Our Next Level, Inc.
Table of Contents
Preamble ............................................................................................................................................... 3
Language ............................................................................................................................................... 3
Article I Name ..................................................................................................................................... 3
Article II Purpose ..............................................................
Article III Tenets of Faith ...............................................
Article IV Membership ....................................................
Article V Government ...................................................................................................................... 4
Article VI Official Functions .......................................................................................................... 5
Article VII Meetings ......................................................................................................................... 9
Article VIII Order ...............................................................
Article IX Quorum ........................................................................................................................... 10
Article X Ecclesiastical Authority ............................................................................................. 10
Article XI Mutual Interest ............................................................................................................ 10
Article XII Prohibited Activities ................................................................................................ 10
Article XIII Lead Royal Priest’s Vision ................................................................................... 10
Article XIII Founder's Vision ...................................................................................................... 11
Article XIV Privacy .......................................................................................................................... 11
Article XV Finances ........................................................................................................................ 11
Article XVI Property Rights ........................................................................................................ 11
Article XVII Dissolution ................................................................................................................ 12
Article XVIII Ministers of the Gospel ........................
Article XIX Indemnification ........................................................................................................ 14
Article XX Other Considerations ............................................................................................... 14
Article XXI Amendments .............................................................................................................. 15
Bylaws
Preamble
WHEREAS, it is the express purpose of God to call out of the world a saved people who shall contribute to the Body of Christ, built and established on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ being the Chief Cornerstone.
WHEREAS, this organization is an ecclesiastical corporation dedicated exclusively for religious purposes within the meaning of the Holy Scriptures and IRS Section 501(c)(3).
BE IT RESOLVED, that we recognize ourselves as a body of Christian believers working together for the common purpose of spreading the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and that under the laws of the State of Ohio we may exercise all the rights and privileges granted to religious bodies.
Language
The masculine gender stated within this document shall refer to both men and women.
Article I Name
The name of this corporation shall be Our Next Level, Inc.
Article II Purpose
The specific purpose for which the corporation is organized is to establish and oversee places of worship, teach and preach the gospel to all people, conduct evangelistic and humanitarian outreach worldwide, facilitate rehabilitation and improve mental health through various forms of support and activities, create departments necessary to support missionary activities, and to license and oversee ministers of the gospel and to also engage in activities which are necessary, suitable or convenient for the accomplishment of that purpose, or which are incidental thereto or connected therewith which are consistent with Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. This corporation is organized and operated exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3), Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
Article III Tenets of Faith
The human phraseology employed in this statement is not inspired nor contended for, but the truth set forth is held to be essential to a full Gospel church. No claim is made that it contains all the truth in the Bible, only that it covers orthodox fundamental matters.
Divinely called and scripturally ordained ministry has been provided by our Lord for a two-fold purpose: (1) The evangelization of the world, and (2) The edification of the Body of
Christ (Mark 16:15, 20; Eph. 4:11-13). We, as promised in the Scriptures, look for a new heavens and a new earth wherein righteousness dwells (2 Pet. 3:13; Rev. 21: l).
Article IV Membership
This church shall have a non-voting congregational membership. The Board of Directors may create a congregational membership program that details the requirements, rights and responsibilities of membership as well as the procedures for dismissal.
Article V Government
Section 1 Board of Directors
There shall be a Lead Royal Priest/ Commander.
There may be a Vice Commander.
There shall be an Executive Officer.
There shall be a Treasurer.
Other individuals shall be added as needed.
Section 2 Official Board and Voting Power
The Board of Directors is that group of persons vested with the management of the business and affairs of the corporation.
The official Board of Directors shall consist of individuals listed above and those added by official action of the Board of Directors.
The majority of the Board of Directors shall serve without remuneration. The majority shall also not be comprised of one group whose members are related by blood, business or marriage.
The Lead Royal Priest/Commander shall be chairman of the board.
Chain of Command is as follows:
Lead Royal Priest/ Commander
Vice Commander
Executive Officer
Treasurer
Others as added as needed
A decision of the Board of Directors is considered valid with a simple majority vote and the approval of the Lead Royal Priest/Commander, unless otherwise specified in the Bylaws.
