or encumber any property of the church, academy, or university at any time, whether real or personal. The voting powers of the Executive Elder Board shall be vested in the elected members and the Senior Executive Elder.


Their control of the property of the church, however, shall be subject to the restriction that all property, real or chattel, shall be taken, held, sold, transferred, or conveyed in the corporate name of the church. No real property of the church shall be sold, leased, mortgaged, assumed, or otherwise separated unless the same shall have been duly authorized by the church at a business meeting thereof and as provided in the Bylaws.


The EEB has a mandate to maintain the church, academy, and university finances in debt-free status. Any debt to be incurred by the church, academy, or university must be approved by a three-quarters (¾) majority vote of attending members at a proper business meeting.


Section 3. Senior Executive Elder (SEE). The SEE shall be the executive head of the church, academy, and university and the president and CEO of the corporation.


Michael Ray Bianchi, as founder of the church, academy, and university shall remain as SEE for as long as he desires and is physically and mentally capable of performing the duties of Senior Executive Elder.


Retirement of Michael Ray Bianchi. The SEE and the EEB may determine the details and circumstances of the retirement of Michael Ray Bianchi. Any form of compensation for his retirement must be approved by a two-thirds majority vote of the church membership.


After Michael Ray Bianchi's retirement, future SEE's shall be elected to serve for one four year term. No SEE after Michael Ray Bianchi may serve as SEE for more than two consecutive terms and may serve as a SEE for only three terms (12 years) total. They must be re-elected at the end of each four year term.


The process for electing future SEE's is as follows:

* First, the church membership will be asked for nominations.

* The Deacon Board (DB) and Elder Board (EB) will review nominations from the church membership and add nominees of their own. Nominees approved by vote of the DB and EB will be submitted to the Executive Elder Board.

* The Executive Elder Board reviews nominations and adds nominations of their own. The EEB

votes on nominees and submits approved nominees to the church membership for final vote. A two-thirds majority of all votes cast shall be necessary to constitute an election.


The SEE may be a man or a woman.


Section 4. Elders. Elders are elected for each church campus and are responsible for the leadership and governance of that campus reporting to the Executive Elder Board (EEB) and the Senior Executive Elder (SEE). They make up the Elder Board (EB) for that campus. The SEE may break any tie votes of the EB on all campuses. The EB of individual church campuses will be limited to a maximum of five members. The Elder Board of individual church campuses is responsible for leading and managing that church campus according to this Constitution and By-Laws and according to the policies of this church.


The process of selecting the first two Elders for a new campus is as follows:

* The EEB will submit recommendations to the SEE for approval. The SEE will approve the

recommended candidates or send them back to the EEB for reconsideration. If the EEB

reconsiders the candidates and still recommends them for service, they will be considered

approved.

* The EEB may choose to waive their privilege of selecting the second Elder for a new campus and defer that privilege to the individual church campus membership.


The process of electing Elders for individual campuses is as follows:

* First, the campus church membership will be asked for nominations.

* The Deacon Board (DB) and Elder Board (EB) of that campus will review nominations from the campus church membership and add nominees of their own. Nominees approved by vote of the DB and EB will be submitted to the Executive Elder Board.

* The Executive Elder Board reviews nominations and adds nominations of their own. The EEB

votes on nominees and submits them to the SEE for approval.

** Michael Ray Bianchi, as SEE, may approve or disapprove any or all nominees as he sees

fit.

** After Michael Ray Bianchi leaves office as SEE, the SEE holding office may not override

the vote of the EEB. However, the SEE may return the nomination to the EEB for

further consideration. If the EEB approves the nominee again then the nominee

is submitted to the individual church campus membership for final vote.

* A two-thirds majority of all votes cast shall be necessary to constitute an election.


At least two Elders should be capable of teaching the campus church membership, if not three.


It is preferred that the Elder Board of individual campuses include at least one man and one woman.


Section 5. Deacons. Each individual church campus shall have a Deacon Board consisting of the Deacons of that individual campus. Each Deacon Board will have a minimum of one member and a maximum to be determined by the size of the individual church campus and approved by the EEB. Deacons are accountable to the Elder Board of their individual church campus and to the Executive Elder Board. Deacons are important to each individual church campus as their role is mainly to serve the church membership and focus on the Word of God and prayer.


