Community Chapter Constitution

PREAMBLE

It becomes everyman who purposes to give himself to the care of others seriously to consider the following things: First, that he must one day give an account to the Supreme Judge of all the lives entrusted to his care. Secondly, that all his skill, and knowledge, and energy, as they have been given him by God, so they should be exercised for His glory, and the good of mankind, and not for mere gain or ambition. Thirdly, and not more beautifully than truly, let him reflect that he has undertaken the care of no mean creature, for, in order that we may estimate the value, the greatness of the human race, the only begotten Son of God became Himself a man, and thus enabled it with His divine dignity, and far more than this, died to redeem it. And, fourthly, that the doctor being himself a mortal man, should be diligent and tender in relieving his suffering patients, inasmuch as he himself must one day be a like sufferer. – Thomas Sydenham (English Physician, 1624-1689)

Article 1. Doctrinal Statement

Although our meetings are open to everyone, we require our leaders at all levels, to agree with the essentials of the Christian faith as outlined in the CMDA Doctrinal Statement.  While we all hold to other particular beliefs as taught in our various denominations, these are the core beliefs common to Christians as taught in the Bible.

1. We believe the Bible to be the authoritative Word of God.
2. We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
3. We believe in the deity and humanity of Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, in His present rule as Head of the Church and in His personal return in power and glory.
4. We believe that salvation is based on the sacrifice of Christ and regeneration by the Holy Spirit.
5. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
6. We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and unjust, the everlasting blessedness of the saved and the everlasting punishment of the lost.
7. We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, with equality across racial, gender, and class differences.

Article 2. Mission Statement

Christian Medical & Dental Associations® educates, encourages, and equips Christian healthcare professionals to glorify God.

Christian healthcare professionals glorify God by following Christ, serving with excellence and compassion, caring for all people, and advancing Biblical principles of healthcare within the Church and throughout the world.

Article 3. Meetings / Events / Participation

Weekly and monthly meetings and activities are open to all CMDA members, those they invite and CMDA staff (unless stated otherwise). Community Chapter events include Bible studies, prayer meetings, discussion groups, special speakers, breakfast, lunch or dinner meetings, group presentations and activities as planned by leadership and participants.

Article 4. Local Leaders

• Must be members of national CMDA
• Must abide by CMDA Bylaws, policies, practices, in order to function as a CMDA leader.
• Must complete Leadership Commitment Form (includes Spiritual Qualifications for Leaders, Statement of Faith, Doctrinal Statement and Code of Conduct).
• Are expected to form a leadership team, sometimes referred to as a Council, dividing the responsibilities among the team members. Many groups choose officers (president, vice president, sec/treasurer or equivalent) for efficiency. Some operate simply as a leadership team without official titles.
• Are responsible, along with the advice and approval of CMDA staff, for choosing, challenging and training subsequent leaders.
• Any leader may be removed by a two-thirds vote of the CMDA membership in that area during a chapter meeting called as outlined in Article 5 of this document.

Article 5. Organizational/Planning Meetings (General meetings: see Article 3.)

• Planning meetings and discussions related to calendar and goals for the group may be called by the leaders (see Article 4) at any time.
• Care should be taken to notify as many area CMDA members as are interested in the health and direction of said local group.
• Member meetings called to discuss any particular adverse situation or concern as may affect this Community Chapter may be called by:
  • Two local leaders (see Article 4)
  • Upon the request of three local CMDA National members
  • The Local CMDA Council
  • Or by the CMDA regional, area or associate staff.
• One week's notification (written or electronic) shall be given to the local leaders of the CMDA Community Chapter. Motions will be passed by a simple majority of CMDA members, and they must be consistent with CMDA bylaws, policies and practices.

Article 6. To meet Internal Revenue Service requirements for non-profit groups each Community Chapter will:

• Abide by the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code (IRS) Section 501(c)(3) (please see IRS Requirements)
• Agree to use the same accounting period as CMDA (July 1 through June 30) in order to be included under CMDA’s group exemption with the IRS. Please see Financial Guidelines for Local Ministry Groups.
• When requested by CMDA, submit financial information per IRS reporting requirements.

Article 7. To Maintain a Strong Connection with the National Ministry of the Christian Medical & Dental Associations®, each Community Chapter will:

• Adhere to the CMDA Bylaws as approved by the Board of Trustees.
• Reconnect each year by filing a brief annual report of its ministry and financial activities over the past year and confirm names and contact information for the Local Ministry group’s leadership.
• Designate one Representative to serve in the CMDA House of Representatives held during the annual National Convention of the Christian Medical & Dental Associations®.
• Maintain the organization and activities in a manner consistent with those of CMDA.
• Inform CMDA Staff (local, regional or national) concerning group activities, needs, or any relevant concerns (CMDA is legally responsible for the actions of its constituted groups).

Article 8. Adoption and Revocation

• This constitution shall be adopted upon the following:

1. 1. Receiving and approving by a simple majority vote by those CMDA members present.
   2. Approval by Vice President, Campus & Community Ministries or CMDA Chief Executive Officer

• Revocation: This Community Chapter’s affiliation with CMDA may be revoked by the CEO subject to review by CMDA’s National Board of Trustees.