CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
OF THE
UNITED CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
Revised 4/3/23
WHEREAS, God has ordained that His Church should find its expression in and through churches admonishing them to assemble together for worship, fellowship, counsel, and instruction in the Word of God and for the exercises of those spiritual gifts and offices provided for in the New Testament.
WHEREAS, If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin (I John 1:7); and,
WHEREAS, The Bible teaches that the purpose of God in giving Jesus was that all who would accept Him as Savior and Lord should constitute the Body of Christ, make up His Church and become members of the household of faith, built according to God’s plan and pattern as set forth in His Word found in the Ephesians 2:20-22
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we do recognize ourselves as fellowshipping churches under the headship of the Lord Jesus Christ,
RESOLVED that we hereby affirm and recognized ourselves as a body corporate organized as of 2017, pursuant to the laws of the State of Hawaii, with headquarters at 94-810 Moloalo St, Waipahu HI, 96797, United States of America;
RESOLVED, that we elect the officers which shall constitute the final court of appeal, and be it further
RESOLVED, That we shall never permit this Fellowship to become an ecclesiastical organization of rules and by-laws, that no further rules, by-laws or burdens be laid upon us than that set forth in this original declaration, and that as we meet from time to time as a ministerial body, it shall be for spiritual fellowship and worship.
ARTICLE I – NAME
Sec.1. The name of this organization shall be the United Christian Fellowship, Inc.
ARTICLE II – PRINCIPLES
Sec.1. We hold the Bible, the Word of God to be supreme in all matters governing the church in keeping with the Spirit of Christ; and
Sec.2. We hold it basic that every Christian should endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace until we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
ARTICLE III – PURPOSES
Sec.1. The primary purpose of the Fellowship shall be:
(a.) To establish and maintain close Christian fellowship among members (Psalm 133:1);
(b.) To inspire in them active and useful participation in spiritual affairs and acceptance of the responsibilities of following Christ;
(c.) To enable its members to grow deeper in the knowledge of the Word of God and its proper practice;
(d.) To afford opportunities for self-expression through testimonies and sharing of the Word and talents for the glory of God.
(e.) To inspire a desire for the study of the Word of God; and,
(f.) To do all other things necessary and appropriate for the
advancement of these purposes and the welfare of its
members.
Sec.2. The secondary purpose of this Fellowship shall be:
ARTICLE 1V – MEMBERS
Sec.1. Any local church, ministry, or individual minister may apply to become a member and covenant partner of this Fellowship upon subscribing to the purposes herein contained.
ARTICLE V – OFFICERS
Sec.1. The officers of this Fellowship shall be a president, a vice-president, a secretary, a treasurer, asst. treasurer, an auditor, a public relations officer, and three advisers.
Sec.2. The President and Vice President must be pastors and the rest of the officers may be any among the delegates.
Sec.3. The officers shall be elected at the annual convention on the second Saturday of July and shall hold office for two years.
Sec.4. In the event of a vacancy in the office of the president or vice president, the Fellowship shall fill the vacancy at the next regular meeting or at a special meeting called for the purpose, with due notice thereof to all members in either case.
Sec.5. In the event of a vacancy in the office other than the president or vice president, the pastors shall fill the vacancy at the next regular meeting or at a special meeting called for the purpose, with due notice thereof to all members in either case.
ARTICLE VI – DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Sec.1. The president shall preside at all meetings of the fellowship and of the pastors. He shall appoint such special committees as may be authorized by the body, including, its chairman. He shall render a condensed annual report. He shall obey all lawful orders of the body and be thoroughly familiar with the fellowship’s by-laws and the rules of parliamentary law and procedures.
Sec.2. The Vice president shall assume and perform the duties of the president in the absence or disability of the president. In the event of the resignation or death of the president, he shall become president for the unexpired term. He shall be thoroughly familiar with the by-laws and the rules of the parliamentary law.
Sec.3. The secretary shall keep accurate record of the minutes of all meetings of the Fellowship and the pastors. He/she shall keep a full and up-to-date roster, shall call the roll of officers and members when so required, shall notify officers, delegates and committees of their election or appointment, and shall assist the president in the preparation of the order of business to be considered at each meeting. He/she shall send out proper notices or make phone calls of all meetings of the fellowship to the pastors at least one week in advance and shall conduct all correspondence, unless otherwise provided or ordered. He shall present a brief annual report.
Sec.4. The treasurer shall be the custodian of the fellowship’s funds, except as may otherwise be provided or ordered. He/she shall deposit the same in such banking institution as the pastors shall authorize, and the account shall be in the Fellowship’s name. He shall render an annual report, and a report at such other times as the fellowship may authorize.