The process of selecting the first two Deacons for a new campus is as follows:

* The EEB will submit recommendations to the SEE for approval. The SEE will approve the

recommended candidates or send them back to the EEB for reconsideration. If the EEB

reconsiders the candidates and still recommends them for service, they will be considered

approved.

* The EEB may choose to waive their privilege of selecting either or both of the first two Deacons for a new campus and defer that privilege to the individual church campus membership.


The process of electing Deacons for individual campuses is as follows:

* First, the campus church membership will be asked for nominations.

* The Deacon Board (DB) and Elder Board (EB) of that campus will review nominations from the campus church membership and add nominees of their own. Nominees approved by vote of the DB and EB will be submitted to the Executive Elder Board.

* The Executive Elder Board reviews nominations and adds nominations of their own. The EEB

votes on nominees and submits them to the SEE for approval.

** Michael Ray Bianchi, as SEE, may approve or disapprove any or all nominees as he sees

fit.

** After Michael Ray Bianchi leaves office as SEE, the SEE holding office may not override

the vote of the EEB. However, the SEE may return the nomination to the EEB for

further consideration. If the EEB approves the nominee again then the nominee is submitted to the individual church campus membership for final vote.

* A two-thirds majority of all votes cast shall be necessary to constitute an election.


It is preferred that the Deacon Board of individual campuses include at least one man and one woman.


Section 6. Secretary of the Church. One member of the Executive Elder Board shall be designated by the EEB to serve as corporate Secretary of the church, academy, and university. Each individual church campus shall have a church Secretary selected by the EB of that church campus. The Secretary of individual church campuses does not have corporate authority and reports to the EB of that church campus. The first Secretary of individual church campuses may be selected by the Executive Elder Board.


Section 7. Treasurer of the Church. A corporate Treasurer of the church, academy, and university shall be selected by the EEB. Each individual church campus shall have a church Treasurer selected by the EB of that church campus. The Treasurer of individual church campuses does not have corporate authority and reports to the EB of that church campus and the corporate Treasurer. The first Treasurer of individual church campuses may be selected by the Executive Elder Board.


ARTICLE VII. MEETINGS


Section 1. Public Services. Meetings for public worship shall be held weekly as directed by the EEB.


Section 2. Annual Progress Report and Regular Quarterly Meetings. The Executive Elder Board shall call an Annual Progress Report of the corporation, including the church, the academy, and the university during the month of February each year. Individual campus Elder Boards shall also call an Annual Progress Report for their campus church, academy, and university. All church members are invited to participate and church officials will present reports on the current and future status of the corporation, the church, the academy, and the university. Due notice of the Annual Progress Reports will be given in the church worship service during the two weeks immediately preceding the scheduled date of the meeting.


Quarterly meetings shall be called during the last week of each calendar quarter for the corporation and individual church campuses. Church officials shall present reports on the quarter just ended, year-to-date, and near future status of the corporation, the church, the academy, and the university. Due notice of the Quarterly Reports will be given in the church worship service during the two weeks immediately preceding the scheduled date of the meeting.


Section 3. Special Called Meetings. A special called meeting of the corporation may be called by the Senior Executive Elder or by a majority vote of the Executive Elder Board. A special called meeting of individual church campuses may be called by the SEE or by a majority vote of the EEB or by a majority vote of the Elder Board of the individual church campus, or by a majority vote of the membership of the individual church campus. The call for special meetings shall be made at the worship service during the week immediately preceding the date set for the meeting, and by first class mail in advance of the meeting to every voting member of the EEB and the individual church campus.


Section 4. Quorum. No record of any special or regular business meeting of the church shall be made unless ten percent or more of the voting membership shall be present to constitute a quorum.


ARTICLE VIII. INTERNAL ORGANIZATIONS


This church shall provide for the establishment of a church school department and other departments, committees, and auxiliary organizations as the needs of the church may require. All such organizations shall be subordinate to the church and shall contribute to the harmony and development of the whole. They shall be under the general supervision of the Senior Executive Elder and the Executive Elder Board and under the direct supervision of the Elder Board of the individual church campuses. A church school department is to be distinguished from A Different Academy or University. Such departments are local to individual church campuses and provide for Biblical education of the church membership. The SEE, by right of office, is a member of all departments, committees, and auxiliaries.



