By-Laws: Introduction:
The South Sudanese Nuer Nebraska Council of Churches -SSNNCC was reorganized on October 20, 1999 in the State of Nebraska. It is a purpose to support the ministerial services and leadership to the Southern Sudanese congregation in the State of Nebraska. The (SSNNCC) shall work to achieve spiritual in gospel for the salvation of God; we ask God’s wisdom and blessed for the social cultural norms of the Southern Sudanese as followers:
Mentoring the South Sudanese Church leaders to educate and train leaders of all ages.
Weave Youth groups and Young Leaders focus groups into the fabric of best practices for cohesive, connected worships.
One goal of this strategy is to increase the number of Southern Sudanese congregations in their worship and in which all people invited to worship are able to see themselves in God’s story and in the worship experience.
Develop a full partnership between the all Denominations.
Article I. Statement of Faith
The statement of faith of this organization is as follows; we believe in:
The only true God, the almighty creator of all things, existing eternally in three persons-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Full of love and glory.
The unique divine inspiration, entire trustworthiness and authority of the Bible.
The value and dignity of all people: Created in God’s image to live in love and holiness, but alienated from God and each other because of our sin and quilt, and justly subject to the God’s wrath.
Jesus Christ, fully human and fully divine, who live as a perfect example, who assumed the judgment due sinners by dying in our place, and who was bodily raised from the dead and ascended as Savior and lord. Justification by God’s grace to all who repent and put their faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.
The indwelling presence and transforming power of the Holy Spirit, who gives to all believers a new life and a new calling to obedient service.
The unity of all believers in Jesus Christ, manifest in worshiping and witnessing Churches making disciples throughout the world.
The victorious reign and future personal return of Jesus Christ, who will judge all people with justice and mercy, giving over the unrepentant to eternal condemnation but receiving the redeemed into eternal life. To God be glory forever.
Article 2.
Section 2.1: Mission Statement
The name of this Organization shall be South Sudanese Nuer Nebraska Council of Churches -SSNNCC
South Sudanese ministries of (SSNNCC) shall be operates solidly to support all Christians Fellowships/Churches in the State of Nebraska.
All (SSNNCC) shall service the South Sudanese congregation together with faith and unity in Christ, and they shall utilize the abilities and talent for reconciliation among South Sudanese God’s Children.
Article 3
Section 3.1 (A) : The Headquarters and membership:
The main office of the (SSNNCC) will not be located anywhere until we find our own Church.
The South Sudanese followers to the Nebraska Council of Churches are recognized by the denominations, and the individual members are not accepted.
Section 3.2: Membership shall be given after the completion of an application form and the payment of $120.00 fees.
Section 3.2: An application form of the registration fees shall be submitted to the office of the Secretary General.
Section 3. 3: The denomination membership shall be renewed each year for a fee of $120.00 dollars.
Section 3. 4: The membership shall be expired in one year during 12 months of period and you shall not vote or run for any position.
Section(b) Representative of the (SSNNCC)
Section 3.5 (B): Each Denomination and None Denomination shall have one representative and the representative shall be elected by his/her denomination or none denomination to represent them. Shall be no more than ones representative in one denomination shall be elected in the executive board until all denominations are represented in the board. All representatives shall meet three times a year and one of the meetings will be an annual meeting where all (SSNNCC) members are welcome to take part.
section 3.6: The (SSNNCC) Representatives’ will be elected as a Board of Directors for three (3) years terms by simple majority. Any expense incurred by the representative in carrying out their duties will be the responsibility of their congregation or Denomination none Denomination.
section 3.7: The representative will meet every year to review status of the activities and recommend new activities. To conduct the business, a quorum of 3/5 of the (SSNNCC) representatives must be present.
Article 4.00
Section 4.1: The Specifics Objectives and purposes
South Sudanese Nuer Nebraska Council of Churches -SSNNCC will build peace, love, and unity in Jesus Christ our Savior through churches inter denominations.
Section 4.2: The unity shall celebrate once a month in 10 times a year, cultural and traditional worship with any Language.
Section 4.3: This union shall celebrate Christmas, New Year, Easter and Pentecost Sunday or True believers sharing their possessions together, when these days are able.
Section 4.4: On the above these four Christian major holy days service in (section 4.3), only ministers of Word and Sacrament will preach, unless the chairperson and his office decided to allow whoever they want to do it.
Section 4.5. South Sudanese council of Church will not serve the Holy Communion and Baptists during the unity service.
