BYLAWS OF OZARKS CHURCH OF NATURE, INC.

An Arkansas Nonprofit Religious Corporation

ARTICLE I — NAME AND ORGANIZATION

Section 1. Name.

The name of this organization is Ozarks Church of Nature, Inc., hereafter referred to as the “Church.”

Section 2. Organization.

The Church is organized as an Arkansas nonprofit religious corporation under the Arkansas Nonprofit Corporation Act of 1993.

Section 3. Religious Character.

Ozarks Church of Nature is a nature-centered religious and spiritual community organized for religious, charitable, educational, and related purposes consistent with its Articles of Incorporation and foundational beliefs.

Section 4. Governing Documents.

The Church shall be governed in accordance with its Articles of Incorporation, these Bylaws, its adopted policies and foundational religious principles, and applicable law. If a provision of these Bylaws conflicts with the Articles of Incorporation, the Articles of Incorporation shall control.

ARTICLE II — PURPOSE

Section 1. General Purpose.

The Church exists to provide a place for worship, contemplation, spiritual exploration, education, fellowship, service, stewardship of Nature, charitable activity, and community.

The Church seeks to create and maintain sacred space in which people may gather, learn, pray, meditate, study, serve, create, grow food, care for the Earth and its inhabitants, share knowledge, and experience the Divine according to their own conscience.

Section 2. Foundational Beliefs.

The Church’s separately adopted Foundational Beliefs of the Ozarks Church of Nature, as amended from time to time through the Church’s established governance process, express the religious principles that guide its ministry and activities.

These Bylaws govern how the organization operates. They are not intended to replace, rewrite, or supersede the Bible or any other sacred text studied or respected by the Church.

Section 3. Religious and Charitable Activities.

Activities of the Church may include worship gatherings; quiet sanctuary hours; spiritual and educational classes; book and study circles; nature education; gardening and land stewardship; food sharing; charitable service; music and creative expression; invited teachers and speakers; retreats and gatherings; and other activities consistent with the Church’s religious, educational, and charitable purposes.

ARTICLE III — PARTICIPATION AND MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Nonmember Corporation.

In accordance with its Articles of Incorporation, Ozarks Church of Nature, Inc. shall have no statutory members as that term is used under Arkansas nonprofit corporation law.

Section 2. Community Participation.

The absence of statutory corporate members shall not restrict participation in the religious life of the Church. Individuals may attend worship, gatherings, classes, study groups, volunteer activities, charitable programs, sanctuary hours, and other Church activities in accordance with Church policies and reasonable boundaries established for the safety of persons, animals, property, and the sanctuary.

Participation in the spiritual community does not by itself create voting rights or corporate membership.

ARTICLE IV — COUNCIL OF STEWARDS

Section 1. Governing Body.

The affairs of the Church shall be overseen by a governing body known as the Council of Stewards.

For purposes of the Arkansas Nonprofit Corporation Act and any other law requiring reference to a “board of directors” or “directors,” the Council of Stewards shall constitute the Board of Directors of Ozarks Church of Nature, Inc., and each Steward shall constitute a Director of the corporation.

The use of the word Steward reflects the Church’s belief that leadership is a responsibility of service and care rather than ownership, rank, or spiritual superiority.

Section 2. Number of Stewards.

The Council of Stewards shall consist of not fewer than three (3) persons. The Council may add additional Stewards as the needs and work of the Church develop, provided the number shall never be fewer than three.

Section 3. Equality of Spiritual Worth.

Service as a Steward does not grant any person greater spiritual worth, privileged access to the Divine, or authority over another person’s conscience. Stewards are entrusted with organizational responsibilities necessary to protect and carry out the mission of the Church.

ARTICLE V — STEWARD LEADERSHIP AND OFFICERS

Section 1. Philosophy of Leadership.

Leadership within Ozarks Church of Nature is understood as stewardship and service rather than spiritual rank. No title within the Church shall imply that one person has greater spiritual worth, greater access to the Divine, or authority over another person’s conscience.