ARTICLE IX. ACADEMY AND UNIVERSITY GOVERNMENT


Academy and university government is distinguished from church government.


The Board of Directors (BOD) for the academy and university shall consist of the Executive Elder Board of the church and no more than two external Directors not serving on the EEB.


It is preferred, but not mandatory, that all academy and university officials come from within church membership. Officials may be men or women. It is mandatory that all academy and university officials be Christians who subscribe to the tenets of faith of this church and who consent to abide by and be governed by its Constitution and Bylaws as herein set forth.


Members of the BOD are volunteers and not compensated on a regular basis for their service unless recommended by the EEB and ratified by a two-thirds majority of all votes cast by eligible church members. Members of the BOD may hold other positions within the academy and/or university for which they are compensated. The BOD shall consist of the EEB and no more than two external Directors. It is preferred that the BOD consist of both men and women directors. In the event of any tie votes in the BOD, Michael Ray Bianchi, or the current SEE, will break the tie.


Section 1. Initial Academy and University Officials. Michael Ray Bianchi, as SEE, shall appoint the first two external BOD members, as he deems necessary. One external BOD member shall be appointed for a one-year term and the other for a two-year term. They will be eligible to be elected to serve an extra term since their initial terms are shortened. Michael Ray Bianchi may elect to waive the privilege of appointing either or both of the external Board of Director members as he sees fit.


Section 2. Academy and University External Board of Directors Members. External members of the academy and university BOD are elected for four-year terms, except the initial two appointed by Michael Ray Bianchi. External members of the BOD may serve no more than two consecutive terms and no more than three terms total. It is mandatory that external members of the academy and university BOD be Christians who subscribe to the tenets of faith of this church and who consent to abide by and be governed by its Constitution and Bylaws as herein set forth.


The process of selection for external members of the BOD is as follows:

* Only individual church campuses with academy and/or university campuses are allowed to participate in the selection of the external BOD members.

* First, the individual church membership with academy and/or university campuses will be asked for nominations.


* The Deacon Board (DB) and Elder Board (EB) of participating churches will review nominations from their church membership and add nominees of their own. Nominees approved by vote of the DB and EB will be submitted to the Executive Elder Board.

* The Executive Elder Board reviews nominations and adds nominations of their own. The EEB

votes on nominees and submits them to the SEE for approval.

** Michael Ray Bianchi, as SEE, may approve or disapprove any or all nominees as he sees

fit.

** After Michael Ray Bianchi leaves office as SEE, the SEE holding office may not override

the vote of the EEB. However, the SEE may return the nomination to the EEB for

further consideration. If the EEB approves the nominee again then the nominee

is submitted to the participating individual church memberships for final vote.

* A two-thirds majority of all votes cast shall be necessary to constitute an election.


The Board of Directors has the final say on all decisions regarding the academy and university.


ARTICLE X. FINANCES


Section 1. Church Finances. Funds for the operation of this church shall be provided by the voluntary tithes and offerings of the members and friends of the organization, and by any other means or source consistent with the principles and moral standards of this church. Individual church campuses shall pay a fee, as determined by the EEB, to the corporation to provide for continued operations. Funds shall be administered by the Treasurer under the direction of the Executive Elder Board.


Section 2. Academy and University Finances. Funds for the operation of the academy and university shall be provided by tuition and other education related fees, donations, and by any other means or source consistent with the principles and moral standards of this church. Individual academy and university funds shall not be held independently from the corporation. All academy and university funds in the USA shall be consolidated at the corporate level and administered by the Treasurer under the direction of the Executive Elder Board. Funding for academy and university campuses outside the USA will be considered and directed by the EEB on an individual basis.


2 Corinthians 9:6-8


ARTICLE XI. PROPERTY RIGHTS


Section 1. All property of the church, the academy, and the university, whether real or personal, shall be contracted for, purchased, received, or held in the corporate name of the church, and it shall accept the claim and possession of all lands, and all deeds and other assurances in the law accordingly in its name.


