Constitution, By Laws, Liability form of Lariat Ministries, and Executive Summary

PREAMBLE

For the purpose of establishing and maintaining a place for the worship of Almighty God, our Heavenly Father on a ranch type setting to cowboy up with Jesus; in providing the Cowboy Way of Christianity to provide for Christian Fellowship for those of like precious faith of the local communities, where the Holy Spirit may be honored according to our distinctive testimony; to train up Challenged kids, men and women in the Christain Cowboy way, to assume our share of responsibility and the privilege of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ by all available means, both at home, our community, and in foreign lands; we whose names appear on the ranch assembly membership roster due hereby recognize ourselves as a local ranch assembly in fellowship with, and a part of the General Christian Community of God, and adopt the following articles of Gospel oriented order and submit ourselves to be governed by them. Submitting ourselves to our Holy Spirit to be governed by Him and the following articles.

A. Development Rationale
The Lariat Ranch Community and Sustainable Development 
List all operating rules and policies

 CEO Director, Pastor, and Board of Directors, ranch employees, guest, & men, women and children in training shall act in accordance of moral conduct as Jesus Christ would act. All other conduct is not tolerated and will fall under jurisdiction of immediate dismissal or direction of punitive actions of Lariat Ministries security division. Adult security regulations and rules. 
All children under the ages of 18 shall fall under the rules and regulations of the Children ministries. 
In the process of sustainable development, an effective and efficient civil society is as important as effective and efficient markets. Civil society organizes political participation just as markets organize economic participation in the society. Like markets, civil society conditions social behavior and helps allocate resources. In short, civil society plays the same sort of functional role in sustainable development that markets do. 
    In effect, both civil society and markets are essential "gears" in the sustainable development process. Like markets, civil society can function more or less effectively depending on government policies, the cultural values of the society, and levels of technology and infrastructure. Over time, like markets, civil society feeds back and can bring about changes in policies, values and technology. 
Sustainable development is most likely to occur where both civil society and markets are free and open to broad-based participation. The goal of the Lariat empowerment component of God’s creation of a large, diverse community of local non profit organizations capable of promoting sustainable development. 
In addition to the impact a vigorous Lariat community that can be a provider of services and in direct economic activity in the local area for Christianity development.
  • Serve as a conduit for new Christian teaching methods, technology and practices; 
  • Educate the public as to their rights and entitlements under Church programs; 
  • Attune official programs to public needs by acting as a conduit for public opinion and local Christian experience; 
  • Provide efficient operational collaboration with corporate sponsors and funding donors; 
  • Influence development policies of national and international institutions, including support for decentralization and church reforms; and Help national and local churches and shelters fashion a more effective development strategy through strengthening institutions, staff training and improving management capacity to further the education in Christianity. 
 