Section 4.6. The chairperson of SSNNCC and his office will decide very carefully who will and who will not be allow to encouraging people on SSNNCC worship service.
Section 4.7: Only the ordain Pastor shall give the blessing or last word at the Union service.
Article 5
Section 5. 1: Rights & Powers of the members
There shall not be any single church from the domination, become domination by itself in South Sudanese Nuer Nebraska Council of Churches -SSNNCC because they have a disagreement from their domination.
Section 5.2: There is no one who shall be a member or leader in this union without Sunday service regularly or denomination; also the board of this union shall accept the new members after 6 months if they become a good participate in the union.
Article 6
Section 6. 1: Discipline
Discipline is an exercise of scriptural authority for which the church is responsible (Matthew 16:19; 18:15-20; Luke 17:3; John 20:23; Acts 16:4; Ephesians 5:11; 1 Timothy 5:20; 2 Timothy 4:2; Hebrews 13:17). The purpose of discipline is to promote repentance and restoration through exposing sinful behavior
Section 6.2: All (SSNNCC) Executives or any members of the South Sudan Nebraska Council of Church fall into sin and be found to live and or teach contrary to the Word of God and the Statement of Faith of this organization, she/ he shall be disciplined according to the principles to the New Testament. I Cor. 5:1-13 No one shall run for position as a Chairperson if you’re service any other organization as an executives or none religious community organization.
Article 7
Section 7. 1: Organized Structure and Removal or Resignation of Active members:
The General Assembly shall have the power to suspend any member after receiving recommendations from the Executive Board based on failures to follow the organization’s mission or policies.
Any officer elected or appointed by the Steering Committee may be removed from office whenever he/she made a mistake in the office, removal from office shall be without prejudice and does not constitute. Any board member, who has not actively engaged in supporting of the organization interest, must be dropped from the executive committee by the action of the board members.
Any Executive members may resign by giving written notice to the board of Director or the recording Secretary office.
Section 7.2: The members will be terminated in the following ways.
1: By failure to pay the membership (fees)
2: By borrowing the organization money without any authorization from the executives.
3: Working against the objectives and mission of organization (SSNNCC)
Participation in illegal activities which would jeopardize the interests of (SSNNCC)
4: Any Executive Members has failed to attend any meeting of the Board for at least three (3) times a year
5: If you terminated in the office before your term, your names will be documented and will not be nominate to the organization office in the future.
Article 8
Section 8.1 : The Executive Board shall have the following (10) officers selected among the denominations and one youth coordinator: But, the two tap leaders will be elected, one Pastor and one Deacon.
Chairperson of the union
Vice Chairperson
General Secretary/Clerk
Treasurer
Secretary information
Five Women Empowerment Office
Section 8.2 : For all these officers no one shall service as a leader if he/she doesn’t have congregations in their own fellowship/church.
Section 8.3: (SSNNCC) Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasure their names shall be registered in the bank account with valid ID cards.
Section 8.4: SSNNCC shall sue you and terminate your membership if you misused the money of the union or any unrelated of (SSNNCC) policies
Article 9: Duties and Responsibilities of the Executive Boards
(1). To implement and further facilitate the realization of the objectives, policies and decision of SSNNCC
(2). To consider the report submitted by the boards of Councils on the activities of the Organization.
(3). To supervise the affairs of the Organization
(4). To fundraise for the activities of the Organization.
(5). to consider and submit the approval to the General Assembly, budget
(6). To appoint the senior members of the boards of Advisory committees.
(7). Any other duties deemed fit for the interest and smooth running of the Organization.
Article 10: DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARDS MEMBERS
Section (10 a): The Chairperson
The Chairman shall be responsible for the following duties
1: Shall have final say over all works carried out by South Sudanese Nuer Nebraska Council of Churches -SSNNCC day to day duties.
2: Shall sign the official documents of SSNNCC in line with the Mission’s by-laws/ rules and regulations.
3: Shall preside over all official meetings of SSNNCC.
4: Shall perform all other duties assigned to him/her
5: Shall authorize the expenditures of SSNNCC through SSNNCC Executive Boards with Treasurer and Secretary.
6: Shall be one of the signatories of the SSNNCC Bank Account.
7: Shall propose the projects of the SSNNCC and consult the Boards with their outcomes.
8: Shall be an ordained Minister that is deemed to have an eloquent experience in the church and SSNNCC in particular.
9: Shall represent the SSNNCC in meetings which are called for by other stakeholders unless he/she authorize other staff among the SSNNCC executive or advisory boards.