Sec.5. The auditor shall audit the financial statements and reports of the treasurer at least two weeks before the annual report is submitted.
Sec.6. The press relations officer shall make the necessary bulletins, posters, announcements and other publicity jobs related to the activities of the Fellowship, as the body may deem needed.
Sec.7.a. The three advisers shall give counsel whenever it is requested. They shall take turns in opening and closing the meetings of the Fellowship and of the pastors with prayer.
Sec.7.b. Addendum 9-19-22: Out-going president shall automatically become a member of the board of advisers for one term.
Sec.8. All officers shall have the right to vote and to debate questions as any other member.
Sec.9. In the absence of the president and the vice president, the secretary shall take the chair, call the meeting to order and preside until a chairman pro tem has been selected. But on the appearance of the president or the vice president, the secretary or the chairman pro tem, as the case may be, shall cease to preside and the president or vice president shall take over.
Sec.10. All officers shall take the following oath of office at the time of their election, or, in the necessary absence of any officer at the time, at a later time.
OATH OF OFFICE (This can be removed)
“I solemnly promise to abide by the rules, by-laws and regulations of the fellowship, and the lawful orders of the assembly. I further promise that I will perform the duties of my office to the best of my knowledge and ability. So help me God.”
Sec.11. Officers shall assume their duties upon adjournment of the annual meeting in July.
ARTICLE VII – MEETINGS
Sec.1. Regular services of this Fellowship shall be held on the second Sunday of every month except in May it shall be held on the third Sunday after Mother’s Day. Unless otherwise, requested by the host church.
Proposed Amendments:
Sec.1. Regular Fellowship services will be conducted monthly, on a Sunday chosen by the host, commencing at 2pm or at another time as deemed appropriate by the host.
Sec.2. Amended 1/9/23. Quarterly meetings of the officers and member ministers shall be held, with the specific dates to be determined by the president and concurred by majority during the preceding meeting.
Sec.3. Special meetings may be called by the president, or they shall be called by the president upon the request of the majority of the members of the fellowship or by the majority of the officers of the Fellowship.
Sec.4. The annual meeting shall be held on the second Saturday of July during the fellowship’s Convention for the purpose of other business as may properly come before the meeting under the fellowship’s regular order of business.
ARTICLE VIII – ELECTIONS
Sec.1. All elections at the bi-annual meeting shall be by ballot.
Sec.2. The officers shall be elected by majority vote.
Sec.3. In the event of the tie vote in the election of the officers, the election on that office shall continue until a majority vote had been attained.
Sec.4. There shall be a maximum of 5 delegates of voters of each church.
ARTICLE IX – INCOME
Sec.1. Amended 1/9/23. The fellowship shall accept donations from friends and supporters. The host church shall give twenty (60% percent of the collected offering to the general fund of the fellowship. $300 love offering to be given to the speaker.
Sec.2. Amended 4/3/23. The Covenant members of the Fellowship will contribute $150 for annual membership.
Sec.3. Amended 4/3/23. Retired pastors and ministers who are not currently serving at a church or leading a ministry will contribute only $50 for annual membership.
ARTICLE X – ORDER OF SERVICE/ BUSINESS
Sec.1. The order of service in a regular monthly service of the Fellowship, shall be upon the discretion of the host church as long as it abides to the set rules and regulations of the fellowship concerning this matter.
Sec.2. The order of business in regular meetings of the officers and pastors shall be as follows
1) Call to order by the president
2) Opening prayer
3) Short Exhortation of the Word
4) Reading and review of the minutes and their approval
5) Treasurer’s reports, bills (if warranted)
6) Committees report (if any)
7) Business discussion and deliberation
8) New Business
9) Announcements
Sec.3. The order of business at the annual meeting shall be as follows:
1) Call to order by the president
2) Opening prayer
3) Short Exhortation of the Word
4) Reading of the minutes and their approval
5) Summary of communications and correspondence
6) Written annual reports of:
a. The president and vice president
b. The secretary
c. The auditor and treasurer
d. The chairman of special committees
7) Unfinished business
8) Election of officers
9) Closing prayer
10) Adjournment
11) Social and fellowship time
ARTICLE XI – DEFINITION OF TERMS
Sec.1. “Local church” or “ministry” refers to the church or organization participating in this Fellowship.
Sec.2. “Pastors” or “pastors” refers to the pastor/s and assistant pastor/ s of the local church or ministry.
Sec.3. “Covenant members” are churches committed to support the Fellowship.
ARTICLE XII – PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
Sec.1. The rules contained in Robert’s Rule shall be the parliamentary authority in all cases not covered by these by-laws.