7. The Board of Directors shall adopt a Conflict of Interest Policy to prevent voting by disqualified individuals, as defined in IRC Section 4958(f)(1). All members who are disqualified with respect to a decision shall recuse themselves from the vote.
The Lead Royal Priest/Commander shall be an ex officio member of every committee and can at his discretion be the chair of such committee at the time of its creation.
Section 3 Removal From the Board of Directors
Any Board of Directors member may be removed from office with or without cause by a simple majority vote of the Board of Directors including the Lead Royal Priest/Commander's approval. The Lead Royal Priest/Commander may be removed by unanimous vote of the Board of Directors.
The following reasons are considered just cause for Board of Directors member removal that must be observed by the Board of Directors:
1. In absentia at three consecutive Board of Directors meetings;
2. Violation of the mutual interest clause of Article XI;
3. Not acting in the best interests of the organization;
4. Willful nondisclosure of a conflict of interest as interpreted by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.
Section 4 Vacancies
In the event of a Director vacancy, whether due to resignation or removal, the Board of Directors shall be given a reasonable amount of time to nominate an individual he deems qualified in accordance with these Bylaws. The nomination must be approved by the by a simple majority vote of the Board of Directors.
Section 5 Resignation
Any Director may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Board of Directors. Such resignation shall take effect on the date of the receipt of such notice and, acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.
Article VI Official Functions
Section 1 Lead Royal Priest/Commander
Qualifications
The Lead Royal Priest/Commander shall have wisdom in handling the corporation’s affairs. He shall be of sound doctrine and good judgment.
Duties
The Lead Royal Priest/Commander shall be the leader of the church as provided by the Holy Scriptures.
The Lead Royal Priest/Commander shall be chairman of the official Board of Directors and preside over all corporation meetings.
The Lead Royal Priest/Commander shall hold the Ecclesiastical Authority and be responsible for the day-to-day decisions.
Term of Office
The term of office of the Lead Royal Priest/Commander shall be reviewed every five years. The number of consecutive terms that he may serve is unlimited.
The Board of Directors is responsible for providing spiritual covering by prayerfully giving necessary aid, instruction, guidance, protection and correction as well as counsel, wisdom and fellowship to the Lead Royal Priest/Commander (Galatians 6:1).
Section 2 Lead Royal Priest/Commander Successor
The Lead Royal Priest/Commander may nominate a successor at any time. The nominee shall be confirmed by unanimous vote of the Board of Directors, after the nomination is made. This person will assume the role of the Lead Royal Priest/Commander if the Lead Royal Priest/Commander retires, passes away unexpectedly or is otherwise incapacitated.
No successor appointed
Should the Lead Royal Priest/Commander fail to appoint a successor, the following shall serve as an order of succession:
1. Vice Commander
2. Executive Officer
3. Treasurer
If the retirement, passing, removal or incapacity of the Lead Royal Priest/Commander leaves the Board of Directors unbalanced or without a quorum, then the first motion of the person who assumes the role of the Lead Royal Priest/Commander through this section, shall be to nominate prospective Board of Director members. The nominee(s) shall be confirmed by a unanimous vote of the remaining Board of Director members.
The successor will automatically and immediately become the Lead Royal Priest/Commander. In the event the successor is not prepared to assume both the role of the Lead Royal Priest and that of the Commander, the Board of Directors can move to separate the roles of the Lead Royal Priest and Commander by a unanimous vote. Such action would require an amendment to the Bylaws. The Board of Directors will begin the
search for the replacement Lead Royal Priest and the successor will assume the role of the Commander. The Board of Directors may select an interim Lead Royal Priest until a permanent replacement is found.
Section 3 Vice Commander
Qualifications
The Vice Commander shall have wisdom in handling the corporation’s affairs. He shall be of sound doctrine and good judgment.
Duties
He will serve as chief advisor to the Lead Royal Priest/Commander.
He shall carry out the responsibilities that the Lead Royal Priest/Commander delegates to him.
Manner of Appointment
The Lead Royal Priest/Commander shall nominate and the Board of Directors shall confirm the Vice Commander to office by a simple majority unanimous vote.