Section 2. The church, academy, or university shall not lease, let, sell, release, convey, mortgage, convey by way of deed of trust, and pledge lands, housing and property interests unless said proposed act shall first have been recommended by the EEB and authorized by at least a two-thirds majority of the voting membership who are in attendance at a regular or special meeting called for consideration of such purpose.



ARTICLE XII. AMENDMENTS TO THIS CONSTITUTION


This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the membership of the church, including all individual church campuses, who are in attendance at any regular or special meeting called for that purpose, provided due notice of such proposed change shall have been made to the church membership at church services on at least two weeks preceding the time of such meeting, and provided a copy of such proposed change shall have been mailed or otherwise provided to each active member at least two weeks in advance of the meeting.








































BYLAWS

of

A DIFFERENT CHURCH

A DIFFERENT ACADEMY

A DIFFERENT UNIVERSITY

Omaha, Nebraska and Affiliated Campuses


ARTICLE I. MEMBERSHIP


Section 1. Standards of Membership. The standards of membership in this church shall be:

* Evidence of a genuine experience in being born again and testifying to such by signing the Statement of Faith.

John 1:12-13; 3:3-8; 1 Peter 1:21-25; Romans 6:4-11; 2 Corinthians 5:17

* Evidence of living a Christian life.

Romans 6:4; 13:13-14; Ephesians 4:17-31; Ephesians 5:1-20

* To fully subscribe to the tenets of faith as set forth in the Constitution.

* Willingness to contribute regularly to the physical and financial support of the church according

to his or her ability.


Section 2. Active Voting Membership. All active members of the church who are eighteen years of age or older, who are not under charges for violation of discipline, and who have been on the active membership role for the immediately preceding thirty days or more shall constitute the legal voting membership of this church.


Section 3. Reception of Active Members. Persons who desire to become members of the church shall make application to the Elder Board of their individual church campus. The Elder Board shall examine the applicants with respect to the standards of membership for final decision. All applicants who have met the membership requirements shall be received into the church publicly at any of the services of the church and their names shall be added to the membership roll and submitted to the Executive Elder Board.


Section 4. Discipline. Enrolled members of the church may become proper subjects for disclipline in the following ways:

* Absence without good cause from the services of the church for three consecutive months or

more.

* Promotion of discord or lack of harmony with the teachings and ministries of the church.

* Fall into sinful and worldly practices.


In such cases, a member or members of the Elder Board or Executive Elder Board shall visit such member to determine the facts of the case and strive to restore the member to spiritual fellowship. Where restoration to fellowship or other definite solution is not achieved, the elders will submit charges against the member in writing to the EB or EEB. A person under charges shall be ineligible for voting privileges until the case is heard and acted upon by the EB or EEB. In the event dismissal or suspension is required and this action is taken, the charged member shall be notified in writing by the secretary of the individual church campus. Such cases may be appealed to the EEB and their decision will be final. The EEB may refuse to hear an appeal unless the SEE requests they do so.


Section 5. Termination of Membership. The EB or EEB may vote to change a member's status from active member to inactive member based on improper conduct as defined by the EEB or the member's willful absence from church activity for three consecutive months or more. Inactive members shall not be counted in the general church membership roll and therefore, may not vote at church business meetings. Any member may resign by delivering a written resignation to the EB or EEB.


Section 6. The EB and Deacon Board of the individual church campus shall be authorized to revise the membership roll of the church annually, or more frequently as they determine appropriate, and to remove from the list of active members all names of those who have deceased during the year, together with the names of those who have withdrawn from the fellowship, or whose membership has been terminated by the EB or EEB. If a name is removed for cause, the one whose name is removed shall be notified of the action by the individual church secretary.


Matthew 18:15-17; Romans 16:17-18; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15


Section 7. Restoration. Inactive members may be restored to active status by fully complying with the Standards of Membership and approved by review of the EB or EEB.

Galatians 6:1-3; Jeremiah 29:11; 1 Peter 5:6-10; Psalm 71:20-21; 2 Corinthians 13:9-11; Acts 3:19-20


Section 8. Voting rights will be extended to all members on or after their 18th birthday. New members over the age of 18 will have voting rights 30 days after official reception into membership.