CONSTITUTION ARTICLE I - NAMEThe corporate name of this ranch assembly shall be Lariat Ministries of God‘s Kingdom, at the cross roads of on the Golden Slopes, the County of Kern and Tulare, the State of California GW Jer 6:16  This is what the LORD says: Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask which paths are the old, reliable paths. Ask which way leads to blessings. Live that way, and find a resting place for yourselves. But you said that you wouldn't live that way.
ARTICLE II - PREROGATIVESSECTION 1. This Ranch Assembly shall have the right to govern itself according to the standards of the New Testament Scriptures, "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace . . . until we reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:3, 13) to cowboy up with Jesus according to His Gospel and the Bible.SECTION 2. In connection with, or incidental to, we (Lariat Ministries) shall have the right to purchase or acquire by gift, bequest, or otherwise, either directly or as a trustee, and to own, hold, and trust, use, sell, convey, mortgage, lease, or otherwise dispose of any real estate or chattels as may be necessary for the furtherance of its purposes; in accordance with its Constitution and By-Laws, or as the same, may be hereafter modified or amended. 
ARTICLE III - AFFILIATIONThis assembly shall voluntarily enter into full cooperative fellowship with the Christian community under the rules of Conduct according to the Lariat Ministries. This is in no way be administered to or through the Lariat Ministries.
ARTICLE IV - TENANTS OF FAITHSee Appendix #1 CredoARTICLE V - AMENDMENTSSECTION 1. This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds majority of all votes cast by the active membership present at the annual business meeting, or special meeting called for that purpose. Due notice of the actual proposed amendment(s) shall be made at least two Sundays prior to the date of such a meeting. A copy shall be made available to all members. SECTION 2. It regards to the the following it is a pattern of and not governed by; It shall be understood that Article V, Section 1 shall not apply to the Statement of Fundamental Truths of the General Boards of Lariat Ministries, which are set forth in this constitution under Article IV, Tenets of Faith. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * BY - LAWS ARTICLE I - ORDINANCESSECTION 1. WATER BAPTISM. The ordinance of baptism by immersion in water (Matt. 28:19) shall be administered to all those who have repented of their sins and who have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ to the saving of their souls, and who give clear evidence of their salvation. (Rm. 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12) in any body of water provided via horse trough or stream or pond.SECTION 2. THE LORD'S SUPPER. The ordinance of the communion of the Lord's Supper shall be observed regularly as enjoined in the Scriptures. (Luke 22:19,20; I Cor. 11:23-26)ARTICLE II - CHURCH GOVERNMENTSECTION 1. THE PASTOR. Jesus Christ is the Great Shepherd and head of the church. The CEO and Director of Lariat Ministries, and the Pastor, under Christ, shall be recognized as under-shepherd and head of this ranch assembly. He shall be respected in his sacred calling (Eph. 4:11-12). He shall fulfill his responsibilities as the spiritual overseer (elder) of the assembly in conformity with all scriptural order, in compliance with the Constitution and By-Laws of this ranch assembly. SECTION 2. FULL-TIME MINISTERIAL and RANCH STAFF. Any full-time members of such staff shall be respected in their sacred calling (Eph. 4:11-12), and shall fulfill their responsibilities as elders of the assembly (I Tim. 3:1-7; 5:17-20; Titus 1:6-9). No member of the ministerial staff shall have the right to supersede the authority vested in the office of CEO Director of Lariat Ministries. SECTION 3. BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Can be elected and/or appointed and approved under the guise of this constitution. Directors are not essential to operation of said ministries. Future ranch size and obligations shall dictate whether to have board of deacons. When activated they shall operate under the headship and direct supervision of the Pastor, there shall be a Board of Deacons. The Board of Directors shall hold Lariat Ministries accountable to the Sovereignty of God and His direction. They, together with the CEO Director, Pastor shall be committed to the spiritual and ranch management of all the affairs of the ranch assembly. The Board of Directors shall not have the right to supersede the authority vested in the scriptural office of the CEO Director. A Director shall be respected in his sacred office and shall show consistent evidence of the Christ like attitude of servant hood. The members of the Board of Directors are chosen to serve the ranch assembly in conformity to the Scriptures, and are directly responsible to Director and Pastor and ranch assemblies members for their actions and conduct. No credentialed minister shall be eligible for any office on the Board of Directors. At his discretion, the CEO Director shall appoint lay elders from the Board of Directors as shall needed upon death or rapture.ARTICLE III - OFFICERSThe officers of the ranch assembly shall be the CEO Director, Pastor and the Board of Directors, which shall consist of up to seven members, and shall include a Secretary and a Treasurer. The CEO Director has authority to appoint successor. If He fails to do so in writing, the board so has authority to nominate a successor and members must be at least 2/3rds in favor. ARTICLE IV - DUTIES OF OFFICERSSECTION 1. THE PASTOR. The Pastor shall be considered the spiritual overseer of the ranch assembly and the CEO Director shall direct has authority over said Pastor & all of ranch activities. The CEO Director shall be the president of the corporation and shall act as chairman of all business meetings of the ranch assembly, and of the Board of Deacons. He shall provide for all of the services of the ranch assembly, and shall arrange for all special meetings, conventions, etc. No person shall be invited to speak or preach in the ranch assembly without his approval. The Director is to be held accountable in operating in the manner of the scripture of the Holy Bible through the Board of Directors. A. No business, except as outlined in Article XI, Section 3, By-Laws, shall be transacted in his absence, except by his verbal or written consent. In an emergency situation, where all attempts to contact the CEO Director prove futile, the Board of Directors may meet in emergency session, to transact the necessary business of the ranch assembly. In each case, it shall be understood that a verbal report, along with a copy of the official minutes of this meeting, shall be rendered to the CEO Director upon his location. Decisions made and voted on can be instituted by verbal approval of CEO Director over the phone, all decisions that have been made, are under the later approval of said CEO Director upon his return. B. At his discretion, the CEO Director may choose to serve in any part-time district office, provided he notify the Board of Directors of his intentions within thirty days. It shall be understood that such service must not compromise his effective ministry and administrate to this ranch assembly. The ranch assembly will not assume any financial obligations as a result of such district office without the approval of