ARTICLE XIII – AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS
Sec.1. These by-laws may be amended at any regular or special meeting by a two thirds (2/3) vote of the delegates from every local covenant church, provided notice, including the subject, of the proposed amendment has been given in the call for the meeting.
ARTICLE XIV -- FELLOWSHIP RULES
1. Local churches must attend and have their members and delegation participate.
2. All ministers must speak in English. Any Ilocano messages shall be translated to English.
3. Visiting ministers shall be recognized by the host pastor.
4. Host church shall start service on time (2:00 p.m.) and end in time (4:30 p.m.). It shall be responsible for the speaker.
5. The host church shall receive the offering for the UCF, and if possible will prepare reasonable refreshments; Christmas celebration will be “pot blessing.”
6. The local church inviting another non-member church shall be responsible in explaining the rules to the invited church.
7. Should a local church or its pastor intends to withdraw or resign from the fellowship for any reason, a formal written notice must be submitted to the president. Until such notification is received, membership will remain active.
8. Should a member church or its pastor fail to attend meetings or fellowship services for a period of one year, without providing prior notice or a satisfactory explanation to the group, their membership may be terminated upon the consensus of a majority of members at a duly convened business meeting.
9. Any newly accepted local church shall attend the UCF gathering before hosting one.
10. Every local church shall give $100.00 to any active participating pastor, associate pastor or licensed minister who passes away.
11. Every local church shall send a delegation to the funeral/wake.
12. Addendum 4/3/23. The fellowship shall give $500 to any active participating pastor, associate pastor, or licensed minister who passes away from the UCF general fund.
UCF ELECTED OFFICERS (2024 – 2026)
OF THE
UNITED CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
Revised 4/3/23
WHEREAS, God has ordained that His Church should find its expression in and through churches admonishing them to assemble together for worship, fellowship, counsel, and instruction in the Word of God and for the exercises of those spiritual gifts and offices provided for in the New Testament.
WHEREAS, If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin (I John 1:7); and,
WHEREAS, The Bible teaches that the purpose of God in giving Jesus was that all who would accept Him as Savior and Lord should constitute the Body of Christ, make up His Church and become members of the household of faith, built according to God’s plan and pattern as set forth in His Word found in the Ephesians 2:20-22
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we do recognize ourselves as fellowshipping churches under the headship of the Lord Jesus Christ,
RESOLVED that we hereby affirm and recognized ourselves as a body corporate organized as of 2017, pursuant to the laws of the State of Hawaii, with headquarters at 94-810 Moloalo St, Waipahu HI, 96797, United States of America;
RESOLVED, that we elect the officers which shall constitute the final court of appeal, and be it further
RESOLVED, That we shall never permit this Fellowship to become an ecclesiastical organization of rules and by-laws, that no further rules, by-laws or burdens be laid upon us than that set forth in this original declaration, and that as we meet from time to time as a ministerial body, it shall be for spiritual fellowship and worship.
ARTICLE I – NAME
Sec.1. The name of this organization shall be the United Christian Fellowship, Inc.
ARTICLE II – PRINCIPLES
Sec.1. We hold the Bible, the Word of God to be supreme in all matters governing the church in keeping with the Spirit of Christ; and
Sec.2. We hold it basic that every Christian should endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace until we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
ARTICLE III – PURPOSES
Sec.1. The primary purpose of the Fellowship shall be:
(a.) To establish and maintain close Christian fellowship among members (Psalm 133:1);
(b.) To inspire in them active and useful participation in spiritual affairs and acceptance of the responsibilities of following Christ;
(c.) To enable its members to grow deeper in the knowledge of the Word of God and its proper practice;
(d.) To afford opportunities for self-expression through testimonies and sharing of the Word and talents for the glory of God.
(e.) To inspire a desire for the study of the Word of God; and,
(f.) To do all other things necessary and appropriate for the
advancement of these purposes and the welfare of its
members.
Sec.2. The secondary purpose of this Fellowship shall be:
- To provide a platform for pastors and ministers from different denominations to build relationships, share resources, and promote spiritual unity among Christian leaders and local churches in the state of Hawaii.
- To act as a collective voice for the faith community when engaging with local government, addressing social justice issues, or organizing community-wide events that foster Spiritual and biblical values.
ARTICLE 1V – MEMBERS
Sec.1. Any local church, ministry, or individual minister may apply to become a member and covenant partner of this Fellowship upon subscribing to the purposes herein contained.
ARTICLE V – OFFICERS
Sec.1. The officers of this Fellowship shall be a president, a vice-president, a secretary, a treasurer, asst. treasurer, an auditor, a public relations officer, and three advisers.