10: Shall at least complete Diploma and Degree in Theology and knows how to speak and write both Nuer and English Languages.
11: She/he must be a child of God who have surrender to the lord Jesus Christ with all is heart.
Section (10 b): Vice Chairperson
1: Shall represent and perform the duty of the chairmanship in the absent of the chairman.
2: Shall perform the duty of chairman in case the office of chairman fall vacancy for any reason until the close of the next General Assembly or special extraordinary meeting in which a duly elected chairman shall assume office.
3: Shall have limited roles on the majority decision in the absent of the Chairman unless being authorized by the Chairman after consultation with the Executive Boards to perform the full duties of the chairman.
4: Shall serve as administrator for South Sudanese Nuer Nebraska Council of Churches -SSNNCC departments.
5: Shall at least complete diploma in Theology and Grade twelves.
6: Shall not appoints or removes any one from the staffs unless he/she authorized by the chairperson to do so.
Section (10 c): Secretary-General
1: Shall record all committee meetings minutes
2: Shall read the minutes of the General Assembly and other meetings and read their minutes before the resumption of the preceding meeting.
3: Shall sign the official document of SSNNCC in the absence of both chairperson and vice chairperson.
4: Shall be maintaining the record of the organization and keep the archive in good manner.
5: Shall be one of the signatory of the SSNNCC Bank Account.
6: Shall hold the stamp of SSNNCC.
7: Shall at least complete Grade 12th
Section (10 d): General Treasurer
1: Shall receive all funds belonging to South Sudanese Nuer Nebraska Council of Churches -SSNNCC that comes to the Organization through member contributions, donation or gifts.
2: Shall remind the members periodically to make contributions.
3: Shall keep the incomes and expenditures records
4: Shall encourage the members and donor organizations to give
5: Shall plan and make operational ways and means of obtaining funds.
6: Shall be responsible for any misuse of the funds belonging to SSNNCC which have been assigned to him/her
7: Shall be one of signatory of bank account.
8: shall be kept the Bank notice
9: Shall arrange the Organization receipts and other financial documents for auditing.
10: Shall report the financial activities boards, executive councils and the General Assembly
11: Shall at least complete Grade 12th and have good knowledge of the finance.
Section (10 e): Information Director
1: Shall be responsible for disseminating of the South Sudanese Nuer Nebraska Council of Churches -SSNNCC information to the members
2: Shall communicate the times of the meetings to the board members and council members as well.
3: Shall be responsible for the language that the SSNNCC would use as official language for the organization.
4: Shall ensure that all the organs which relates to SSNNCC obtain the available information about the meetings or any other episode on time.
5: Shall either be an ordained minister or senior Evangelist who know how to read and write Nuer and English Language.
6: Shall have a good knowledge of communication skills.
7: Be a person who is ready to take higher office and accept accountability in the absence of the top leadership.
Section (10 f): Peace and Development Director
1: Shall be responsible for peace and development activities of the South Sudanese Nuer Nebraska Council of Churches -SSNNCC.
2: Shall prepare and prioritize the peace programs in accordance with consultation with the chairman and other senior executive members.
3: Shall coordinate the peace and development activities and follow the routine implementations of those programs.
4: Shall be able at peace and development desks and be responsible for any questions related to those programs.
Section (10 h): Women Empowerment Chairwoman.
1: Shall be responsible for the empowerment programs of South Sudanese Nebraska Council of Church women affairs in SSNNCC.
2: Shall be the voices of the women in the association and uphold the rights of the women.
3: Shall be an ordained elder/ deacon and read the bible.
4: Shall have personal integrity and know how to read and write Nuer Language
5: Chairwoman shall be faithful and good massager in her offices.
6: Shall be a good judgment and grace to comfort the wicked to the union.
7: Shall not deliverance false to the union or to any member.
8: She may conquer all part of women works in her offices.
9: Be a person who is ready to take higher office and accept accountability in the absence of the top leadership as a deputy Chairperson.
Section (10 I): Vice Chairwoman.
1: Shall represent and perform the duty of the chairmanship in the absent of the chairwoman.
2: Shall perform the duty of chairwoman in case the office of chairwoman fall vacancy for any reason.
3: Shall have limited roles on the majority decision in the absent of the Chairwoman unless being authorized by the Chairwoman after consultation with the Executive Boards to perform the full duties of the chairwoman.
4: Be a person who is ready to take higher office and accept accountability in the absence of the top leadership as a deputy Vice Chairperson.
Section (10 j): Women Secretary General.