the Board of Deacons. SECTION 2. BOARD OF DEACONS. The Board of Directors is chosen to serve the ranch assembly, and therefore shall act in an advisory capacity with the CEO Director in all matters pertaining to the ranch assembly, in its spiritual life, and in the ministry of its ordinances. They shall act in the examination of applicants for membership, and also in the administration of discipline. A. Qualifications for the scriptural office of Director shall be as a Deacon shall be those as set forth in God's Word: Acts 6:3 - "Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them." I Timothy 3:8-13 - "Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus." B. The Board of Directors shall be the custodians of all the property of the ranch assembly and shall be responsible for the same, ranch foreman must have ranch alterations other than maintenance approved by said Directors. In an emergency approval of CEO may be used, then later voted upon by Directors. C. A simple majority present at any meeting of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum, provided all members have been notified to be present. In the event the ranch assembly is temporarily without a CEO Director, the Board of Directors shall be empowered to appoint someone currently serving on the board to act as chairman, in order to transact the necessary business for the assembly, all decisions shall be approved by CEO director upon His return. SECTION 3 . SECRETARY. The Secretary always be present and shall keep the minutes of the official meetings of the Board of Directors meetings, and of the annual and special business meetings of the ranch assembly. He or she  shall keep a record of the membership of the ranch assembly and perform any other clerical work necessary for the proper discharge of his or her duties. The secretary shall be responsible for all the legal documents of the ranch assembly, as well as the corporate seal, and as custodian of the same, shall provide for their safekeeping. SECTION 4 . TREASURER. The Treasurer shall be entrusted with all the finances of the ranch assembly which are committed to him by the CEO Director and Board of Directors. The Treasure shall deposit all funds in a responsible bank in the name of the ranch assembly, and shall disburse the same by check, as authorized by the CEO Director and/or Board of Deacons upon the CEO Director's absence. The treasurer shall keep an itemized account of the receipts and disbursements. He shall make an itemized report at the regular meeting of the Board of Directors, and a summarized report to the assembly at its annual business meeting. His accounts shall be audited under the direction of the CEO Director and Board of Directors. ARTICLE V - NOMINATIONSSECTION 1. CEO DIRECTOR. The Board of Directors, as the nominating committee, shall nominate a pastoral candidate or officers for ranch operations by a simple majority vote of all votes cast, and present him to the ranch assembly for election at an annual business meeting, or a special meeting called for that purpose. SECTION 2. BOARD OF DIRECTORS. The Secretary shall submit to the CEO Director a listing of men who have been active members of the ranch assembly for at least one year. This list shall be submitted to the CEO Director by the end of the December preceding the annual business meeting. The CEO Director shall review the list of potential candidates to determine their willingness to serve, and their scriptural and constitutional eligibility, if no eligible candidates are available at the ranch assembly, CEO Director has authority to go outside of the ranch assembly for candidate. Shall be voted on in same constitution manners. SECTION 3. NOMINATING COMMITTEE. The Board of Directors shall act as the nominating committee. The CEO Director shall act as chairman of this committee, yet will not have the right to vote. The Pastor shall submit to the Board of Directors for further discussion the names of those meeting the eligibility requirements. In the event CEO Director cannot or has nominated a candidate for his replacement, the committee shall nominate by a simple majority vote of all votes cast, those qualified candidates for the office of director. This shall be done at any regular meeting of the Board of Directors, or at a special meeting called for that purpose. Results of this process shall be entered into the official minutes of the meeting.
SECTION 4. POSTING. The Secretary will prepare a sample ballot containing the names of the nominees and post the same in a conspicuous place in the church at least two Sundays prior to the annual business meeting. SECTION 5. SECRETARY AND TREASURER. During the annual business meeting and after the election process for the Board of Directors has been completed, the CEO Director, Pastor and the newly-elected Board of Directors shall meet in caucus to nominate from its members one to serve as Secretary and one to serve as Treasurer. These nominees shall be immediately submitted to the active membership present for ratification. SECTION 6. It shall be understood that only those men who fully meet the scriptural and constitutional requirements for the office of Director are eligible for nomination. If in the event the CEO Director, Pastor and Board of Directors determine there is an insufficient number of men who meet the eligibility requirements to fill any available office(s), then the vacant office(s) shall remain vacant until the next election at the following annual business meeting. With respect to Article VII, Section 3, By-Laws, this vacancy shall not be defined as irregular. 
ARTICLE VI - ELECTIONS AND RATIFICATIONSSECTION 1. Ranch Pastor.Who is not CEO Director. The Director shall be elected by a two-thirds majority of all votes cast at an annual business meeting or special business meeting called for that purpose. The Director shall be called for an indefinite period of time, unless otherwise stipulated by the assembly at the time of election. Director conduct is held accountable by the Board of Directors. SECTION 2. BOARD OF DIRECTORS. A Director shall be elected by a simple majority of all votes cast at the annual meeting. His term of office shall be three years. SECTION 3. SECRETARY. A Secretary shall be elected by a simple majority of all votes cast at the annual meeting. His term of office shall be one year. SECTION 4. TREASURER. A Treasurer shall be elected by a simple majority of all votes cast at the annual meeting. His term of office shall be one year. SECTION 5. If after the second ballot, all available offices have not been filled, only two nominees per unfilled office shall remain on the ballot. The two nominees shall be determined as those having the highest total of votes on the ballot. All other nominees shall be dropped. This process shall continue until all available offices have been filled. SECTION 6. In the event there are less than or the same number of eligible nominees for the available offices and after the first ballot one or more of the nominees fail to receive the majority vote required for election, the available office(s) shall then be considered vacant until the next election at the following annual business meeting. SECTION 7. In the event the nominee for Secretary and/or Treasurer fails to receive the majority vote required for ratification on the first ballot, the CEO Director or Pastor and newly-elected Board of Directors shall again meet in caucus to review the nominee selection. The nominee(s) selected