The Council of Stewards is responsible for protecting the mission, integrity, resources, sanctuary, and long-term well-being of the Church.

Section 2. Principal Steward Officers.

The Church shall maintain the following principal officer positions:

Lead Steward — President.
The Lead Steward serves as the President of the corporation for legal and administrative purposes. The Lead Steward helps coordinate the work of the Council, facilitates Council meetings, assists in carrying out decisions of the Council, and serves as a primary representative of the Church when an authorized representative is required.

Records Steward — Secretary.
The Records Steward serves as the Secretary of the corporation for legal and administrative purposes. The Records Steward is responsible for maintaining or overseeing the Church’s organizational records, meeting minutes, notices, governing documents, resolutions, and other records required by law or Church policy.

Financial Steward — Treasurer.
The Financial Steward serves as the Treasurer of the corporation for legal and administrative purposes. The Financial Steward oversees the financial records of the Church, helps ensure that Church funds are used for legitimate Church purposes, assists with financial reporting to the Council, and helps maintain appropriate separation between Church funds and the personal or business funds of any individual.

The Council may assign additional reasonable duties to these positions when necessary.

Section 3. Additional Stewardships.

The Council of Stewards may establish additional stewardship roles as the needs and ministries of the Church develop.

Such roles may include, but are not limited to:

Land Steward — care of Church-used land, natural areas, infrastructure, conservation, and outdoor sanctuary spaces.
Garden Steward — gardens, food forest, planting, harvest, seed stewardship, and related educational activities.
Gathering Steward — worship gatherings, community events, circles, guest speakers, classes, and hospitality.
Community Care Steward — charitable service, food sharing, community assistance, and outreach consistent with the Church’s mission.
Education Steward — classes, study circles, library resources, educational materials, and learning programs.
Animal Steward — animal welfare and Church activities involving the care or protection of animals.
Music & Creative Steward — music, art, creative expression, performances, and creative forms of worship or spiritual reflection.
Sanctuary Steward — care of spaces used for prayer, meditation, contemplation, worship, quiet sanctuary hours, and respectful public access.
Food Steward — community meals, food-sharing programs, preservation, kitchen activities, and food-related service projects.

The Council may create, combine, rename, discontinue, or redefine additional stewardship roles without amending these Bylaws.

Section 4. Stewardship Roles Do Not Automatically Create Board Seats.

A person may assist the Church as a ministry or program Steward without becoming a member of the Council of Stewards.

Appointment to a Land, Garden, Gathering, Education, Food, Music, Community Care, Animal, Sanctuary, or other ministry stewardship does not by itself confer voting authority or status as a director of the corporation.

Only persons formally appointed or elected to the Council of Stewards shall exercise the legal authority of directors of Ozarks Church of Nature, Inc.

Section 5. Multiple Roles.

A person may hold more than one stewardship responsibility when appropriate. For example, one person may serve as both Land Steward and Garden Steward, or as both Gathering Steward and Education Steward.

Nothing in these Bylaws prevents one individual from holding more than one corporate officer position when permitted by law, although the Council should distribute responsibilities among multiple people whenever reasonably practical.

Section 6. Delegation and Volunteers.

The Council may authorize volunteers, teachers, facilitators, ministry leaders, contractors, or other persons to carry out particular activities or responsibilities on behalf of the Church.

Delegation of a responsibility does not transfer the governing authority of the Council of Stewards unless such authority is expressly granted by these Bylaws or by lawful action of the Council.

Section 7. No Ownership Interest.

Service as a Steward, officer, ministry leader, volunteer, or other representative of the Church creates no ownership interest in the Church or its property and creates no entitlement to Church assets.

ARTICLE VI — APPOINTMENT, TERMS, RESIGNATION, REMOVAL, AND VACANCIES OF STEWARDS

Section 1. Selection of Council Stewards.

