LAUTECH INTERDENOMINATIONAL CHAPEL
CONSTITUTION

NAME OF CHAPEL

The Chapel shall be known, called and addressed as the LAUTECH Interdenominational Chapel, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso (thereinafter in this constitution referred to as "the Chapel".

DEFINITION OF LAUTECH INTERDENOMINATIONAL CHAPEL

(i) LAUTECH Interdenominational Chapel is an Interdenominational Church on campus open to all Christians, students, staff and the whole University Community at large.
(ii) The Chapel serves as the officially recognized University Church of the Christian Community.
(iii) The Chapel serves as a liaison body between the University authority and the Christian Community on campus, and also between the Christian Community on campus and Christian Organizations outside the University.
(iv) The Chapel serves as the platform of ministry for LAUTECH Christian Community.

OBJECTIVES OF THE CHAPEL

(i) The Chapel provides facilities for interdenominational services for members of the Christian community both within and outside the University.
(ii) The Chapel provides guidance and counseling services in the areas of career, marital, business, academic, spiritual, etc.
(iii) Among other services, the Chapel conducts marriages,
(iv) The Chapel carries out all services such as believer's bible class, baptisms, Holy Communion, etc. and blessing of marriage.
(v) The Chapel conducts outreaches and revival programmes.
(vi) The Chapel encourages the formation of concerned groups for pastoral mission, welfare services, ministering to the poor and needy.
(vii) The Chapel carries out some Community programmes such as retreats, seminars, lectures, workshops on matters of spiritual interest.

CHAPEL SERVICES

(i) Chapel services shall be open to all.
(ii) All those who receive the Holy Communion in their various Churches are welcome to participate in the service of the Holy Communion.
(iii) There shall be a Chapel Service Committee which shall be responsible for maintaining the biblical and interdenominational character of the Chapel, ensuring a high quality of worship in the chapel and organizing programmes (Special services, seminars, workshops, outreaches, retreats, etc) that promote sound Christian doctrine and living.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership of the Chapel is open to anybody from within or outside LAUTECH community, who wishes to come to worship God and serve Him through the ministry of the Chapel.

CONGREGATION

There shall be a congregation which shall be understood to mean those who worship and are serving God through the ministry of the Chapel. The Congregation shall hold Chapel Congregational Meeting (CCM) twice in the year on any Sunday during the month of June and December. Congregational meeting is the normal business meeting of all members of the Chapel. The Chairman of Council shall preside over Congregational Meeting. The meeting shall inter alia:
(i) Receive briefing and reports from the leadership of the Chapel.
(ii) Make suggestions, observations and recommendations to the leadership of the Chapel. Emergency meetings of the congregation may be called by the Chapel Council as the need arises. Notices of the meeting of the Congregation shall be announced by the Secretary at the main Chapel Service at least two consecutive Sundays preceding the date of the meeting. The Agenda for the meeting shall be displayed at the same time on the Chapel's notice board and on the service bulletin.

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

(i) There shall be The Board of Trustee for the purpose of the Companies and Allied Matters Decree No. I of 1990 Part C or under any such relevant law for the time being in force.
(ii) The Registered Trustees shall constitute the Board of Trustees of the Chapel.
(iii) The Trustees shall have a Common Seal. The Common Seal shall be in the custody of the Chaplain, who shall produce it when required for use by the registered trustees.
(iv) All documents to be executed by the Trustees shall be signed by such of them as may be designated by them to do so, and shall be sealed with the Common Seal.

The Registered Trustees of the Chapel shall be responsible for:

(a) Registering the Chapel as a corporate body in accordance with the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Decree No. I of 1990 or under any such relevant law for the time being in force;
(b) Ensuring and representing the existence in perpetuity of the Chapel;
(c) Ensuring that the Chapel, in the running of its affairs, complies with the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Decree No. 1 of 1990 and any other relevant laws of the land;
(d) Instituting and responding to action on behalf of the Chapel as occasion may, from time to time, arise; executing documents relating to the movable and immovable properties of the Chapel;
(e) Accepting and holding in trust all land, chattels and other properties belonging to the Chapel; and acquiring land, chattels, and other properties on behalf of the Chapel, subject to such conditions as may be imposed by the Minister of Internal Affairs;
(f) Without prejudice to the administration of the affairs of the Chapel by the Chapel Council under Part C of this Constitution, exercising general and oversight powers relating to all the properties held in trust by them.