shall then be presented to the active membership present for ratification. This process shall continue until a selection is made.SECTION 7. In the event the nominee for Secretary and/or Treasurer fails to receive the majority vote required for ratification on the first ballot, the Pastor and newly-elected Board of Directors shall again meet in caucus to review the nominee selection. The nominee(s) selected shall then be presented to the active membership present for ratification. This process shall continue until a selection is made. SECTION 8. Those officers elected at the annual business meeting shall assume their office immediately. SECTION 9. Election of the CEO Director, Pastor, Board of Directors, and ratification of Secretary and Treasurer shall be made by secret ballot. SECTION 10. Ministers of Music, Wrangler of Youth, Education, and any other members of the ministerial or ranch staff shall be appointed by and under the direct supervision of the CEO Director. These appointments shall be ratified by the Board of Directors, by a simple majority of all votes cast.ARTICLE VII - VACANCIESSECTION 1. THE PASTOR. The tenure of office of the pastorate shall be terminated by resignation, death, or removal by disqualification. Power is vested in the CEO Director and Board of Directors to ask for the resignation of the Pastor at any of its regular business meetings. If such resignation is refused, the pastorate shall not be considered vacant until the action of the Board of Directors has been confirmed by a two-thirds majority vote of all votes cast by the active membership present at a meeting called for that purpose. When a vacancy in the pastorate shall occur, a supply shall be arranged for by the Board of Directors until a Pastor shall be chosen, according to the Constitution and By-Laws of the ranch assembly. In the case of the Pastor's removal from office, a report of such action shall be made in writing to the CEO Director and Board of Director. SECTION 2. OTHER OFFICERS. Any office may be declared vacant by a simple majority vote of all votes cast by the Board of Directors at any regular or special business meeting of the board. Grounds for such action shall be: (1) unscriptural conduct, (2) doctrinal departure from the tenets of faith, (3) incompetence in office, (4) for any good and sufficient cause. SECTION 3. The Board of Directors is empowered, yet not required to fill any irregular vacancy until the next annual election of officers. It shall be understood that such appointment must meet the qualifications for the office of Board of Directors as defined in the By-Laws Article II, Section 3, and Article IV, Section 2, 2.A and 2.B. ARTICLE VIII - MEMBERSHIPSECTION 1. MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY. Membership in this ranch assembly shall be open to all those who give evidence of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and are qualified for ranch type ministries, and who voluntarily subscribe to its tenets of faith and agree to be governed by its Constitution and By-Laws. SECTION 2. STANDARD OF MEMBERSHIP. The standard of membership of this ranch assembly shall be: A. Evidence of a genuine experience in regeneration (the new birth, John 1:12-13; 3:3-8; I Peter 1:18-25B. Evidence of a consistent Christian life (Romans 6:4; 8:1-4; 13:13-14; Ephesians 4:17-32; 5:1-21; I John 1:6-7) C. To fully subscribe to the tenets of faith as set forth in the Constitution and By-Laws adopted by the ranch  assembly. D. Obedience to the scriptural teaching of tithing and the giving of offerings and alms (Malachi 3:8-12Luke 11:422 Cor. 9Prov. 9 and 10Matt. 6:1-4Luke 6:38SECTION 3. ACTIVE (VOTING) MEMBERSHIP. All those who meet the scriptural standards for membership whose names appear on the original membership role of this ranch assembly at the time the assembly was first organized, together with those names which shall be added from time to time, shall constitute the legal voting membership of the ranch assembly, provided they are eighteen years of age or over, regularly attend and participate in the services, live consistent Christian lives and are in agreement with our distinctive testimony. SECTION 4. JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP. There shall be a non-voting junior membership for young people, ages 13-17, who give clear evidence of their salvation having made Christ both Savior and Lord, who regularly attend and participate in the services, and meet the qualifications for membership as set forth in this Constitution and By-Laws. Upon reaching eighteen years of age, junior membership shall expire, and it will become necessary to apply for active (voting) membership, as specified in Article VIII, Section 8 of the By-Laws. SECTION 5. STUDENT MEMBERSHIP. There shall be a non-voting student membership for those at least 18 years of age who because of educational commitments cannot meet the eligibility requirements for active membership. Upon conclusion of this commitment and re-entry into the assembly, their membership status shall be reviewed and changed accordingly upon the evidence of their meeting the qualifications for membership set forth in this Constitution and By-Laws. SECTION 6. LEAVE OF ABSENCE. A non-voting membership classification of "leave of absence" shall be granted to those members who, for reasons of employment, military, or other reasonable obligation, cannot meet the eligibility requirements for membership. Upon conclusion of this commitment and re-entry into the assembly, their membership status shall be reviewed and changed accordingly upon the evidence of their meeting the qualifications for membership set forth in this Constitution and By-Laws. SECTION 7. INACTIVE MEMBERSHIP. Members who shall, without good cause, absent themselves from the services for a period of three consecutive months or more, or who shall cease to contribute of their means to its support, who may be out of harmony with its teachings or ministries, or who shall be under charges for misconduct, or who may have fallen under condemnation through sinful or worldly practices, shall be considered as inactive members. They shall lose their voting privileges until they are restored to the fellowship, and then their standing will be settled by the definite action of the Board of Deacons. SECTION 8. RECEPTION OF MEMBERS. Persons desiring to become active members of the assembly shall make the fact known through appropriate application procedures. The CEO Director or Pastor will examine applicant(s) according to Article VIII, Sections 1 and 2, By-Laws. He shall then present the names of those applicants along with his recommendation to the Board of Directors. They shall act upon said recommendation and render a final decision. All applicants shall be approved for membership by a simple majority vote of all votes cast by the Board of Directors. Their names shall be inscribed on the active membership roster the next business day. These same shall be publicly received into the assembly on the next designated Membership Sunday. SECTION 9. DISCIPLINE. Any member of the ranch assembly who shall willfully absent himself from the regular services for a period of three consecutive months, or who shall be under charges of failing to meet the membership eligibility requirements and/or standard of membership shall be temporarily placed on the inactive list, pending investigation and final decision by the Board of Directors. SECTION 10. TRANSFER. Members in good