1: Shall record all committee meetings minutes
2: Shall sign the official document of South Sudanese Nuer Nebraska Council of Churches -SSNNCC in the absence of both chairwoman and vice chairwoman.
3: Shall be maintaining the record of the organization and keep the archive in good manner.
4: Shall be one of the signatory of the SSNNCC Bank Account.
5: Shall be at least read and write
6: Be a person who is ready to take higher office and accept accountability in the absence of the top leadership as a deputy Secretary.
Section (10 k): Women Treasurer.
1: Shall receive all funds belonging to SSNNCC that comes to the Organization through member contributions, donation or gifts.
2: Shall remind the members periodically to make contributions.
3: Shall keep the incomes and expenditures records
4: Shall encourage the members and donor organizations to give
5: Shall be responsible for any misuse of the funds belonging to SSNNCC which have been assigned to her
6: Shall be one of signatory of bank account.
7: Shall be kept the Bank notice
8: Shall report the financial activities boards, executive councils and the General Assembly
9: Shall be at least read and write.
10: Be a person who is ready to take higher office and accept accountability in the absence of the top leadership as a deputy Secretary.
Section (10 L ): Women Empowerment information
1: Shall be responsible for announcing the meeting. Keep all current Phone numbers of the members in order to notify them of any meetings or emergency meetings
2: Must be a person who is ready to take higher office and accept accountability in the absence of the top leadership as a deputy Secretary.
Article 11: Deacons Criteria or certifications
Section 11.1: The deacons shall be persons of mature Christian experience and knowledge, who shall be expected to meet the requirements set Timothy 3 and Acts 6.
Section 11.2: Deacons shall be at least 30 years old, and shall currently support the church with their tithes and offerings, have a cooperative spirit, and regularly attend church services
Article 12: ADVISORY BOARDS AND THEIR DUTIES
Section 12.1: The South Sudanese Nuer Nebraska Council of Churches -SSNNCC shall constitute the titles as follows:
(a) Religious Advisor
(b) Peace and Development Advisor
(c) Social Services and Christian Education Advisor
Section 12.2: The SSNNCC Advisory Boards shall be nominated by the Executive Committee not more than two weeks soon after the resumption of the office.
Section 12.3: Shall play a very pivotal role in the way of helping the Executive Committees of the SSNNCC.
Section 12.4: They shall not have hierarchy in their function, all the advisory shall remain the same in their capacity.
Section 12.5: The SSNNCC shall only have Three (3) advisory Committees who would be having a very relevant function of each person’s roles and duties.
Section 12.6: The term of the advisory committees shall come to an end together with the term of the SSNNCC Executive Committees.
Section 12.7: The Advisory boards shall help the SSNNCC to offer construct advices on problems solving and would participate into SSNNCC dispute settlement.
Section 12:8: The SSNNCC advisory boards and SSNNCC Executive Committees will meet as determined by the By Laws.
Article 13: The Councils
Section 13. 1: Council for the (SSNNCC) shall be appoints by the President of (SSNNCC) and they shall be consisting of the following three members;
- Pastor, b. Elder c. Deaconess
Article 14: The Duty of the Councils
Section 14. 1: The duty of the council for the (SSNNCC) Delegate to them by the President of the (SSNNCC)
1: The President of the (SSNNCC) shall take the disciplinary action and recommend that to the Board of Directors, Councils and assembly to relieve the member of council if the council fails the criteria, to carry out his or her duty. If the Boards and assembly recommended, he or she shall be relieve from duty.
2: Understand and demonstrate a commitment to the organization’s mission and programs and attend meetings regularly
3: Avoid any potential conflicts of interest and Understand and maintain confidentiality
4: The council shall bring ideas that would move this organization forward and if the executive believe that ideas will asset this organization, than they shall vote on it and amended into by law of the organization
5: If there is an issue arise within the board of executive and they cannot solved that issue, then board of executive will bring the issue to members of Council to solve it. If the issue is persisted than the board of executive shall bring it to assembly for discussion and solve it and the assembly shall be the spume court of the entire organization and the decision they made shall be the final
Article 15: Youth Coordinator in {South Sudanese Nuer Nebraska Council of Churches -SSNNCC}.
Section 15.1: The youth coordinator will have the following responsibilities:
1: Coordinate all {SSNNCC} youth activities.
2: Promote unity, success and also provides the best setting for young people to find the godly friendships that are so valuable in protecting them from the temptations of the world.
3: Strengthen positive ideas good for youth.
4: Attend all executive meetings.