A person shall not be qualified to be appointed as a Trustee of the Chapel if the person:
(i) is under (forty) 40 years of age, or
(ii) Is a person of unsound mind, or
(iii) Is an undischarged bankrupt or
(iv) Has been convicted of an offence involving fraud; or dishonesty by a court of competent jurisdiction, or
(v) Is not a Christian of good standing.

Tenure of Office of Trustees

Each of the Trustees shall hold office for life, provided that a Trustee shall cease to hold office if
(i) He resigns his office as Trustee, or
(ii) He is recommended for removal from office by the majority vote of members present at a Congregational Meeting, following the commendation of the Chapel Council, or
(iii) He ceases to be a staff of LAUTECH

CHAPEL COUNCIL

There shall be a Chapel Council (hereinafter in this Constitution called "the Council")

A. Composition:

The Council shall be composed of
(i) Council Chairman,
(ii) The Chaplain (s)
(iii) Council Secretary,
(iv) Treasurer,
(v) Financial Secretary,
(vi) Chapel Student Coordinator,
(vii) LJCM Coordinator,
(viii) Women Coordinator
(ix) Welfare Coordinator,
(x) Three co-opted members (A male and a female LAUTECH staff, and a student, who are all members of the Chapel)
(xi) Ex-Officio members (past Council Chairmen and past Chaplains).
(xii) History subcommittee Chairman. (m) Chairman Board of Trustee
(xiii) Any other officer that may be appointed from time to time.

Presentation to the Congregation

The Chairman of Council presents the Board of Trustee members to the Congregation at a formal service. The chairman of BOT presents the Council members to the congregation at a formal service

TENURE OF OFFICE

(i) Except as hereinafter provided, all officers and members of the Council shall hold office for the term of two (2) years in the first instance and shall be eligible for re-appointment for a further term of two (2) years only.
(ii) The Chaplains shall hold office for three (3) years subject to renewal for a further term of three (3) years only. All other ministers of the Chaplaincy shall continue to serve in the Chaplaincy as long as they continue to officiate regularly in the Chapel.

POWER AND FUNCTIONS OF THE CHAPEL COUNCIL

The Chapel Council provides checks and balances in the Chapel and the following under listed functions:
(i) Formulate policy decisions for running of the Chapel.
(ii) Appoints trained, ordained, spirit-filled ministers of the gospel to serve as Chaplains and appoints one of them as the Coordinator. Approves other trained, ordained, spirit- filled ministers of the gospel as members of the Chapel to serve in the Chaplaincy.
(iii) Oversees the finances of the Chapel. d. Accepts gifts, donations and bequests for development purposes, but without obligation to accept the same for a particular purpose unless it approves the terms and conditions attached thereto.
(iv) Ensures that the form of worship reflect the biblical nature of the Chapel and is in conformity with the stated objectives of the Chapel.
(v) Ratifies the annual budget submitted to it by the Finance Sub-Committee.
(vi) Considers the report of the following Committees and Sub-Committees in the Chapel service.
(a) Chapel Services Committee
(b) Finance Sub-Committee
(c) Chapel Building and Management Sub-committee
(d) Choir Affairs Sub-Committee
(e) Welfare Sub-Committee
(f) History Sub-Committee
(g) Constitution Drafting and Review Sub-Committee,
(h) Nominating Sub-Committee (ix) Any other Sub-Committee
(i) Execute any other matters related to the Chapel referred to it.

COUNCIL MEETINGS

(a) The Council shall meet quarterly and may meet more frequently if the need arises.
(b) The quorum for meetings shall be two-third of the total number of the members of Council provided that the Chairman or the Deputy Chairman and any of the Chaplains is present.
(c) The Chairman and/or the Deputy Chairman and/or the Chaplains and the Treasurer together, may act on behalf of the Council in between meetings. Such actions shall be reported at the next meeting of the Council for ratification.

THE CHAPLAINCY

(i) Composition:

The Chaplaincy comprises of the Chaplains and other officiating ministers in the Chapel as appointed by the Council. All Clergymen appointed to serve as chaplains must be trained, ordained, experienced and spirit-filled Ministers of the gospel. All appointments are for a period of three years in the first instance but renewable for another three years. Appointment of chaplains must take into account the inter-denominational nature of the Chapel. The Chaplaincy will be presided over by the Chaplain.

