Getting Started - Blank Sample Constitution
Article I. Name.
The name of this organization shall be Campus Ministry International, University of _________, Chapter __________ (hereafter referred to as C.M.I. of the University of ___________.)
Article II. Purpose.
The purpose of C.M.I. is twofold:
a. To reinforce the faith of Christian youth attending the University of ______________.
b. To provide for the students, faculty, and staff a basis from which to learn about biblical teaching and the experience of the Apostolic faith.
Article III. Membership.
Section 1. Membership is limited to students, faculty, alumni, and administrative staff of the University of _________.
Section 2. Membership is not denied anyone on the basis of race, gender, nationality, or religion.
Section 3. Membership is not a requirement in order to attend meetings (which will be open to the public as well as students), but is a requirement to vote or hold office.
Article IV. Executive.
The executive board of C.M.I. shall consist of a president and a secretary-treasurer, with a chaplain as an overseer and advisor of religious matters.
Article V. Meetings.
All regular weekly meetings or special meetings of C.M.I. will be set up by the executive board. Notification of these meetings will be by handbills, posters, or word of mouth.
Article VI. Amendments.
Amendments to this constitution or the by-laws of C.M.I. can be presented by any member to the executive board. If the executive board deems an amendment reasonable, the president shall call a special business meeting for all C.M.I. members, at which time the amendment may be passed by a two-thirds vote of those present, providing that a quorum of three-fifths of all active members is present and providing that a written notice of the proposed amendment is sent to each active member prior to the called business meeting.
Sample By-Laws
Article I. Executive Officers and Chaplain.
Section 1. The executive officers (president and secretary-treasurer) must be full-time or part-time students at the University of _________.
Section 2. The executive officers shall be members who have been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and have been baptized with the Holy Spirit according to Acts 2:4. They shall also be faithful members of an assembly that teaches and affirms these fundamental doctrines: Jesus Christ is the one true God, baptism by immersion in the name of Jesus, the Holy Spirit baptism evidenced by speaking in tongues, and a life of Bible holiness practiced by every believer.
Section 3. The officers shall be elected at the first regular meeting in May of each year and assume office at the first meeting of the fall semester.
Section 4. Vacancies shall be filled by a special election called by the president, with the advice of the chaplain.
Section 5. A minister of a local assembly of the United Pentecostal Church International shall serve as the chaplain. This section cannot be amended.
Section 6. An election shall be a simple majority vote.
Article II. Executive Powers and Duties.
Section 1. The president shall:
a. Preside over and conduct business meetings according to Robert's Rules of Order Revised (or equivalent).
b. Appoint committees.
c. Work with the chaplain to supervise all activities.
Section 2. The secretary-treasurer shall:
a. Keep and read minutes of all business meetings.
b. Handle and record all finances of C.M.I.
Section 3. The chaplain shall:
a. Oversee the entire program, giving spiritual advice when needed and guidance to provide for the proper spiritual growth of members.
b. Be authorized to speak for or represent C.M.I.