standing, who desire to be transferred to another ranch assembly may request a letter of transfer from the Secretary. SECTION 11. REMOVAL. Any member who no longer desires to be in fellowship with this ranch assembly must notify the Secretary in writing and their name shall be deleted from the membership roster. SECTION 12. REVISION OF ROSTER. The CEO Director, Pastor and Board of Directors shall be authorized to revise the membership list of this ranch assembly as often as deemed necessary. They shall remove from the list of active members all the names of those who have become ineligible; i.e., death, disqualification, transfer, or request. SECTION 13. NOTIFICATION. If a name is removed for any cause, as detailed in Article VIII, Section 9 of the By-Laws, they shall be notified of this action by the Board of Directors through the Secretary within thirty (30) days.ARTICLE IX - DEPARTMENTS/COMMITTEESSECTION 1. PURPOSE. The establishment of departments and committees shall be provided for as the needs of the church may require. They shall contribute to the development of Christian character and service, and shall be conducted as branches of the church. They shall be subordinate to the ranch assembly and shall contribute to the harmony and development of the whole. SECTION 2. ORGANIZATION. The CEO Director, Pastor and Board of Directors shall be responsible for establishing all departments and/or committees. They shall be under the general supervision of the CEO Director, Pastor, and Board of Directors and the CEO Director Pastor shall be exofficio member of all departments and/or committees and Pastor shall co-administer to the director. SECTION 3. APPOINTMENTS AND APPROVALS. The CEO Director shall appoint all department heads and shall approve of all workers involved in ministries within the assembly. All department heads shall be active members of this assembly and shall meet the qualifications and standards of the assembly. The Pastor shall determine the policies and approve of the programs of all departments and/or committees of the assembly.
ARTICLE X - MEETINGSSECTION 1. PUBLIC WORSHIP. Meetings for public worship shall be held on each Lord's Day, and during the week as may be provided for under the direction of the CEO Director, Pastor and Board of Directors. SECTION 2. ANNUAL BUSINESS. There shall be an annual business meeting of the ranch assembly, at which time reports of all officers shall be read, and election and ratification of officers shall take place. This meeting shall be held during the month of February each year. Due notice shall be given at least two Sundays prior to the date of the meeting. SECTION 3. SPECIAL BUSINESS. Special business meetings of the assembly may be called when necessary after proper notice has been given by the Director, Pastor or by the Secretary of the assembly provided the meeting has been agreed upon by a simple majority vote of all votes cast by the Board of Directors. SECTION 4. RIGHT OF INITIATIVE. Special meetings may also be called by petition having been signed by not less than one-third of the active membership of the assembly. The petition shall be placed in the hands of the Pastor, or the Secretary, and announcement made at least two Sundays prior to the date of said meeting. SECTION 5. PARLIAMENTARY ORDER. All business meetings of this ranch assembly shall be governed by parliamentary procedure, in keeping with the spirit of Christian love and fellowship. SECTION 6. QUORUM. No record of any regular or special business meeting of the ranch assembly shall be made unless one-third or more active members are present to constitute a quorum. Exception to this shall take place with the selection of the CEO Director, at which time two-thirds or more active members must be present to constitute a quorum. SECTION 7. BOARD OF DIRECTORS. The Board of Directors with the CEO Director, & Pastor shall meet quarterly or monthly depending on the order of business demands for the transaction of all necessary business of the ranch assembly. Time and place to be announced by the CEO Director or Pastor. 
ARTICLE XI - FINANCESSECTION 1. CONTRIBUTIONS. All funds for the maintenance of the ranch assembly shall be provided by voluntary contribution of the tithe, offerings, and alms of the members and friends of the ranch assembly. Offerings shall be accepted by the assembly at such times and such ways as agreed upon by the CEO Director, Pastor, and the Board of Directors and shall be administered by the Treasurer under their direction. (Malachi 3:10; Luke 6:38; I Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor.9:6-8). All funds from Sponsors and or grants or contributions for other entities shall be governed accepted and distributed as Board of Directors necessary for the proper operation of the ranch assembly.SECTION 2. RESPONSIBILITY. The Board of Directors shall have full responsibility for all financial matters in every department of the ranch assembly. All records shall be subject to audit by the Board of Directors. SECTION 3. REMUNERATION. The Board of Directors shall determine all salaries in the light of God's Word (I Tim.5:17-18; Luke 10:7). The CEO Director, Pastor, ministerial and ranch staff, and any other employees of the ranch assembly shall be remunerated in the amount and manner determined by the Board of Directors. SECTION 4. AUDIT. The Treasurer's books are to be audited at the end of each year by an independent auditor, and his signed report presented at the annual business meeting. ARTICLE XII - PROPERTYAll property of the assembly shall be deeded, held, sold, transferred, or conveyed in the corporate name of the ranch assembly. No real estate or buildings owned by the ranch assembly shall be sold, leased, mortgaged, or otherwise disposed of without having first been recommended by at least a two-thirds majority vote of all votes cast by the active membership present at the annual business meeting or special meeting called for consideration of such a proposal. The CEO Director, Pastor, and the Secretary of the ranch assembly shall certify in such conveyance, lease, or mortgage that the same has been duly authorized and recommended by a vote of the ranch assembly. Such certificate shall be held to be conclusive evidence thereof. In the event that this ranch assembly ceases to function as a Godly church body, then the said property, real, or chattel shall revert to the Bowline family and Board. The CEO Director & Board of the Lariat Ministries Inc. shall then have the authority to use or dispose of the property at its discretion. In the event of a sale of the property by the Board, the proceeds derived form the sale shall be used by the said Board in the furtherance of the gospel of Christ.
ARTICLE XIII - ORDER OF BUSINESSThe contents of the Annual Business meeting shall include the following: 1. Roll Call 2. Devotional
                                        3. Reading of the Minutes of the Previous Annual Business Meeting 4. Report of the Secretary 5. Report of the Treasurer 6. Unfinished Business 7. Election of Officers 8. New Business 9. Adjournment ARTICLE XIV - AMENDMENTSThese By-Laws may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of all votes case by the active membership present at the annual business meeting, or at a special meeting called for that purpose. Due notice of the actual proposed amendment(s) shall be made at least two Sundays prior to the date of such a meeting. A copy shall be made available to all members. 