Sec.2. The President and Vice President must be pastors and the rest of the officers may be any among the delegates.
Sec.3. The officers shall be elected at the annual convention on the second Saturday of July and shall hold office for two years.
Sec.4. In the event of a vacancy in the office of the president or vice president, the Fellowship shall fill the vacancy at the next regular meeting or at a special meeting called for the purpose, with due notice thereof to all members in either case.
Sec.5. In the event of a vacancy in the office other than the president or vice president, the pastors shall fill the vacancy at the next regular meeting or at a special meeting called for the purpose, with due notice thereof to all members in either case.
ARTICLE VI – DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Sec.1. The president shall preside at all meetings of the fellowship and of the pastors. He shall appoint such special committees as may be authorized by the body, including, its chairman. He shall render a condensed annual report. He shall obey all lawful orders of the body and be thoroughly familiar with the fellowship’s by-laws and the rules of parliamentary law and procedures.
Sec.2. The Vice president shall assume and perform the duties of the president in the absence or disability of the president. In the event of the resignation or death of the president, he shall become president for the unexpired term. He shall be thoroughly familiar with the by-laws and the rules of the parliamentary law.
Sec.3. The secretary shall keep accurate record of the minutes of all meetings of the Fellowship and the pastors. He/she shall keep a full and up-to-date roster, shall call the roll of officers and members when so required, shall notify officers, delegates and committees of their election or appointment, and shall assist the president in the preparation of the order of business to be considered at each meeting. He/she shall send out proper notices or make phone calls of all meetings of the fellowship to the pastors at least one week in advance and shall conduct all correspondence, unless otherwise provided or ordered. He shall present a brief annual report.
Sec.4. The treasurer shall be the custodian of the fellowship’s funds, except as may otherwise be provided or ordered. He/she shall deposit the same in such banking institution as the pastors shall authorize, and the account shall be in the Fellowship’s name. He shall render an annual report, and a report at such other times as the fellowship may authorize.
Sec.5. The auditor shall audit the financial statements and reports of the treasurer at least two weeks before the annual report is submitted.
Sec.6. The press relations officer shall make the necessary bulletins, posters, announcements and other publicity jobs related to the activities of the Fellowship, as the body may deem needed.
Sec.7.a. The three advisers shall give counsel whenever it is requested. They shall take turns in opening and closing the meetings of the Fellowship and of the pastors with prayer.
Sec.7.b. Addendum 9-19-22: Out-going president shall automatically become a member of the board of advisers for one term.
Sec.8. All officers shall have the right to vote and to debate questions as any other member.
Sec.9. In the absence of the president and the vice president, the secretary shall take the chair, call the meeting to order and preside until a chairman pro tem has been selected. But on the appearance of the president or the vice president, the secretary or the chairman pro tem, as the case may be, shall cease to preside and the president or vice president shall take over.
Sec.10. All officers shall take the following oath of office at the time of their election, or, in the necessary absence of any officer at the time, at a later time.
OATH OF OFFICE (This can be removed)
“I solemnly promise to abide by the rules, by-laws and regulations of the fellowship, and the lawful orders of the assembly. I further promise that I will perform the duties of my office to the best of my knowledge and ability. So help me God.”
Sec.11. Officers shall assume their duties upon adjournment of the annual meeting in July.
ARTICLE VII – MEETINGS
Sec.1. Regular services of this Fellowship shall be held on the second Sunday of every month except in May it shall be held on the third Sunday after Mother’s Day. Unless otherwise, requested by the host church.
Proposed Amendments:
Sec.1. Regular Fellowship services will be conducted monthly, on a Sunday chosen by the host, commencing at 2pm or at another time as deemed appropriate by the host.
- All fellowship members are expected to engage actively in fellowship events, business meetings, and related activities.
- Should a member be unable to attend the scheduled meeting, they must designate a representative to participate on their behalf and serve as their proxy for themselves, the church, or the ministry.
- The minister currently serving as pastor of a church is expected to make every reasonable effort to ensure that a minimum of five (5) representatives from their congregation attend the scheduled monthly fellowship meetings.
Sec.2. Amended 1/9/23. Quarterly meetings of the officers and member ministers shall be held, with the specific dates to be determined by the president and concurred by majority during the preceding meeting.
Sec.3. Special meetings may be called by the president, or they shall be called by the president upon the request of the majority of the members of the fellowship or by the majority of the officers of the Fellowship.
Sec.4. The annual meeting shall be held on the second Saturday of July during the fellowship’s Convention for the purpose of other business as may properly come before the meeting under the fellowship’s regular order of business.