Term of Office
The term of office of the Vice Commander shall be reviewed every year. The number of consecutive terms that he may serve is unlimited. He is subject to removal at any time in accordance with Article V.
Section 3 Executive Officer
Qualifications
The Executive Officer shall be a spiritually minded person and of sound judgment. He must be administratively minded with the ability to multi-task.
Duties
By virtue of his office, the Executive Officer shall keep a true and accurate record of all meetings, including business meetings of the corporation. He shall perform clerical duties, and shall be the custodian of all legal documents.
Manner of Appointment
The Executive Officer shall be nominated by any member of the Board of Directors and appointed by a simple majority vote of the Board of Directors.
Term of Office
The term of office of the Executive Officer shall be reviewed every year year. The number of consecutive terms that he may serve is unlimited. He is subject to removal at any time in accordance with Article V.
Section 4 Treasurer
Qualifications
The Treasurer shall be a spiritually minded person, and of sound business judgment. He shall be capable of doing the accounting required to maintain the corporation books.
Duties
By virtue of his office, the Treasurer shall keep, in a business-like manner, an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements of moneys committed to his trust and shall make reports to be presented during the official Board of Directors meetings. He shall deposit and make withdrawals in a manner prescribed in Article XIII.
Manner of Appointment
The Lead Royal Priest/Commander shall nominate and the Board of Directors shall confirm the Treasurer to office by a simple majority vote.
The Treasurer shall be nominated by any member of the Board of Directors and appointed by a simple majority vote of the Board of Directors.
Term of Office
The term of office of the Treasurer shall be reviewed every year. The number of consecutive terms that he may serve is unlimited. He is subject to removal at any time in accordance with Article V.
Section 5 Officers
Qualifications
Directors shall be spiritually minded persons, and of sound business judgment.
Duties
By virtue of their office, Directors shall carry out the responsibilities that the Lead Royal Priest/Commander or Board of Directors delegate to them.
Manner of Appointment
The Lead Royal Priest/Commander shall nominate and the Board of Directors shall confirm Officers to office by a simple majority vote.
Officers shall be nominated by any member of the Board of Directors and appointed by a simple majority vote of the Board of Directors.
Term of Office
The term of office of the Officers shall be reviewed every year. The number of consecutive terms that an Officer may serve is unlimited. Officers are subject to removal at any time in accordance with Article V.
Article VII Meetings
Section 1 Church Services
In any established place of worship the appointed Royal Priest will be responsible for regular church services.
Section 2 Corporation Meetings
The corporation year shall coincide with the calendar year beginning on January 1st, and running through December 31st.
The Lead Royal Priest/Commander will call the official Board of Directors meeting to discuss the direction of the corporation. The Lead Royal Priest/Commander shall set dates and times for Board of Directors meetings. The Board of Directors may have invited guests present at any meeting so long as the Lead Royal Priest/Commander has approved it.
The Executive Officer shall keep an accurate account of the minutes that were discussed at any Board of Directors meeting. He then has to submit them at the next Board of Directors meeting for discussion by the official board Board of Directors and approval by the Lead Royal Priest/Commander. Upon approval by the majority of the Board of Directors, the minutes shall be adopted, and all policy and procedure in them will continue to be enforced.
Section 3 Waiver of Notice
Attendance of a Director at any meeting of the Board of Directors will constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting except where such Director attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.
Section 4 Meetings by Remote Communications Technology
Subject to the notice provision aforementioned in this Article, the Directors may also hold meetings by means of a remote electronic communications system, including video or telephone conferencing technology or the Internet, or any combination, only if each person entitled to participate in the meeting consents to the meeting being held by means of that system, and the system provides access to the meeting in a manner or using a method by which each person participating in the meeting can communicate concurrently with each other participant. Participation in such a meeting shall constitute presence in person at such meeting, except participation for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.