ARTICLE II. OFFICERS


Section 1. General Officers. The general officers of the corporate church shall be the Senior Executive Elder and the Executive Elder Board. The general officers of individual church campuses shall be the Elder Board and the Deacon Board. The general officers of the academy and university shall be the SEE and the Board of Directors. At some future point, the EEB may determine that a separate Board of Directors is required for the academy and for the university. All general officers shall be elected or appointed as provided in the Constitution and its Bylaws.


Section 2. Other Officers. Other officers shall be appointed as necessary by the general officers.


Section 3. Removal From Office. Any office in the corporate church may be declared vacant by a two-thirds majority vote of all church campuses at the Annual Progress Report or at any special business meeting called for such purpose. Any office in an individual church campus may be declared vacant by a two-thirds majority vote of the individual church campus at the Annual Progress Report or at any special business meeting called for such purpose. Grounds for such action will be:


* unscriptural conduct.

* doctrinal departure from the tenets of faith of this church.

* incompetence in office.

* any other good and sufficient cause.



Any incumbent under charges shall be given opportunity for a fair and impartial hearing of their case before their individual church campus, if they so desire. The EB of the individual church campus shall submit information learned in such hearing to the EEB for recommendation. Recommendations may be to proceed with the original voted on removal or to re-submit to the church for a new vote with the additional information learned from the hearing.


Section 4. Eligibility. No elected officer of the church, academy, or university shall hold more than one elected office at one time, unless specifically provided for in this Constitution and Bylaws.


Section 5. Marriage and Divorce. This church, academy, and university holds marriage in high regard in that we believe marriage to be a covenant relationship between one man, one woman, and God. The breaking of this marriage should only occur according to Romans 7:2-3; 1 Corinthians 7:10, 39; Matthew 19:9.


Knowing that the past of all believers has been covered by the blood of Christ, when a member with a previous marriage is sought after for church, academy, or university office, that member will be considered on an individual basis in accordance with New Testament Scripture and this church’s Constitution and Bylaws.


ARTICLE III. THE SENIOR EXECUTIVE ELDER


Section 1. Qualifications. The qualifications for SEE are the same as church elders.


Section 2. Responsibilities. The Senior Executive Elder, along with the Executive Elder Board and the Elder Boards of individual church campuses, are the spiritual overseers of the church and shall direct all its activities. The SEE is also the spiritual overseer of the academy and university and shall direct all their activities.


The Senior Executive Elder, along with the Executive Elder Board and the Elder Boards of individual church campuses shall provide for all the services of the church. No person may be invited to speak or preach or lead in the church without the approval of the SEE or the EEB. They shall arrange for any special meetings, conventions and revival campaigns as they deem advisable. They shall receive applications for church membership and examine applicants together.


The SEE, by virtue of their office, shall be a member of all departments, committees and auxiliary organizations associated with the church, the academy, and the university. The SEE, as he or she sees deems appropriate, may appoint a representative to attend any meetings or functions of all departments, committees and auxiliary organizations associated with the church, the academy, and the university. The SEE is the chairman of the corporation and of the Executive Elder Board. At the beginning of each quarter he/she shall review the year-to-date activities and present the envisioned program of the church to the EEB. At the beginning of each quarter the Senior Executive Elder shall review the year-to-date activities and present the envisioned program of the academy and university to its board of directors. The SEE shall report to the church at the Annual Progress Report respecting the function of the SEE, the activities of the previous year and the vision for the future of the church. The SEE shall report to the academy and university board(s) at the Annual Meeting respecting the function of the SEE, the activities of the previous year and the vision for the future of the academy and university.




ARTICLE IV. THE EXECUTIVE ELDER BOARD


Section 1. Qualifications. The qualifications for Executive Elders are the same as church Elders.


Section 2. Responsibilities. The Executive Elder Board (EEB) shall serve as Board of Directors of the corporate church.