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All Guests are required to sign a liability release form. You may print this out and bring it with you or sign upon arrival. Email us to receive this form or copy and paste.

Release of Liability Form

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND ACCEPTANCE OF DANGERS, 
RISKS AND HAZARDS OF RANCH & FACILITY OCCUPANCY 
AND/OR RECREATION AGREEMENT 

KNOW ALL MEN, WOMEN BY THESE PRESENTS: For the consideration, be it hereby agreed: 
PARTIES: Host is Lariat Ministries Ranch, its shareholders, lessors, officers, employees and agents. Host is an Equine Professional. Guest is the person whose name appears below, and any minors or dependents accompanying that person. Guest is participant. 

CONSIDERATION: Use of the Lariat Ministries Ranch by guest. 
RANCH: The Lariat Ministries KERN County, CA.

TERMS:

(1) Guest acknowledges and understands that no warranty, either expressed or implied, is made by the Host as to the safety of the premises occupied and/or used for recreation of any type located in Kern county, California, including but not limited to any roads, buildings, gates or other improvements located thereon. This document is sufficient warning that dangerous conditions, risks and hazards do exist. Guest's presence and activities on and about the premises expose both Guest and Guest's property to dangerous conditions, risks and hazards, including but not limited to: poisonous snakes, insects and spiders; hunting blinds and tree stands, whether or not erected by owner; ditches, erosion and general condition of the land, both on and off roadways and creating rough, hazardous and dangerous driving, riding and walking conditions; animals, both wild and domestic that may be diseased and/or potentially dangerous; deep water; sharp rocks; persons with firearms both on or off the premises; and the use of vehicles. Guest specifically acknowledge that horses and domesticated animals, including cattle, and activities related to there are inherently dangerous and can lead to dangerous conditions, risks, and hazards. Guest hereby expressly assumes all such dangers, risks and hazards. 

(2) Guest realizes that there are natural and man-made hazards associated with the ranch experience, and Guest assumes all risks in connection with such hazards. Guest realizes that slippery shower stalls, cement swimming facilities, hot stoves and other man-made hazards are associated with the ranch experience. Guest agrees and understands that Host assumes no liability for the safety of the person or property of Guest or Guest's servants, guest, agents or employees. For the consideration, Guest agrees to release Host from any liability for damages or injury to the person and/or property of Guest or Guest's servants, guests, agents, or employees occurring on or about the Ranch. Cumulative of the foregoing, Guest agrees to indemnify and hold Host harmless from any and all actions or causes of action, claims, demands, liabilities, loss, damage, injury, cost or expense of whatever kind or nature, including cost of litigation, attorney's fees and reasonable expenses in connection therewith, for injury to Guest and/or for damage to or loss of property of Guest or Guest's servants, guests, agents or employees occurring on or about the Ranch, whether or not such action, claim, demand, loss, injury or damage claim shall be valid or groundless. The term "injury" as used herein also covers death; and the release and indemnification provision of this paragraph is binding upon the successor and assigns and the estate of Guest. In addition to other matters covered hereby, the release and indemnification provision of this paragraph also covers all claims for wrongful death under the California Civil Practice and Remedies Code.

(3) Guest expressly confirms that it is Guest's intent that all indemnity obligations and liabilities assumed by Guest under the terms hereof shall be without monetary limit and that by executing this Agreement, Guest expressly agrees to release and indemnify Host from and against the consequences of Host's own negligence (whether such negligence is active or passive and whether such negligence is the sole proximate cause or a proximate cause jointly and concurrently with the negligence of Guest or others) resulting in the damages or injury to the person and/or property of Guest or Guest's servants, guests, agents or employees. 

WARNING 
UNDER CALIFORNIA LAW (CIVIL PRACTICE AND REMEDIES CODE), AN EQUINE PROFESSIONAL IS NOT LIABLE FOR AN INJURY TO OR THE DEATH OF A PARTICIPANT IN EQUINE ACTIVITIES RESULTING FROM THE INHERENT RISKS OF EQUINE ACTIVITIES.

(4) Guest hereby further covenants and agrees that Guest, Guest's heirs, successors and assigns will not make any claim or institute any suit or action at law or in equity against the Host or Host's respective heirs, agents, representatives, employees, successors or assigns. 

(5) This agreement is fully performable in Kern County, Ca.
 
(6) The provisions, covenants, conditions and indemnities contained in this Release shall survive the term of Guest's stay at the Lariat Ministries Ranch. 

(7) I understand that Lariat Ministries reserves the right to take photographic or film records of any activities/guests on its property and hereby agree that Lariat Ministries Ranch may use any such photographic or film records for promotional and/or commercial purposes as well as approve such use by third parties with whom Lariat Ministries Ranch may partner for a joint marketing effort. 

In signing this Agreement, I represent and warrant that (a) I have had ample opportunity to read this Agreement and have done so; (b) I understand and voluntarily agree to each term of the Agreement; (c) I have the authority to sign this Agreement for each person listed below; (d) I am under no duress or requirement to sign this Agreement; (e) no representations or statements have been made to me about the safety of riding and/or the guest ranch experience, including the quality or suitability of the horses and equipment, or any other matter concerning riding and related activities including trails or guides; (f) I have not been induced to sign this Agreement by the statement or conduct of any person; and (g) I have the mental competency to understand and enter into this Agreement. 
Dated and signed this _____ day of _______________, 200__.
Lariat Ministries Ranch
By: ______________________________
Agent for Host
________________________________________

Guest's Signature Print Name
_________________________________________

Guest's Signature Print Name
I am also executing this Agreement on behalf of the minors listed
below:
_______________________________ _____________________________