The Council of Stewards should reflect the diversity, service, conscience, and community-centered mission of Ozarks Church of Nature.

The Church welcomes nominations for Council service from current Stewards, participants in the Church community, volunteers, ministry leaders, and other persons familiar with the mission and work of the Church. Individuals may also express their own willingness to serve.

The Church shall seek, when reasonably possible, a Council representing a diversity of religious, spiritual, philosophical, cultural, practical, and life perspectives. Agreement on every matter of theology or spiritual practice is neither required nor expected.

What Council Stewards should share is a sincere commitment to compassion, service, freedom of conscience, responsible stewardship, peaceful coexistence, and the well-being of the Church and community.

Candidates for the Council may be introduced and discussed at a Community & Steward Gathering or through another open community process established by the Council.

The Church community may provide nominations, recommendations, and advisory input concerning prospective Stewards.

Because Ozarks Church of Nature, Inc. has no statutory voting members, final election of Council Stewards shall be made by vote of the existing Council of Stewards in accordance with these Bylaws and applicable law.

Appointment to the Council is a position of trust and service and shall not be treated as spiritual rank, ownership, or personal authority over others.

Section 2. Interfaith and Philosophical Diversity.

The Church values a Council that includes people from differing religious, spiritual, philosophical, and life perspectives. No particular religious tradition is entitled to a permanent seat, and no person is excluded solely because their sincere beliefs differ from those of another Steward.

The Council should actively welcome qualified people capable of respectful disagreement and cooperative service across religious and philosophical differences.

The ability to disagree about theology while working together in love and service shall be considered a strength rather than a disqualification.

Section 3. Terms of Service.

Each Steward shall ordinarily serve a term of two (2) years.

A Steward may be appointed to successive terms without limitation when the Council determines that continued service is beneficial to the Church and the Steward is willing to continue.

A Steward whose term expires may continue serving until a successor is appointed or until the Council determines that the position will remain vacant, provided that the Council continues to contain the minimum number of Stewards required by law and these Bylaws.

Section4. Initial Council of Stewards.

The initial Council of Stewards shall be formally seated through the Church’s organizational meeting or written organizational consent.

The names, officer positions, acceptance of service, and beginning dates of the initial Stewards shall be recorded in the organizational records of the Church rather than permanently written into these Bylaws.

Section 5. Resignation.

A Steward may resign at any time by providing written notice to the Lead Steward, Records Steward, or Council of Stewards.

Electronic notice, including email or another reliable written electronic communication, may be accepted.

A resignation shall become effective on the date stated in the notice or, if no date is stated, when the resignation is received.

No Steward shall be required to remain in service against that person’s wishes.

Section 6. Removal of a Steward.

A Steward may be removed from the Council when continued service is determined to be inconsistent with the well-being, mission, integrity, safety, or effective governance of the Church.

Grounds that may be considered include, but are not limited to, serious or repeated violation of Church policies; misuse of Church funds or property; dishonesty relating to Church affairs; breach of confidentiality; abuse, threats, harassment, exploitation, or serious misconduct; persistent interference with the Church’s mission; failure to fulfill essential Steward responsibilities; or conduct creating substantial risk to the Church, sanctuary, people, animals, or property.

Removal shall not be used merely because Stewards disagree with one another, hold different personal opinions, or follow different sincere spiritual paths.

A proposed removal must be specifically identified in the notice of the meeting at which it will be considered. Each Steward shall receive at least seven (7) days’ written notice, unless notice is lawfully waived.

The Steward whose removal is being considered shall be given a reasonable opportunity to be heard before a final vote but shall not vote on their own removal.

Removal requires the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the other Stewards then in office.

Section 7. Immediate Protective Action.

Nothing in the preceding section requires the Church to permit continued access to Church property, financial accounts, confidential records, animals, vulnerable persons, or Church resources while a serious safety, financial, legal, or security concern is being investigated.

When reasonably necessary to protect people, animals, property, records, finances, or the sanctuary, access or assigned duties may be temporarily suspended pending consideration by the Council.