Section 5 Action by Unanimous Written Consent Without Meeting
Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board of Directors under any provision of law may be taken without a meeting, if all members of the Board of Directors shall individually or collectively consent in writing to such action. Such written consent or consents shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board of Directors. Such
action by written consent shall have the same force and effect as the unanimous vote of the Directors. Any certificate or other document filed under any provision of law which relates to action so taken shall state that the action was taken by unanimous written consent of the Board of Directors without a meeting and that the Bylaws of this corporation authorize the Directors to so act and such statement shall be prima facie evidence of such authority.
Article VIII Order
For the purpose of conducting business, the Lead Royal Priest/Commander shall, in an orderly manner, preside over all of the affairs of the corporation.
Article IX Quorum
A simple majority of the Board of Directors members (including the Lead Royal Priest/Commander) at an official Board of Directors meeting constitutes a quorum.
Article X Ecclesiastical Authority
This organization is theocratic in government. Any disputes that arise over the interpretation of these bylaws shall be deferred to the highest authority of this church. In this case it would be the Lead Royal Priest/Commander, with the advice of the Board of Directors.
Article XI Mutual Interest
The behavior of anyone in fellowship with this church is of common interest to the Board of Directors. (Gal. 6:1) This church requires every Board of Directors member to adhere to a life style that is consistent with the doctrines of this church as taught in the Holy Scriptures. Therefore, this church reserves the right to refuse service to any individual, that is not submitting their life style to this Scriptural mode of conduct. This refusal would include services, benefits and any use of church assets.
Article XII Prohibited Activities
This church is prohibited from engaging in activities which violate its written doctrines. This church is also prohibited from condoning, promoting or allowing any of its assets to be used for activities that violate its written doctrines.
Article XIII Lead Royal Priest’s Vision
To establish an efficient leadership infrastructure, the Lead Royal Priest/Commander shall be responsible to articulate in clear, concise and simple language the vision of the church. The purpose of this is to create a consistent and logical framework which empowers staff and volunteers to participate in the decision making processes that reflect the Lead Royal Priest/Commander’s heart and vision for the church.
Article XIII Founder's Vision
In establishing effective leadership within church, the vision of the founding Lead Royal Priest/Commander will be represented and carried out. It is the responsibility of the founding Lead Royal Priest/Commander to clearly articulate to the Board of Directors and the members the vision and mission of the church. In the event of retirement, passing, removal, or incapacity of the Founding Lead Royal Priest/Commander, his successor shall carry on the vision and mission for the life of the church.
Article XIV Privacy
This church shall diligently watch to keep private all records concerning private information on individuals in connection with this church. This church must not disclose any records that may compromise information about an individual’s giving and or counseling records.
Article XV Finances
Section 1 Audit
The Executive Officer and or other Board of Directors appointed person shall complete an internal audit. This audit of all financial records shall be made after the close of the calendar year, prior to the end of February.
Section 2 Checks, Payments and Withdrawals
The Board of Directors of Our Next Level, Inc. shall adopt a Corporate Expenditures Policy detailing the procedure for properly executing checks, payments and withdrawals.
Section 3 Salaries
All salaries shall be determined in the following manner:
The Lead Royal Priest/Commander shall consider each candidate and create a compensation package that shall be forwarded to the Board of Directors for approval
The Board of Directors shall consider the recommendation of the Lead Royal Priest/Commander and shall vote on the package.
Only uncompensated individuals of the Board of Directors shall vote on any recommended compensation package.
All salaries shall be reviewed each year during the last meeting of the calendar year.
Article XVI Property Rights
All property, real or chattel, shall be taken, held, sold, transferred or conveyed in the corporation’s name.
No real or chattel property of the corporation shall be sold, leased, mortgaged, or otherwise alienated without authorization of the Lead Royal Priest/Commander.
The Lead Royal Priest/Commander of the corporation shall certify in such conveyances, leases, or mortgages.
Article XVII Dissolution
In the event that the corporation ceases to
exist, all assets of this church shall, at the discretion of the Board of Directors be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. Any such assets not disposed of shall be disposed of by a court of competent jurisdiction in the county in which the principal office of the church is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such church or church, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.
Article XVIII Ministers of the Gospel
The Lead Royal Priest/Commander of this church shall by virtue of his office automatically be recognized as an ordained minister.