(ii) Power and Functions of the Chaplaincy

The Chaplaincy is a team ministry of Chaplains and other officiating ministers that meet and work together to do the following:
a. Receive God's word and provide leadership for the Chapel as directed by the Holy Spirit.
b. Live God's word as example to the whole Chapel.
c. Declaration of God's word (preaching, teaching, prophesying, imparting, etc.); organize bible study, retreats, seminars, workshops on matters of spiritual interests.
d. The Chaplaincy shall be the Secretariat of the Chapel.
e. Provide leadership for the Chapel Service Committee.
f. Organize evangelistic campaigns within and outside the University as approved by the Council. Receive reports from Chairman of Sub-Committees as at when necessary.
g. Perform such other functions as may, from time to time; be referred to them by the Council.

(iii) Chaplaincy Meetings

a. The Chaplaincy shall meet at least once every two weeks and may meet more frequently if the need arises.
b. The Chaplains together, may act on behalf of the Chaplaincy in between meetings. Such actions shall be reported to the next meeting of the Chaplaincy for ratification.

CHAPEL SERVICES COMMITTEE

(i) Composition:

The Chapel Services Committee shall be composed of:
a. The Chaplains
b. Women Coordinator
c. Chapel Student Coordinator
d. Assistant Women Coordinator (A female student who must be a member of the chapel),
e. Music Director (A staff in LAUTECH, who must be a member of the Chapel
f. Assistant Music Director (A staff in LAUTECH who must be a member of the Chapel).
g. Sunday School Affairs/Believers Bible Class Coordinator,
h. Evangelism team Coordinator
i. Head Usher
j. Chapel Warden
k. Area Coordinators
l. Drama Coordinator
m. Publicity Director
n. Technical Director (A staff in LAUTECH, who must be a member of the chapel)
o. Assistant Technical Director (A student in LAUTECH, who must be a member of the chapel)
p. Follow-up team leader
q. Academic Secretary
r. PDS Liaison Officer
s. Children Coordinator
t. Money counters
u. Yoruba Services Coordinator
v. Media Director (A staff in LAUTECH)
w. Assistant Media Director (A student in LAUTECH, who must be a member of the chapel).

(ii) Functions of the Chapel Services Committee

a. To provide leadership to Chapel worship and services and oversee the day day running of the Chapel as directed by the Chaplaincy.
b. To operate in the Chapel as officers for all programmes in respective areas of assignment
c. To pray for the Chapel and the leadership of the Chapel.
d. Attend to the spiritual needs of members in the Chapel
e. To plan and execute university wide Christian programmes both within and outside the university as approved by the council.

(iii) Chapel Services Committee Meetings

The Chapel Services Committee shall meet at least once every month and may meet more frequently if the need arises
(iv) Induction Members of Chapel Services Committee shall be formally inducted to their offices at a regular service held in the Chapel.

FINANCE SUB-COMMITTEE

a. Subject to the Chapel Council, the Finance Sub-Committee deals with the advise on matters relating to the finances, accounts, properties and general well-being of the chapel.
b. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the functions of the Sub-Committee include the following.
c. To prepare and recommend to the Chapel Council supplementary estimates of income or expenditure.
d. To consider and recommend to the Chapel Council expenditure and administration of financial matters.
e. To consider and make recommendations to the Chapel Council the terms and conditions of service of any employed by the Committee including the remunerations, staff honoraria, allowances, etc. to be paid to the officiating ministers of the Chapel.

Members: Financial secretary, Treasurer, a member of the chaplaincy and chairman of council.



CHAPEL BUILDING AND MANAGEMENT SUB-COMMITTEE

The functions of the sub-Committee include the following:
a. Physical planning and development of the Chapel buildings and grounds.
b. Raising funds for the purpose of the Chapels physical developments as the need arises.
c. Proper maintenance of the Chapel's buildings and other internal and external structures, furniture, and all other properties of the Church.
d. Painting and other fixtures in a manner befitting a Christian place of worship.