The overall spiritual, economic, and material management of the church shall be entrusted to the Executive Elder Board. Its members shall be charged with the management of all property of the church and the responsibility to administer its funds, to provide an annual audit of the church accounts in advance of the Annual Progress Report and to annually review the compensation of all paid church officials and staff.


The oversight and general supervision of the corporate church missions program shall be the responsibility of the Executive Elder Board. The EEB shall be charged with the task of annually reviewing the total missions program of the corporate church, including financial designation, making appropriate changes to the program, and reporting on the corporate missions program to all individual church campuses.


Section 3. Meetings. The Executive Elder Board shall meet monthly on a date as they shall determine. Special meetings may be held upon decision of the EEB, or upon request of the SEE provided all board members have been notified to be present. A majority of the EEB membership shall constitute a quorum, and no business of the church shall be transacted at any meeting of the EEB unless a quorum be present. In the event the church is without a SEE, a tie vote may be broken by majority vote of all Elder Boards of individual church campuses.


Section 4. Elections. The members of the EEB shall be elected and/or appointed as prescribed in other sections of this Constitution and Bylaws. Absentee ballots shall be accepted from members who cannot be present at the election, provided they are received in advance of the election.


Section 5. Vacancies. When a vacancy occurs on the Executive Elder Board, a temporary member shall be provided to fill the vacancy until a replacement may be elected and/or appointed as prescribed in other sections of this Constitution and Bylaws. This temporary member shall come from the Deacon Board and shall be elected by a vote of the EEB. The church membership shall be notified of the temporary Executive Elder.


ARTICLE V. THE ELDER BOARD


Section 1. Qualifications. Candidates for church Elder must be born again Christians and have been a member of the individual church campus for at least one year. An exception to this one year rule will be allowed if the individual church campus has existed for less than 3 years and with the approval of the EEB.

* Candidates for church Elder will be examined based on Acts 6:3, 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and 2 Timothy 2:24 and the following qualifications described therein:

** Candidates for Elder should be “full of the Spirit and wisdom”.

** "So a church leader must be a man ..." In the context of society when these verses were written women were allowed very little participation in the church for various reasons. This church has determined that the limitations placed on the participation of women in church leadership were societal in nature and not spiritual. This church has examined the societal reasons for the exclusion of women at that time and has concluded that such societal limitations are no longer applicable. The Bible says that Jesus Christ is the head of the church, not any man or woman (Colossians 1:18-20; Ephesians 5:21-23; Ephesians 1:21-23). This church believes that the blood of Christ has erased all sin in those who believe. As new creations in Christ, men and women are equally tasked to be leaders in society, in the church, and in the home. This church values the contributions of men and women alike and will allow both to hold positions of Senior Executive Elder, Executive Elder and Elder and Deacon.

** "... whose life is above reproach." Patheos.com defines reproach in Biblical terms as follows: "Someone who is above reproach is said to be not deserving of blame or criticism for something they said or did ..." This church recognizes that its Elders and potential Elders are not perfect and are sinful human beings. Consideration for serving as an Elder in this church will take into account that we have all made mistakes and have sinned in the past. Therefore greater emphasis will be made on the potential Elder's current walk with Christ and what they have done to reconcile their past mistakes and sins with God and the church and where they are going in the future.

** "He must be faithful to his wife." In light of what is written above, this church will interpret this to read, "He/she must be faithful to their spouse." This church applies the meaning of this verse to the current marriage relationship only. It does not disqualify anyone who was previously married as long as they have confessed their sin to the Elders of this church, have asked forgiveness from God, and attest to being new creations in Christ. A single person is not disqualified from serving as an Elder.

** "He must exercise self-control, ..." To effectively serve as an Elder, a person must not allow their emotions to control their actions and decisions. The dictionary gives us a good definition of self-control, “the ability to control oneself, in particular one's emotions and desires or the expression of them in one's behavior, especially in difficult situations.” An Elder must be able to control his/her emotions in difficult situations and allow the Holy Spirit to guide their thoughts and actions.

** “live wisely, …” Elders should live their lives to please God. This means they are strong in prayer, thankful for their blessings, and they seek the wisdom of God’s Word and counsel of their Christian leadership and family when major decisions are being considered. They have a track record of speaking and making decisions and taking action that reflect Godly wisdom.

