Bylaws of Straitway Truth Ministries

Preamble

Straitway Truth Ministries is a faith-based ministry headquartered in Tennessee, dedicated to guiding individuals on a path of righteousness through religious instruction, communal support, and faith-driven living. Inspired by biblical principles, our ministry seeks to cultivate an environment rooted in trust, self-sufficiency, and spiritual growth, where members serve one another as an expression of their devotion and commitment to a faith-centered life.

Article I: Organizational Structure and Purpose

Section 1: Non-Profit, Religious Mission

Straitway Truth Ministries operates as a non-profit, volunteer-based religious organization committed to advancing the spiritual and physical well-being of its members. Our ministry activities focus on worship, skill-building, and community-based support according to the values outlined in Scripture.

Section 2: Volunteer-Only Participation

All contributions to Straitway Truth Ministries are voluntary and are provided as acts of service. The organization does not offer paid positions or employee benefits, and all members participate without any expectation of financial compensation, motivated solely by their faith and devotion to the ministry.

Article II: Voluntary Participation and Faith-Based Commitment

Section 1: Faith-Driven, Voluntary Service

Participation in Straitway Truth Ministries is wholly voluntary and inspired by religious commitment. Volunteers engage in ministry activities—including teaching, building skills, gardening, growing food, and family care—guided by their faith and commitment to supporting the ministry’s mission.

Section 2: No Expectation of Wages or Compensation

All volunteers understand that their participation is voluntary and not considered employment. Straitway Truth Ministries does not offer wages or benefits, nor does it create any entitlement to compensation or future employment. This mutual understanding reflects the ministry’s trust-based and non-wage structure.

Article III: Community Support and Non-Wage Benefits

Section 1: Support Provisions for Communal Living

In the spirit of faith-based community, Straitway Truth Ministries may provide incidental support, such as food, housing, and communal resources, to its members. These provisions are part of our commitment to a faith-centered communal life, not as compensation for labor or services.

Section 2: Limited Dependency and Self-Sufficiency

While the ministry provides community support to foster self-sufficiency and righteous living, members are encouraged to maintain financial independence outside of the ministry, reinforcing their voluntary commitment to the faith and community.

Article IV: Code of Conduct and Termination of Volunteer Status

Section 1: Code of Conduct

Members and volunteers of Straitway Truth Ministries are expected to conduct themselves in alignment with the ministry’s values, including integrity, respect, and adherence to the teachings of the Bible. Conduct that disrupts the ministry’s environment or conflicts with its purpose is grounds for immediate removal.

Section 2: Termination for Disruptive or Threatening Behavior

Straitway Truth Ministries reserves the right to end any individual’s participation if their behavior, threats, or demands for compensation violate the ministry’s code of conduct or undermine the trust, unity, and safety of the community.

Article V: Governance and Decision-Making

Section 1: Role of the Senior Pastor

The Senior Pastor of Straitway Truth Ministries holds the final authority in all matters relating to the ministry’s mission, direction, and governance. The Senior Pastor’s decisions are grounded in the ministry’s religious principles and are made in the best interest of promoting its faith-based goals. The Senior Pastor's authority includes, but is not limited to, decisions regarding community standards, volunteer participation, spiritual guidance, and disciplinary matters.

Section 2: Role of the Board of Elders

The Board of Elders serves as an advisory body to support the Senior Pastor’s decisions. Elders provide guidance, input, and spiritual wisdom on matters affecting the ministry’s operations and the welfare of the community. While the Senior Pastor has the final say in all matters, the Board of Elders is entrusted with offering counsel and perspective, particularly in situations involving the ministry’s core values, volunteer roles, and community support.

Section 3: Decision-Making Process

Decisions affecting the ministry shall be made with transparency and respect for the community’s values. The Senior Pastor, with the counsel of the Board of Elders, will ensure all actions align with Straitway Truth Ministries’ mission and commitment to volunteer service, communal support, and religious devotion.

Article VI: Liability and Risk Acknowledgment

Section 1: Assumption of Risk

Participants in ministry activities acknowledge the inherent risks associated with physical labor and communal activities. Volunteers assume responsibility for their own well-being, participating at their own discretion.

Section 2: Limited Liability

Straitway Truth Ministries, its leadership, and community members shall not be liable for any injury, harm, or loss that may arise from voluntary participation in ministry activities.

Article VII: Amendments to Bylaws

Section 1: Amendment Process

These bylaws may be amended by a majority vote of the Board of Elders, in consultation with the Senior Pastor, to better serve the ministry’s mission and communal purpose. Amendments must retain the ministry’s foundation as a volunteer-only, faith-driven organization and respect the religious principles that guide its operations.

Section 2: Final Approval by Senior Pastor

All amendments shall require final approval by the Senior Pastor to ensure consistency with the ministry’s mission, values, and faith-based purpose.

Certification of Adoption

The above Bylaws were adopted by the Senior Pastor and the Board of Elders of Straitway Truth Ministries on [Date], to become effective immediately as the governing document for the ministry.

[Signatures of Senior Pastor and Elders]