Policies and Procedures
Policy Guidelines
The purpose of this procedure is to guide future authors of BELC policies. The need for a policy is determined by the Congregation Council and generally addresses an action or subject for clarification, safety, or instruction, and this need will be documented.
Computer, Internet, E-Mail, and Digital Network Usage
We believe that all things should be done in an orderly way (see 1 Corinthians 14:40). Therefore, we have put into place this policy that defines boundaries for the use of the Church’s information technology (IT) resources to ensure safety, good stewardship, fairness, and consistency during usage.
Link to Computer, Internet, E-Mail, and Digital Network Usage Policy
Curricula and Teaching
As mentioned in numerous places throughout the Bible, the expectations for those who teach the word of God are very high. It is therefore important that the Church establish a policy that guides how teaching is be conducted. The Christian Education Ministry Team is responsible for the maintenance of this policy.
Link to Curricula and Teaching Policy
Facility Use
The congregation of Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church (the “Church”) is a community of baptized persons that worships, learns, witnesses and serves. To these ends, the congregation commits the use of its facility, buildings, grounds and equipment to its membership within and to its neighbors without. This policy is maintained by the Facilities Ministry Team.
Financials
It is BELC’s policy that management of all financial activities be conducted in a transparent (to the congregation) manner using sound financial accounting principles. Overall accountability for the financial affairs of the congregation lies with the Council. The purpose of this policy is to provide direction on how and when many of the major BELC financial transactions shall be conducted. By following this policy the congregation can have trust in the safe and professional management of its finances. The Finance and Stewardship Ministry Team (F&SMT) is responsible for the maintenance of this policy.
Funeral
The purpose of this policy is to provide members and non-members direction for conducting a funeral/memorial service at BELC, and to permit the burial or scattering of cremains on the property of BELC. This policy is maintained by Funeral Committee of the Fellowship Ministry Team.
Kitchen Use
The purpose of this policy is to guide use of the Church’s kitchen by members and defines additional requirements to be followed beyond what is included in BELC’s Facility Use Policy for non-members. BELC’s Safety Policy also applies to use of the kitchen since its appliances have additional risks. The Kitchen Use Policy is maintained by the Fellowship Ministry Team.
Records
This policy provides direction for the identification, storage, retention, and disposal of Church records. ‘Records’ and ‘Archives’ are different. ‘Records’ are documents that record actions, whereas ‘Archives’ are more related to preserving the history of the Church. The scope of this policy relates to records; archives are covered separately. This policy is maintained by the Congregation Council.
Safe Sanctuary
The following policy is not based on a lack of trust in workers, employees, or volunteers but is intended to protect our children and the whole Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church [the ‘Church’] body. The purpose of this policy is to ensure the safety of all God’s children, youth, and vulnerable adults that participate in any of the activities of BELC.
Safety Policy
It is BELC’s safety policy to assure a reasonable degree of physical safety for all who participate in the activities associated with the church. This is achieved through making safety a priority in the planning and implementation of all church activities, awareness of and adherence to church procedures and policies, as well as following ‘common sense’ practices.
Vehicle Use
Vehicle(s) shall be used for church functions, which shall include ecumenical functions and certain other activities relating to the Church’s and its members’ wider involvement in the community of Los Alamos and the World.
Wedding Policy
The purpose of this policy is to provide members and those having a connection with BELC direction for conducting a wedding at BELC. Further, it is our policy that a wedding conducted at BELC is consistent with the Christian beliefs of this congregation as determined by the Senior Pastor. A BELC pastor (or his/her designee) shall preside over all wedding services at the Church. This policy is to be maintained by the Wedding Committee of the Fellowship Ministry Team.
Staffing Handbook
The purpose of this Staffing Handbook is to provide current and prospective employees a summary of the staff-related policies that govern employment with the Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church (BELC). This Handbook and the policies contained herein were approved by the BELC Congregation Council and may be amended or cancelled at any time, at the Council’s sole discretion. Staff will be notified of such changes to the Handbook as they occur. This BELC Staffing Handbook shall be maintained by the Office and Business Manager – subsequent revisions/changes unless grammatical or clarifying in nature shall be approved by the Congregation Council.