Executive Summary

 We are still rewriting this summary
 
    Cowboys in Lariat Ministries will not be a substitute for the local Church or Assembly, nor is it in competition with any denominational group. We seek to help or partner up, by God's enabling grace, to be a helper to all local churches, denominations and groups to the extent that they are in harmony with the will of the Almighty God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, being bible based. It's function is to proclaim the Word of God and development of His saints and lost souls. It is designed for outreach and building up of the Body of Christ, Gods' blood bought people, and in harmony with the work of the Holy Spirit as an active force in the Lord's program for the present day, in reaching out to the lost worldly souls and disabled or challenged people, teaching them to learn to cowboy or cowgirl up with Jesus.
   Supreme authority over this organization and all its activities is vested in Father God, His word, Gods' own son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and exercised by the Holy Spirit. This must be recognized and practiced as laid out for us in Gods' divinely inspired Word, the Holy Bible.
    Local participation in a civil society is one of the essential driving forces of sustainable human development, that is product of good Christianity practices in a community. Local decision making directly shines out to the community and social interests of private citizens as well as the economic goals and choices of producers and consumers. 
   Local decision making at the "grassroots" and at intermediate levels of social and economic organization is less encumbered by bureaucracy and excessive regulation. 
   As a result, local participation will stimulate initiate, innovation, entrepreneurship, rapid technology transfer, and adaptability to the development process. 
    Lariat Ministries seeks to engage the support of local corporations and sponsors to participate in the capacity of cowboy ministry organization for the development process of a Godly ranch organization to develop men into Godly purpose filled men and to help challenged kids to become fruitful souls in our society. Partnership with nongovernmental organizations together with small businesses and local churches, corporate sponsors and grants comprise the core components of effective local capacity in financially success-fullness of operating this organization. 

Objectives;
   Lariat's goal is to create a large, diverse community of Christian people helping people, capable of promoting sustainable development of the community. Move over satan you had better be on the run, there is a new sheriff in town. We are here to teach saints to cowboy up with Jesus and lasso in the lost in a ranch setting using the word of God to lead the way.
   We will build up and help men’s ministry in local churches. With teaching men to be all they can be in Jesus. Each church and person is different; the nature and roles of Lariat will differ significantly from individual to individual. Every individual is potentially a critical and vital vehicle for joining collective interests and for ensuring citizens in participation in the development process. Discipline Christian men is the goal and help men’s ministry in doing that. We will be a source of support and resource. We will have events in training and in development of Christian saints and find the lost. We will have inspirational speakers and music worship and speakers from nationally renowned Christian community.
   Lariat Ministries, a Christian Cowboy Organization for helping men become all they can be in and for Christ. A leader of the family and community, for moral leadership and love. This will be training up through ranch type experiences and class room studies. Also we will help challenged or disabled children become Christ filled and Christ centered young saints. Teaching love and compassion of the bible, through the ranch experiences. Something happens when you put a horse with a couple of kids and give them the responsibility of the animal. We also help train individuals in learning a trade or help them with a college education.
    Our secondary function will be to help Challenged Children and parents how to cope with challenged children life and building a new perspective. Helping kids using horses is watching a miracles take place.
   In our community where the linkages between local small business, and local government are strong and where there are good Christians to be sustainable in the progress toward democracy and free-enterprise, Lariat can set the stage for graduation from being a sideline observer of life to be a fruitful and productive participant in the United States of America and the whole of North America. 
   There is such a need for the man to be taught and shown the responsibility of a man as a father, the man of the family, and being a valuable asset to the community. Principles of God taught and explained. There is such wide spread dysfunctional men in all walks of society here in North America. Also there are so many Christians who go to church, yet do not know what to do when adversity comes or how to act properly in circumstances of life, let alone know that our corporate purpose for God to spread the word of the Gospel. Which leaves us with dysfunctional people along with challenged and disabled kids just existing and not looking for the challenges of life to develop their skills of being a good saint.
    We are not in competition or in struggle with the local churches or local organizations. We are here to be a source and resource of materials and help and the way of Yahweh. As we develop we plan to seek grants and sponsorships to help with provision and guidance to local smaller organizations that help less fortunate or disabled adults or children.
    Lariat will be integrally involved in developing program activities and have greater input into churches and agencies in planning and decision making processes for men‘s ministry. We are building a resource of income, raising and selling horses & bovine, also with books authored by the founder, and in our teaching of the men, in different trades, we will develop products for sale in the solar field and alternative fuels.  

Ranch objective as layout; Ranch land $1.5 Million down on 300 acres., Main ranch house, Dinning hall, kitchen, and rec area, Two bunk houses one male and the other female 24 beds ea. for challenged kids, 7 small guest cabins, ranch hands quarters, guest quarters, chapel, classrooms building, Pastors house, Foreman’s house, Nurse’s house, Main barn, mechanics garage for farm equip. and ranch equip., van, buses, tractors, etc., hay barn, pole barns 4, Generator house, well house with water works. Solar and wind generation with back up diesel. 43 horses, 100 head of cattle, chickens, quail, cows, goats, garden for fresh produce with Green House. Gathering pit with sound, horse corals, stables, horse track and arena building, small lake for swimming and fishing.