Temporary protective action is not itself permanent removal from the Council.

Section 8. Vacancies.

A vacancy may occur through resignation, removal, death, incapacity, expiration of service without reappointment, creation of an additional Council position, or any other circumstance resulting in an unfilled Steward position.

The remaining Council Stewards may appoint a qualified person to fill a vacancy by majority vote.

A vacancy does not prevent the Council from conducting business so long as at least the legally required minimum number of Stewards remains in office and the applicable quorum requirements are satisfied.

Section 9. Voluntary Nature of Service.

Service on the Council of Stewards is voluntary unless the Council separately authorizes reasonable compensation for specific services in accordance with applicable law, Church financial policies, and conflict-of-interest requirements.

Stewards may be reimbursed for reasonable, documented expenses properly incurred on behalf of the Church in accordance with Church financial policy.

Section 10. No Personal Claim to Church Property.

Resignation, removal, or completion of a Steward’s term creates no right or claim to Church funds, property, records, donations, equipment, intellectual property, or other Church assets.

ARTICLE VII — MEETINGS AND DECISION-MAKING OF THE COUNCIL OF STEWARDS

Section 1. Regular Meetings.

The Council of Stewards shall meet as reasonably necessary to carry out the work and responsibilities of the Church and shall ordinarily hold regular Council meetings at least quarterly.

The Council may establish a regular meeting schedule in advance and may change that schedule as circumstances require.

Meetings may be held at the Church sanctuary, at another appropriate location, or remotely as provided in these Bylaws.

Section 2. Seasonal Community & Steward Gatherings.

The Church intends to hold a Community & Steward Gathering approximately four times each year, generally on the weekend nearest each solstice or equinox.

These seasonal gatherings may include worship, reflection, music, fellowship, food, teaching, discussion, community updates, planning, service activities, or opportunities for members of the Church community to share ideas and concerns.

The exact date, format, and activities may be adjusted according to weather, safety, seasonal conditions, availability, or other practical circumstances.

A Seasonal Community & Steward Gathering is not automatically a formal meeting of the Council of Stewards. The Council may hold an official Council meeting before, after, or during a designated portion of the gathering when appropriate.

Section 3. Special Meetings.

A special meeting of the Council may be called when a matter requires attention before the next regular meeting. A special meeting may be called by the Lead Steward or by any two (2) Council Stewards.

Except when a different period is required by law or these Bylaws, each Steward shall ordinarily receive at least five (5) calendar days’ notice of the date, time, location or means of participation, and the general purpose of the special meeting.

When an urgent matter involving safety, property, finances, legal obligations, animals, or protection of the sanctuary makes five days impractical, the Council may hold an emergency special meeting upon as much notice as reasonably possible.

Matters requiring special notice under these Bylaws, including consideration of removal of a Steward, shall receive the longer notice required for that action.

Section 4. Remote Participation.

Stewards may participate in regular or special Council meetings by telephone, video conference, or another means of communication through which all participating Stewards may simultaneously hear one another.

A Steward participating in this manner shall be considered present at the meeting for purposes of quorum and voting.

Physical presence in Arkansas shall not be required in order to serve on the Council of Stewards or participate in its meetings.

Section 5. Open and Closed Meetings.

Council meetings are ordinarily meetings of the Council of Stewards and are not automatically open to the public.

The Council may designate all or part of a meeting as open to the Church community or general public and may invite individuals to participate when their knowledge, perspective, ministry, or concern is relevant to the matter being considered.

The Church values transparency while also respecting legitimate needs for privacy, confidentiality, safety, pastoral discretion, personnel matters, financial security, and protection of individuals receiving assistance.

Section 6. Quorum.

A quorum means the minimum number of Council Stewards who must be participating before the Council may conduct official business.

A quorum shall consist of a majority of the Council Stewards then in office.