Section 1 Classes of Ministers
This church shall have a set number of classes of ministers, as set forth below. Each class of minister will have distinct rights and privileges; they are listed below:
Saint:
This recognition is automatically given to all believers in fellowship with this church. They are not authorized to perform any sacerdotal services, but primarily assist others in the Body of Christ. Individuals in this category may include, but are not limited to: teachers, worship leaders, instructors, hospital and jail visitation
, ministerial assistance, and lay persons.
Chaplain:
This recognition is for ministers of the gospel that are called by God and recognized by the Lead Royal Priest/Commander to minister primarily in prisons, hospitals and government agencies.
Priest’s Apprentice:
This recognition is given by the Lead Royal Priest/Commander of this church. This recognition is for those who are starting out in the church, but need extensive training. They are to work closely with a Royal Priest, a licensed or ordained minister. Such persons are not authorized to perform any sacerdotal services.
Priest:
This recognition is given by the Lead Royal Priest/Commander of this church. This recognition is for those who are somewhat seasoned in the church, but need further experience. Many of these are individuals that
have been working in their chosen vocation, but for some reason or another have never entered full-time church, or have only been in full-time church for less than a year. Such persons are authorized to perform the following religious functions:
Conduct religious worship
Religious instruction
Administer communion
Provide spiritual counseling
Serve on the Board of Directors of a church
And other sacerdotal functions including
Conduct baby dedication ceremonies
Perform baptisms
Perform weddings
Conduct funerals
Visit the sick and shut-in
Minister in prisons
However, this person is not in charge of a congregation. Limited authority is granted to run the affairs of the church.
Royal Priest:
This recognition is given by the Lead Royal Priest/Commander to those persons who have an "established" or "proven" ministry. Royal Priests are authorized to perform all functions of the Christian ministry and religious functions, and must be capable of doing so. Royal Priests are authorized to perform all religious functions:
Conduct religious worship
Religious instruction
Administer communion & sacraments for other religious services
Provide spiritual counseling
Serve on the Board of Directors of a church
Church administration
And other sacerdotal functions including but not limited to
Conduct baby dedication ceremonies
Perform baptisms
Perform weddings
Conduct funerals
Visit the sick and shut-in
Minister in prisons
Administer sacraments for various religious or worship services
Preside over various religious ceremonies and rituals
He must be capable, as determined by the Lead Royal Priest, to take charge of a congregation.
Section 2 Lead Royal Priest/Commander’s Authority
The Lead Royal Priest/Commander of this ch
urch shall have ecclesiastical authority to decide who, how or if a person will be licensed by this church to hold any of the classes mentioned above (Matt. 16:13-19).
Article XIX Indemnification
This church shall, to the extent legally permissible, indemnify each person who may serve or who has served at any time as an officer, directo
r, or employee of the church against all expenses and liabilities, including, without limitation, counsel fees, judgments, fines, excise taxes, penalties and settlement payments, reasonably incurred by or imposed upon such person in connection with any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding in which he or she may become involved by reason of his or her service in such capacity; provided that no indemnification shall be provided for any such person with respect to any matter as to which he or she shall have been finally adjudicated in any proceeding not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that such action was in the best interests of the corporation; and further provided that any compromise or settlement payment shall be approved by a majority vote of a quorum of directors who are not at that time parties to the proceeding.
Article XX Other Considerations
Anything that has not been discussed in this constitution and bylaws shall be discussed and decided upon at an official Board of Directors meeting.
Article XXI Amendments
Amendments to the Bylaws may be made by a simple majority of the official Board of Directors, including the Lead Royal Priest/Commander or simply by the Lead Royal Priest/Commander.
These bylaws adopted on this day make null and void all prior addenda and these bylaws supersede and replace all previous bylaws voted on prior to this day.
Signed and certified, to be effective immediately.
Lead Royal Priest/Commander
Treasurer of Our Next Level, Inc.
Vision Statement:
To meet individuals where they're at and help
them heal and understand who they are, what their
purpose is, and how to chase after their
dreams.
Mission Statement:
To create a community
built around love and empowerment through authentic connection and radical acceptance. Provide safe spaces and access to resources for members of marginalized communities.