CHOIR AFFAIRS SUB-COMMITTEE

The functions of the Choir Affairs Sub-Committee include the following:
a. Planning and executing all special musical programmes of the Chapel namely Carol Service/Singspiration services and other special services which may come up from time to time. As well as being responsible for the musical input in all other programmes of the Chapel.
b. Supervise the safe keeping and maintenance of all Chapel musical and sound equipment.
c. Responsible for developing the worship and musical life of the Chapel.

NOMINATING SUBCOMMITTEE:

The nominating subcommittee coordinates the staffing of all church workers that are filled by volunteers. The nominating subcommittee recommends persons who are chapel members to be elected by the chapel. The committee shall consist of (5) five members elected by council. The nominating committee is expected to have completed its work by the end of October. The nominating committee reports to the council.

FUNCTIONS OF OFFICERS

(i) The Council Chairman:

He should be an elder in the chapel (should have served in the Chapel Council for at least two years). A matured disciple of Christ; well versed in Scriptures; a senior respectable Christian Staff of the University Community with proven integrity.
a. Preside at all Congregational meetings and Council meetings.
b. Liaise between the Chapel and the University authority in conjunction with members of the Chaplaincy.
c. Present an address during Chapel Congregational Meetings.
d. Perform such other functions as may, from time to time, be referred to him/her by the Council.

(ii) The Chaplain:

a. The chaplain presides over the chaplaincy and Chapel Services Committee.
b. Leads the Chaplaincy to give reports at Chapel council.
c. In conjunction with the chairman of council, liaise between Chapel, University Christian Community (such as CAN, P.F.N, ANUC, etc).
d. The Chaplain can delegate responsibility as may be required.

(iii) The Treasurer shall:

a. Keep the Chapel Accounts
b. Deposit money into the Bank within two working days of its receipt
c. Withdraw money for the Chapel expenses subject to Article 15 of this Constitution
d. Make the account books available to the Auditor on Demand
e. Perform such other functions as may, from time to time, be referred to him/her by the Council.

(iv) The Financial Secretary Shall:

a. Receive all offerings and tithes from the Chapel Services
b. Ensure that the same are counted and handed over to the Treasurer within twenty-four (24) hours of their receipt
c. Keep a book wherein all monies collected and handed over to the Treasurer are recorded and make same available to the Auditor on demand
d. Present a budget and an audited Statement of Accounts to the Chapel Council
e. Perform such other functions as may, from time to time, be referred to him/her by the Council.

(v) The Council Secretary shall:

a. Prepare and send out all notices convening the meetings of the Council and the Congregation in accordance with the provision of this constitution
b. Keep the minutes books of the Congregation and the Council
c. Present a Report on the state of affairs in the Chapel to the Congregation Meeting, incorporating the reports of the activities of all the Sub-Committees and activity groups and the Council
d. Perform such other functions as may, from time to time; be referred to him/her by the Council.

(vi) The Student Coordinator shall:

a. Coordinates students' activities in the Chapel and reports back the same to the Chaplaincy
b. Liaises with the Council and Chaplaincy from time to time in carrying out designated assignments.
c. Visits students in the Chapel and informs the Chaplaincy of any needs among them.

(vii) The Chapel Warden shall:

a. Carryout any duty assigned to him by the Council and Chaplaincy.
b. Assists the Financial Secretary in keeping the books of records, banking money and handing over money to the Treasurer.
c. Keep the track of use of the Chapel facilities. d) Ensure the Chapel auditorium and all necessary equipment is available in good order for all Chapel services and meetings.
(viii) The Sister Coordinator shall:
a. Assist both Women Coordinator and Student coordinator
b. Co-ordinate student sisters' activities in the Chapel
c. Be responsible to the Women Coordinating
d. See to the welfare of the Sisters in the Chapel

(ix) The Music Director shall:

a. Be a staff
b. Co-ordinate all the musical activities of the Chapel
c. Co-ordinate the chapel choir
d. Prepare and plan the Chapel music practices
e. Oversee the life of choir members.

(x) The Assistant Music Director shall:

a. Be a student
b. Assist the music Director to carry out his function
c. Be responsible to the music Director

(xi) Area Pastor shall:

a. Coordinate the House Fellowship meetings
b. See to welfare of the Chapel members in their respective areas.