Qualifications 
   Qualifications are; getting back to my roots. I was raised as a cowboy and in water well drilling trade. Which I was taught both nature of animals and workings of the mechanical world and the human persona. We had a ranch for wrangling horses, raising alfalfa and cotton. Also we had a pack station in the Sierra Nevada Mountains east of Fresno, CA. which we took tourist, by horse back into the back country for fishing and hunting. I was also trained in the US Navy in air conditioning and refrigeration. I am a Vietnam veteran, 5 time decorated. I was exposed to agent orange and carbon technichloride. My health has been a challenge overcome by the grace of God and by the Veterans Hospital function. 
   I worked in hospitals while attending college at night for over 5 years. I have spent my adult life in HVAC trades and real estate transactions of buying land, building homes and selling. I am adopted child which qualifies me for understanding challenged kids. I will hire similar cowboys with a different qualities to help train up men and care and encourage disabled and challenged kids. We will have in place a quality screening program to keep out the wrong personnel in training men and children, having their best interest at heart and by law.
    I am a born again Christian man. God gave me a purpose in writing a book for beginner Christians. After 3 rewrites and 7 seven years I finally got copy righted. My publisher is Tate Publishing, our bible publisher is Nelson Publishing. I have been involved in men’s ministry. I have been the Ambassador for Bakersfield for Promise Keepers, also a representative for Iron Sharpens Iron.  I have been on the leadership team for Honor Bound Men and completed a Blue Print course in development of men’s ministry. Education 48 credits Jr. College and a graduate of hard knocks university with a degree in life management. Presented to me by my Holy Spirit.

Budget;  
Start-up budget; $3 Million Operating budget; $750 K per yr. Budget based on similar non-profit organization.
Full document attached;
The budget is based on AG church guide lines. 
CEO and Director Salary $52K / house
Co-Director and Cowboy Pastor Salary $42K / house
Foreman salary $42K / house
Ranch manager
Treasurer
Office manager
Office personel
Receptionist
Ranch Hands
Registered Nurse $   / house
Cook    $ 
Cook help 
Pastor & Educators 
(Among the staff we will have someone who sings, someone who is a story teller).
Quarterly motivator and speaker budget; $75K
Expense cards for gasoline reimbursement method for key employees.
Expense cards for overnight stays and food.


Expenses;
Full document attached;
Permits, Incorporation cost, name registration, Office equipment and supplies, Radio and newspaper adds. Salaries, Insurance, Mortgage payment, Utilities, office supplies, computers and cell phones and related equipment, education supplies, food, fuel and parts, feed, farming expenditures, and veterinary cost. Trucks, Cars, Tractor, Ranch, and farm equipment, Saddles & Tack for animals, Ranch land building materials, solar equipment for energy and power.
Items needed;
Full page in attached document;
Ranch land 1.5 Mil. Down on 300 acres or more, Solar generation and back up diesel generator $90K, Building materials $750K, 2 ranch type vehicles, 3 4-wheel drive pick ups, one 1 Ton truck, skip loader tractor, small dump truck, 2, 5th wheel stock trailers, two regular rodeo type horse trailers, 7 John deer Buck 650 EXT Auto ATV (2006), Hay bailer, Hay truck, 1 van, 1 bus, 1 RV. 
Total Amount_____________ 









Income;
Implementation and sustaining plans; 
   We will encourage and train up men and disabled children. Lariat will support local capacity building organizations as we grow, helping to them create and sustain an extensive network of "partnership" relationships involving: 
Resources of education and moral beliefs.
Helping Challenged Children
Resource for provision financially and community support.
Develop missions ranches through out our wonderful country.
Developing men to be cowboy missionaries to teach other’s.
Supporting the ranch with profits from cattle and horse sales, corporate and angel funding.
    There are many mechanisms available to Lariat to bring about these partnerships. In adopting everyone into our family, our organization will be relying more heavily on the judgment and expertise of its churches and community leaders as partners. We plan to grow through self sustaining financial base of cattle production, book sales, products from training up of men in teaching new skills in three fields.
   Also we will continue seeking funding for distribution of grants and provision to those in need, on the local level.        
 
Project future;
 Plans of starting sister ranches throughout north America. And helping smaller non profit organizations with grants and corporate sponsors.




I. Policy Guidance & Constitution with By Laws
Of Lariat Ministries


A. Development Rationale
The Lariat ranch Community and Sustainable Development 
List all operating rules and policies

 CEO Director, Pastor, and Board of Directors, ranch employees, guest, & men, women and children in training shall act in accordance of moral conduct as Jesus Christ would act. All other conduct is not tolerated and will fall under jurisdiction of immediate dismissal or direction of punitive actions of Lariat Ministries security division. Adult security regulations and rules. 
All children under the ages of 18 shall fall under the rules and regulations of the Children ministries. 
   In the process of sustainable development, an effective and efficient civil society is as important as effective and efficient markets. Civil society organizes political participation just as markets organize economic participation in the society. Like markets, civil society conditions social behavior and helps allocate resources. In short, civil society plays the same sort of functional role in sustainable development that markets do. 
    In effect, both civil society and markets are essential "gears" in the sustainable development process. Like markets, civil society can function more or less effectively depending on government policies, the cultural values of the society, and levels of technology and infrastructure. Over time, like markets, civil society feeds back and can bring about changes in policies, values and technology. 
Sustainable development is most likely to occur where both civil society and markets are free and open to broad-based participation. The goal of the Lariat empowerment component of God’s creation of a large, diverse community of local non profit organizations capable of promoting sustainable development. 
In addition to the impact a vigorous Lariat community can have as a provider of services and in direct economic activity in the local area for Christianity development.
Serve as a conduit for new Christian teaching methods, technology and practices; 
Educate the public as to their rights and entitlements under Church programs; 
Attune official programs to public needs by acting as a conduit for public opinion and local Christian experience; 
Provide efficient operational collaboration with corporate sponsors and funding donors; 
Influence development policies of national and international institutions, including support for decentralization and church reforms; and 
Help national and local churches and shelters fashion a more effective development strategy through strengthening institutions, staff training and improving management capacity to further the education in Christianity . 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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