** “have a good reputation.” A person cannot be an effective Elder if their reputation is tainted. This church understands that we all have made mistakes in our past and considers a person’s reputation in the near past and what steps have been taken to transform, repair, and re-build their Christian lives.

** “enjoy having guests in his home, …” Hospitality is an important personality trait for Elders. They must be examples to the flock and hospitality is part of that example.


(IMPORTANT NOTE: This church ONLY recognizes the biological gender of men and women at their birth.)


Section 2. Responsibilities. The overall spiritual oversight of the individual church campus shall be implemented by the Elders under the direction of the EEB. The Elder Board of individual church campuses, under the authority and guidance of the EEB, shall have oversight regarding issues of faith


and practice, theology, and moral and scriptural interpretation. They shall be available to serve the congregation in any of the multiple tasks which comprise spiritual oversight and ministry of the church.


The oversight and general supervision of the individual church missions program shall be the responsibility of the Elders, with approval of the Executive Elder Board. The Elders shall be charged with the task of annually reviewing the missions program, including financial designation, making appropriate changes to the program with the approval of the EEB, and reporting to the local church congregation.


Section 3. Meetings. The Elder Board shall meet monthly on a date as they shall determine. Special meetings may be held upon decision of the EB, the EEB, or upon request of the SEE provided all board members have been notified to be present. A majority of the EEB membership shall constitute a quorum, and no business of the church shall be transacted at any meeting of the EEB unless a quorum be present. The Senior Executive Elder is charged with breaking all tie votes of the EB. In the event there is no SEE in office at the time of a tie vote, the vote shall be broken by a majority vote of the Executive Elder Board.


Section 4. Election and Term of Office. Election and terms of office of Elders shall be as previously detailed in this Constitution and Bylaws.


ARTICLE VI. THE DEACON BOARD


Section 1. Responsibilities. Deacons are to serve the church congregation. They shall be representatives of the church membership and subject to the limitations provided in this Constitution and Bylaws.


Section 2. Meetings. The Deacon Board (DB) shall meet at least monthly and at such times as they shall designate. Action by the DB requires a majority vote of the quorum present at a meeting. Action may be taken without a meeting if a written consent, stating the action to be taken, is signed by a majority of members of the DB and added to the minutes of the next regular meeting. Prompt notification of the action taken shall be communicated to each member who did not consent in writing to the action. Actions of the DB shall be reported to the individual church congregation monthly.


Section 3. Election and Term of Office. Election and terms of office of Deacons shall be as previously detailed in this Constitution and Bylaws.


Section 4. Qualifications. The qualifications for Deacon are the same as church Elders.


ARTICLE VII. THE SECRETARY OF THE CHURCH


Section 1. Responsibilities. The Secretary of the corporate church shall be responsible for keeping and maintaining the official records of the church. He/she shall maintain custody of the corporate seal and of all legal documents pertaining to the church or its laws. He/she shall take minutes of all meetings of the Executive Elder Board. The minutes of all such meetings shall be his/her charge and maintained in a safe depository as permanent record of the corporate church. He/she shall receive a copy of the minutes of the various department and committee meetings, for inclusion in the corporate records of the church.


The Secretary of each individual church campus shall be responsible for keeping and maintaining the official records of that church campus. He/she shall take minutes of all meetings of the Elder Board and the Deacon Board. The minutes of all such meetings shall be his/her charge and maintained in a safe depository as permanent record of the individual church campus. He/she shall receive a copy of the minutes of the various department and committee meetings, for inclusion in the records of the church.


The Secretary of the academy and/or university shall be responsible for keeping and maintaining the official records of the academy and/or university. He/she shall take minutes of all meetings of the Board of Directors. The minutes of all such meetings shall be his/her charge and maintained in a safe depository as permanent record of the academy and/or university. He/she shall receive a copy of the minutes of the various department and committee meetings, for inclusion in the records of the academy and/or university.


Section 2. Selection. One member of the Executive Elder Board shall be designated by the EEB to serve as corporate Secretary of the church, academy, and university. Each individual church campus shall have a church Secretary selected by the EB of that church campus. The Secretary of individual church campuses does not have corporate authority and reports to the EB of that church campus.