For example, if nine (9) Stewards are serving, five (5) constitute a quorum. If five (5) Stewards are serving, three (3) constitute a quorum.

If a quorum is not present, the Stewards present may discuss Church matters but shall not take formal Council action requiring a vote.

Section 7. Decision-Making and Voting.

The Council should seek thoughtful discussion, cooperation, and consensus whenever reasonably possible. Consensus, however, shall not be required for ordinary Council action.

When a formal vote is necessary and a quorum is present, an action shall be approved by a majority of the Stewards participating in the vote unless applicable law, the Articles of Incorporation, or these Bylaws require a greater vote.

Each Council Steward shall have one vote.

No Steward holds greater voting power because of title, financial contribution, length of service, religious role, or personal ownership of property used by the Church.

Section 8. Abstention.

A Steward may abstain from a vote when the Steward does not believe it appropriate to vote or when a conflict of interest exists. Abstentions and disclosed conflicts of interest shall be recorded in the meeting minutes when appropriate.

Additional requirements concerning financial conflicts of interest shall be addressed in the Church’s Conflict of Interest Policy.

Section 9. Action Without a Meeting.

When permitted by law, the Council may take action without holding a meeting if all Council Stewards then in office agree to the action in writing. The written consent shall describe the action approved and shall be signed or otherwise validly approved by each Steward.

Consent may be transmitted electronically, including by email, and signatures may be provided by reasonable electronic means as permitted by law.

Written consents shall be preserved with the Church’s permanent organizational records and shall have the same effect as a vote taken at a Council meeting.

If unanimous written consent cannot be obtained, the matter may instead be considered at a regular or special Council meeting.

Section 10. Minutes and Records of Meetings.

The Records Steward, or another person designated by the Council, shall maintain written minutes of official Council meetings.

Minutes should record the date and manner of the meeting, Stewards participating, whether a quorum was present, significant actions considered, votes taken, and any other matters the Council determines should be included in the official record.

Minutes are intended to document organizational decisions and need not be a word-for-word transcript of discussion.

Section 11. Respectful Deliberation.

Stewards may disagree strongly while remaining responsible for treating one another with dignity. No Steward shall be required to surrender personal conscience or sincere spiritual belief in order to participate in Council discussion.

The purpose of Council deliberation is not to establish personal superiority or demand uniformity of thought, but to make responsible decisions concerning the Church and its mission.

Differences of opinion shall not, by themselves, constitute misconduct.

Section 12. Emergency Protection.

When an immediate situation threatens the safety of people, animals, Church property, records, finances, or the sanctuary, reasonable temporary protective measures may be taken before the full Council can meet.

Any significant emergency action taken under this section shall be reported to the Council as soon as reasonably practical and documented in the Church records.

ARTICLE VIII — MINISTRIES, COMMITTEES, VOLUNTEERS, TEACHERS, AND GUEST SPEAKERS

Section 1. Ministries and Programs.

The Church may establish ministries, programs, circles, classes, service projects, gatherings, educational activities, creative projects, charitable activities, and other forms of religious or community service consistent with its mission and foundational beliefs.

These may include, but are not limited to, gardening and food-growing programs, land stewardship, community meals, food sharing, book and study circles, music and creative expression, nature education, herb and traditional-skills education, meditation and contemplation, charitable service, animal care, guest teaching, workshops, seasonal gatherings, and other activities approved by the Council of Stewards.

Section 2. Ministry Stewards and Working Groups.

The Council may appoint individuals to serve as ministry Stewards, coordinators, facilitators, or members of working groups for particular Church activities.

Such persons do not become members of the Council of Stewards or directors of the corporation merely because they hold a ministry title, coordinate an activity, volunteer regularly, or lead a Church program.

Ministry roles may be created, combined, renamed, reassigned, or discontinued by the Council as the needs of the Church change.

Section 3. Committees of the Council.

When the Council creates a committee that is authorized to exercise authority of the Council of Stewards, that committee shall be formed and operated in accordance with applicable Arkansas law.