ARTICLE VIII – ELECTIONS
Sec.1. All elections at the bi-annual meeting shall be by ballot.
Sec.2. The officers shall be elected by majority vote.
Sec.3. In the event of the tie vote in the election of the officers, the election on that office shall continue until a majority vote had been attained.
Sec.4. There shall be a maximum of 5 delegates of voters of each church.
ARTICLE IX – INCOME
Sec.1. Amended 1/9/23. The fellowship shall accept donations from friends and supporters. The host church shall give twenty (60% percent of the collected offering to the general fund of the fellowship. $300 love offering to be given to the speaker.
Sec.2. Amended 4/3/23. The Covenant members of the Fellowship will contribute $150 for annual membership.
Sec.3. Amended 4/3/23. Retired pastors and ministers who are not currently serving at a church or leading a ministry will contribute only $50 for annual membership.
ARTICLE X – ORDER OF SERVICE/ BUSINESS
Sec.1. The order of service in a regular monthly service of the Fellowship, shall be upon the discretion of the host church as long as it abides to the set rules and regulations of the fellowship concerning this matter.
Sec.2. The order of business in regular meetings of the officers and pastors shall be as follows
1) Call to order by the president
2) Opening prayer
3) Short Exhortation of the Word
4) Reading and review of the minutes and their approval
5) Treasurer’s reports, bills (if warranted)
6) Committees report (if any)
7) Business discussion and deliberation
8) New Business
9) Announcements
- Closing prayer
- Social or fellowship time
Sec.3. The order of business at the annual meeting shall be as follows:
1) Call to order by the president
2) Opening prayer
3) Short Exhortation of the Word
4) Reading of the minutes and their approval
5) Summary of communications and correspondence
6) Written annual reports of:
a. The president and vice president
b. The secretary
c. The auditor and treasurer
d. The chairman of special committees
7) Unfinished business
8) Election of officers
9) Closing prayer
10) Adjournment
11) Social and fellowship time
ARTICLE XI – DEFINITION OF TERMS
Sec.1. “Local church” or “ministry” refers to the church or organization participating in this Fellowship.
Sec.2. “Pastors” or “pastors” refers to the pastor/s and assistant pastor/ s of the local church or ministry.
Sec.3. “Covenant members” are churches committed to support the Fellowship.
ARTICLE XII – PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
Sec.1. The rules contained in Robert’s Rule shall be the parliamentary authority in all cases not covered by these by-laws.
ARTICLE XIII – AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS
Sec.1. These by-laws may be amended at any regular or special meeting by a two thirds (2/3) vote of the delegates from every local covenant church, provided notice, including the subject, of the proposed amendment has been given in the call for the meeting.
ARTICLE XIV -- FELLOWSHIP RULES
1. Local churches must attend and have their members and delegation participate.
2. All ministers must speak in English. Any Ilocano messages shall be translated to English.
3. Visiting ministers shall be recognized by the host pastor.
4. Host church shall start service on time (2:00 p.m.) and end in time (4:30 p.m.). It shall be responsible for the speaker.
5. The host church shall receive the offering for the UCF, and if possible will prepare reasonable refreshments; Christmas celebration will be “pot blessing.”
6. The local church inviting another non-member church shall be responsible in explaining the rules to the invited church.
7. Should a local church or its pastor intends to withdraw or resign from the fellowship for any reason, a formal written notice must be submitted to the president. Until such notification is received, membership will remain active.
8. Should a member church or its pastor fail to attend meetings or fellowship services for a period of one year, without providing prior notice or a satisfactory explanation to the group, their membership may be terminated upon the consensus of a majority of members at a duly convened business meeting.
9. Any newly accepted local church shall attend the UCF gathering before hosting one.
10. Every local church shall give $100.00 to any active participating pastor, associate pastor or licensed minister who passes away.
11. Every local church shall send a delegation to the funeral/wake.
12. Addendum 4/3/23. The fellowship shall give $500 to any active participating pastor, associate pastor, or licensed minister who passes away from the UCF general fund.
UCF ELECTED OFFICERS (2024 – 2026)
- Pastor Louie Franco – President
Good News Christian Fellowship - Pastor Mark Awa-ao – Vice President
Jesus Reigns Ministries - Pastor Sam Eugenio – Secretary
- Sis. Lourdes Franco – Treasurer
Good News Christian Fellowship - Pastor Tess Awa-ao – Auditor
Jesus Reigns Ministries - Pastor Eli Diocares – PRO
Oahu International Christian Mission
- Pastor June Cortez
Good News Christian Fellowship - Pastor Delfin Velasco
Jesus Lifeway Ministry