The Board of Directors of the academy and/or university shall select a person to be Secretary and that person shall report to the Board of Directors.


ARTICLE VIII. THE TREASURER OF THE CHURCH


Section 1. Responsibilities. The Treasurer of the corporate church shall administer the finances of the corporate church, academy, and university under the direction and authority of the Executive Elder Board. He/she shall receive and deposit all funds in a bank determined by the EEB in the name of the church, academy, or university and shall disburse funds as authorized by the EEB.


The Treasurer of each individual church campus shall administer the finances of that church campus under the direction of the campus Elder Board. The Treasurer of individual church campuses reports to the campus Elder Board and also reports to and is under the authority of the corporate Treasurer. He/she shall receive and deposit all funds in a bank determined by the EB in the name of the church and shall disburse funds as authorized by the EB.


The Treasurer of the academy and/or university shall administer the finances of that church campus under the direction of the Board of Directors. The Treasurer of the academy and/or university reports to the Board of Directors (BOD) and also reports to and is under the authority of the corporate Treasurer. He/she shall receive and deposit all funds in a bank determined by the BOD in the name of the church and shall disburse funds as authorized by the BOD.


Section 2. Selection. A corporate Treasurer of the church, academy, and university shall be selected by the EEB and must be a member of the church.


Each individual church campus shall have a church Treasurer selected by the EB of that church campus with final approval of the corporate Treasurer. The Treasurer of individual church campuses must be a member of that church campus. The Treasurer of individual church campuses does not have corporate authority and reports to the EB of that church campus and the corporate Treasurer.


The academy and/or university shall have a Treasurer selected by the Board of Directors of the academy and/or university with final approval of the corporate Treasurer. The Treasurer of the academy and/or university must be a member of the church. The Treasurer of the academy and/or university does not have corporate authority and reports to the Board of Directors of the academy and/or university and the corporate Treasurer.


ARTICLE IX. COMMITTEES


Section 1. Establishment of Committees. Committees may be established as needed by the Executive Elder Board, the Elder Boards, the Deacon Boards, and the Board of Directors of the academy and/or university. Such committees shall serve the responsibilities and goals of the appointing Board as directed by such Board. No committee shall have the authority of the Board that established it.


Section 2. Scope of Authority. Committees have no authority other than to carry out actions authorized by the Board that established it and limited to the scope of authority of the appointing Board. The Board that established the committee is responsible for the actions of the committee.


Section 3. Committee Members and Term of Office. Committee members are selected by the various Boards as they deem appropriate. Each committee should have a Chair and Vice-Chair as selected by the members of the committee. If the committee cannot come to agreement on the Chair and Vice-Chair, the establishing Board shall appoint them.


The Chair shall call and preside over all meetings of the committee. In event the Chair is unable to perform his/her duties, the Vice-Chair will act in his/her place.


Establishing Boards may add or discharge committee members as they deem appropriate. Committees may be organized and disbanded as the establishing Board deems appropriate.


ARTICLE X. ORDER OF BUSINESS


The Annual Progress Report and all other special business meetings of this corporation, individual church campuses, and the academy and/or university shall be conducting according to Roberts Rules of Order and the regular order of business for such business meetings shall be as follows:


* Devotional

* Reading of previous meeting minutes by the Secretary

* Report of the Treasurer

* Reports of committees

* Review activities since last meeting

* Unfinished business from the last meeting

* New business

* Vision for the future

* Adjournment


ARTICLE XI. AMENDMENTS


These Bylaws may be amended at any regular or special business meeting of the church by a three-quarters (3/4) majority vote of the membership present provided the proposed amendment has been announced appropriately to church membership in the two weeks prior to the date of the meeting. The announcement is to be made by the Senior Executive Elder or the corporate Secretary.





RATIFICATION OF THE CHURCH CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS



The Constitution and Bylaws for A Different Church, Academy, and University, Inc. is hereby approved, adopted, and ratified by the undersigned with the understanding that it may be ammended as set forth in the church Constitution and Bylaws:




__________________________________ _______________

Michael Ray Bianchi Date

CEO/President & Senior Executive Elder