5: Provide updates to executive board members on youth activities.
6: Operate under the leadership of the South Sudanese Nuer Nebraska Council of Churches -SSNNCC.
Article 16 : Objective or policies of South Sudanese Nebraska Youth (Maale).
Section16. 1: South Sudanese Nebraska Council of Church Youth (maale) for peace, will operate under Union. The executive office and youth male term should be the same. The youth male guideline will still be the same but, we will have the same Bylaws. The term would be three (3) years.
Section 16.2: If the South Sudanese Council of Church react, or difference opinion or division, youth male will not take sides. The youth male role to be a peace maker or promotes the unity among the South Sudanese Council of Church organization. The young people of the South Sudanese council of Church shall be organized into a youth department as soon as their number is sufficient.
Section 16:3: The South Sudanese Nuer Nebraska Council of Churches youth, shall elect their own officers, conduct their own services, and plan their own activities, subject to the authority come from the Executive board. And they shall work under the supervision of the youth coordinator
Article 17: The Duties and responsibilities
Section 17.1: Youth male is vital to helping teens integrate into the larger, intergenerational community of the church. And they shall work under the supervision of the youth coordinator and helping the church stay relevant. Youth male, carry out Christ’s great commission by reaching out to all people to bring them to faith in Christ. Youth Male focuses on inviting those who are not already part of the church into the deeper narrative of God’s plan.
Section17. 2: Youth male helps the young generation focus on the way of Jesus and teaching the young people to develop their individual prayer and spiritual life and interaction with adults who authentically model the Christian faith.
Article 18: Qualifications of Memberships
1: Any person who has trusted in Jesus Christ as personal Savior, and who is willing to support the South Sudanese Council of Church with faithful attendance he/she may qualify to work with organization voluntarily. The procedure for membership shall be outlined in the By-laws.
2: Active voting membership in this organization shall be open to all those who possess the following qualifications:
3: A testimony to an experience of the new birth
4: Evidence of a consistent Christian life (Romans 6:4; 8: 1-4; 13: 13’14 Ephesians 4:17-32;
5: An indication of a willingness to contribute regularly to the financial support of the organization
6: Having reached at least 18 years of age
7: Having regularly attended services and supports this organization for period of at least three consecutive months.
8: Agreement to being governed by the bylaws of this organization
Article 19 VOTING
Section 19.1 Voting is normally by voice, by rising, by show of hands, or by ballot.
Section 19.2: When more than one person is nominated for the same office. The method of voting shall be by ballot.
Section 19.3 The SSNNCC shall elect only the chairperson but he/she will select the people who will work with him/her. If the term of the chair of the organization ended, the others officers have absolute right to run for the next years unless that person is disqualify by general assembly.
Article 20: Duration of the office
The elected office of SSNNCC shall be serving for a period of three years of (36 months) any Chairperson will serve only two terms in the office. No President shall serve for more than two consecutive terms as a President.
The term of office begins from the day of the announcement of election results in the same day.
Article 21: Amendment of Bylaws
Section 12.1: To insert or to add words or a paragraph
Section 12.2: To strike out words or paragraph
Section 12.3: To strike out and insert (which applies to words) or to substitute (which applies to one or more paragraphs.)
Section 12.4: These Bylaws may be amended at any regular meeting of the (SSNNCC) by a two third majority vote, provided that the amendment shall be submitting to the Clerk in writing at least 30 days before in the next meeting.
Article 22: Approval of Bylaws:
It is hereby certified that these Bylaws will be adopted by the (SSNNCC) General Assembly at duly called held on the meeting / 5 / 19 /,2013.
Sign by President of South Sudanese Nuer Nebraska Council of Churches. .
Signature Date ______________________
Constitution
(Legal Document of the South Sudanese Nuer Nebraska Council of Churches -SSNNCC
This document was completed and unanimously endorsed on November 19,2011.
We have formed the Nebraska Council of Churches enhance love of our culture, South Sudanese and heritage. South Sudanese Nuer Nebraska Council of Churches exists to unite us and to help coordinate and deliver services to our people in Nebraska.
The South Sudanese Nuer Nebraska Council of Churches selected the five people to review by-laws. The following people are James Rut, Michael Kuay, Johnson Thach, David Woul and James Riang. The above mentioned individuals intensively reviewed these by-laws as entrusted by the South Sudanese Nuer Nebraska Council of Churches. The two third was attended that meeting unanimously endorsed the by-laws on November 19, 2011 in Lincoln, Nebraska.