VOTE
Why These Documents Matter for OCC
Our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws are the foundational documents that help OCC stay aligned with our vision: to see everyone, everywhere, experience and be transformed by the love of God.
These documents clarify why we exist, how we make decisions, how we steward authority, and how we stay accountable as a church family.
Please come to service on Sunday, September 20th where we’ll take a brief moment to vote together.
Why Are We Updating These Documents
Our Articles of Incorporation are outdated, and both documents need to be updated to align with The Washington Nonprofit Corporation Act (RCW 24.03A).
Updates include additional safeguards for the church (e.g. addition of terms and term limits for Elders, clearer membership framework, powers, participation in decision making). Below is an outline of the six primary areas being strengthened by these amended Bylaws.
They’re not just “business paperwork.” They’re part of how we protect unity, transparency, and trust. These documents support the current and future health of OCC.
Please come to service on Sunday, September 20th where we’ll take a brief moment to vote together.
What Members Are Voting On
On Sunday, September 20th, OCC members are invited to vote to approve or not approve two updated documents:
Articles of Incorporation
Bylaws
We are also providing the Elder Handbook for reference because it is mentioned throughout the Bylaws, but it is not part of the vote.
All documents are available to review here:
Please come to service on Sunday, September 20th where we’ll take a brief moment to vote together.
Who Is Considered a Member
At OCC, membership is viewed through the lens of the New Testament as participation in the life of the church — those who have responded to the love of Jesus, and are involved in OCC in these ways:
Attending
Serving
Giving
If that describes you, you are invited to vote.
Please come to service on Sunday, September 20th where we’ll take a brief moment to vote together.
How to Vote
Please come to service on Sunday, September 20th, where we’ll take a brief moment to vote together
Why Your Voice Matters
Your participation strengthens our shared mission. These documents help ensure OCC remains a church marked by clarity, accountability, and Spirit‑led direction. Thank you for helping us move forward together.
See you on Sunday, September 20th to make these important changes official!
If you have any questions you can email – elders@occ.org.
Here are the current bylaws on record for your review, followed by an outline of six primary areas of improvement.
1. Clearer Membership Framework
Membership expectations clarified — The 2026 bylaws expand membership powers and advisory rights (e.g., approving real‑property transactions, commenting on elder nominations), whereas the 2017 bylaws primarily defined qualifications and expectations. Example from 2026: “The members shall have the following powers: (a) to amend the Articles… (b) to amend the Bylaws…”
Age requirement updated — 2017 required age 16; 2026 requires 18. 2017: “has attained the age of sixteen…” 2026: “has attained the age of eighteen…”
2. Stronger Elder Board Structure & Safeguards
Defined board size — 2026 sets a specific range: 5–12 elders, whereas 2017 had no stated number.
Term limits added — 2026 introduces structured terms (3‑year terms, max 12 years), promoting healthy rotation and preventing stagnation.
Clearer qualifications — 2026 requires elders to be 30+ years old, with detailed conflict‑of‑interest protections (e.g., not related to staff, not subordinate to staff).
More detailed selection and removal processes — 2026 expands nomination, review, and removal procedures, making them more transparent and accountable.
3. Expanded Member Powers & Participation
Members now vote on major corporate actions — The 2026 bylaws explicitly give members authority to approve:
Amendments to Articles
Amendments to Bylaws
Purchase/sale of real property
Disposition of substantially all assets These powers were not clearly articulated in the 2017 bylaws.
4. More Detailed Meeting Requirements & Voting Clarity
Remote participation allowed — 2026 explicitly permits remote communication for both member and board meetings.
Written consent rules added — 2026 allows unanimous written consent for member and board actions, increasing flexibility and legal clarity.
5. Modernized Governance & Administrative Provisions
Committees defined — 2026 introduces Board Committees and Advisory Committees with clear boundaries, which did not exist in the 2017 bylaws.
Officer roles expanded — 2026 provides detailed responsibilities and term limits for officers, whereas 2017 offered only brief descriptions.
Record‑keeping and inspection rights strengthened — 2026 outlines what records must be kept and grants inspection rights to members and elders.
6. Alignment with Washington Nonprofit Law
The 2026 bylaws incorporate updated legal language from the Washington Nonprofit Corporation Act, ensuring OCC’s governance is compliant, modern, and future‑proof. Example: “OCC may engage in any lawful activity consistent with the purposes articulated in its Articles… and the requirements for qualification for tax‑exemption under Section 501(c)(3).”
See you on Sunday, September 20th to make these important changes official!
If you have any questions you can email – elders@occ.org.
Key Improvements to Amended Bylaws