(xii) The Drama Coordinator shall:

a. Co-ordinate the drama group activities
b. See to welfare of drama group activities

(xiii) The Publicity Director shall:

a. Coordinate publicity activities of the Chapel
b. Liaise with the Student Coordinator for further directives
c. Work hand-in-hand with the Chapel Warden in the area of publicity

(xiv) The Evangelism/Follow-Up Coordinator Shall:

a. Perform evangelism and coordinate the activities of the evangelism units
b. Conduct follow-ups on Chapel members and new converts
c. Work hand-in-hand with Student Coordinator in believers' class.

(xv) The Welfare Director shall:

a. See to the welfare of Chapel members
b. Liaise with the Chaplaincy about those that are in need in the chapel
c. Assist in taking care of welfare during programmes.

(xvi) The Technical Director shall:

a. Co-ordinates the technical activities of the Chapel
b. Liaise with the Music Director from time to time
c. Keep all the records of Chapel gadgets from time to time

(xvii) The Assistant Technical Director shall:

a. Assist the technical director in performing his duties
b. Be responsible to the Technical Director

(xviii) The Academic Secretary shall:

a. Co-ordinate the academic activities of the Chapel students
b. Plan tutorials for the respective groups of students concerned
c. Liaise with the Student Coordinator from time to time.

(xix) The PDS Liaison Officer shall:

a. Co-ordinate PDS students in the chapel
b. Plan tutorials for them in conjunctions with academic Secretary
c. Keep the track of PDS students in the chapel.

(xx) The Head Usher shall:

a. Recruit and train Ushers from within the Congregation and supervise them
b. Ensure orderliness among the Congregation during Chapel Services
c. Collect offerings and tithes at all Chapel Services and hand over the same to the financial Secretary after every service/programmes.
d. Serves as head of money counter

(xxi) The Auditor shall:

a. Audit and make necessary enquiries regarding the Chapel accounts as presented by the Treasurer, the Financial Secretary and the Banks
b. Present a report to the Council
c. Perform such other functions as may, from time to time, be referred to him/her by the Council.

(xxii) The Women Coordinator:

a. Shall be appointed by the Nominating Committee
b. Shall coordinate the activities of women

APPOINTMENT OF CHAPLAINS

a. The appointment of the Chaplains shall be decided upon and ratified by the Council after the Nominating Sub- Committee shall have made recommendations of suitable persons for the position. The Nominating Sub-Committee shall be made up of at least five (5) members of the Chapel Council including the Chairman of Council. The Chairman of Council shall be the Chairman of the Nominating Sub- Committee.
b. Basic criteria to be fulfilled by nominees for appointment are those outlined in the Scriptures for Bishops and Deacons. (Acts 1:21 26; Acts 6:1 -6; 1 Timothy 3:1 15; Titus 1:5-9)
c. The Chapel Council shall ratify the recommendations of the Nominating Sub-Committee and present the appointed ministers to the congregation for prayers. The presentation will be done by the Chairman of Council.

REMOVAL OF OFFICERS

Any officers accused of dereliction of duty, abuse of office or any other conduct unbecoming of a Christian may be removed from office after the following procedure:
(i) The Chapel Council shall suspend the officer from office pending the determination of the case;
(ii) The Council shall set up an ad-hoc panel of investigation to look into the matter;
(iii) The Council shall consider and decide on the submission of the ad-hoc panel after giving the officer concerned fair hearing;
(iv) The Council shall remove the officer from office if the misconduct is Established;
(v) The Council's decision shall be reported to the Congregation.

FINANCE

The income of the Chapel shall consist of:
a. Tithes, offerings at services, gifts, and donations;
b. Other sources as may, from time to time, be decided by the Council.

SIGNATORIES

The following shall be signatories to all financial transactions of the Chapel:
a. The Chairman; or the Chaplain Coordinator in the absence of the Chairman and
b. The Treasurer.

REVIEW

This constitution shall be subjected to period review after every ten years. At the recommendation of the chapel council; review committee members will be chosen at a congregational meeting.

AMMENDMENTS

(i) The council shall have the power to delete or amend a portion of this constitution as shall be deemed necessary in any the interest of the congregation provided that not less than two thirds (2/3) of the present members.
(ii) Any member of the Chapel shall have the liberty to give written notice for the amendment of any section of this Constitution.
(iii) All proposed amendment(s) to this constitution shall be laid before the Chapel council who shall give it due consideration.
(iv) No section of this constitution can be set aside or annulled except by 2/3 of members in the council.