A committee exercising Council authority shall contain at least two (2) Council Stewards.

No committee may exercise powers that applicable law reserves to the full Council, including amendment or repeal of the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws, appointment or removal of Council Stewards, or other actions that may not lawfully be delegated.

Section 4. Advisory Groups.

The Council may also establish advisory groups, planning teams, ministry teams, community circles, or similar groups containing Council Stewards, volunteers, members of the Church community, invited advisers, or other participants.

Advisory groups may research, discuss, recommend, organize, teach, plan, and assist with Church activities but shall not exercise the legal authority of the Council unless that authority is expressly and lawfully delegated.

Section 5. Volunteers.

The Church may rely upon volunteers in carrying out its religious, charitable, educational, environmental, and community activities.

Volunteer service does not create employment, ownership, corporate membership, or a position on the Council of Stewards.

Volunteers shall be expected to respect Church policies, reasonable safety requirements, property boundaries, confidentiality when applicable, and the dignity and freedom of other persons.

The Church may decline, limit, suspend, or discontinue a person’s volunteer service when reasonably necessary for safety, protection of the sanctuary, effective operation of a ministry, or consistency with the Church’s mission and policies.

Section 6. Teachers, Facilitators, and Guest Speakers.

The Church may invite teachers, facilitators, clergy, spiritual practitioners, educators, artists, musicians, gardeners, herbalists, craftspeople, community members, and other persons to share knowledge, experience, spiritual reflection, or creative work.

An invitation to teach or speak does not mean that the Church, Council of Stewards, or individual participants endorse every belief, statement, practice, opinion, or conclusion held by the invited person.

Guest teachers and speakers are expected to respect the dignity, conscience, safety, and religious freedom of participants and the reasonable boundaries of the Church.

Section 7. Freedom of Inquiry.

Consistent with its foundational beliefs, the Church may provide space for sincere discussion, questioning, comparative religious study, differing perspectives, and exploration of ideas.

Participation in a class, circle, lecture, discussion, or other educational activity shall not require a person to adopt the beliefs of the teacher, speaker, facilitator, or another participant.

Section 8. Authority to Spend or Bind the Church.

A ministry Steward, volunteer, teacher, facilitator, committee member, or other participant may not enter into a contract, incur debt, commit Church funds, dispose of Church property, or otherwise legally bind the Church unless expressly authorized to do so by the Council of Stewards or under an adopted Church policy.

Reasonable expenses may be reimbursed when authorized and documented in accordance with Church financial policy.

Section 9. Compensation.

Volunteer service is ordinarily unpaid.

Nothing in these Bylaws prohibits the Church from paying reasonable compensation for legitimate services when approved in accordance with applicable law, the Church’s Conflict of Interest Policy, and its financial policies.

No person shall be entitled to payment merely because they volunteer, hold a ministry title, teach, serve on a committee, or participate in Church activities.

Section 10. Safety and Responsibility.

Ministries and activities shall be conducted with reasonable regard for the safety of participants, visitors, volunteers, animals, property, and the sanctuary.

The Council may establish additional policies concerning particular activities, including use of property, minors, animals, food preparation, tools, fires, gardens, classes, health-related education, retreats, and other activities when appropriate.

Section 11. Use of Church Space by Other Religious and Spiritual Communities.

Consistent with its commitment to freedom of conscience and religious diversity, Ozarks Church of Nature may make appropriate Church spaces available for gatherings, worship, study, prayer, meditation, ceremonies, fellowship, or other activities conducted by other sincere religious or spiritual communities.

A group is not required to adopt the beliefs of Ozarks Church of Nature in order to request use of Church space. Christian, Pagan, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Indigenous, earth-centered, interfaith, contemplative, and other sincere religious or spiritual communities may be welcomed according to availability and Church policy.

Allowing another group to gather on Church property does not mean that Ozarks Church of Nature adopts, endorses, or assumes responsibility for every belief, teaching, statement, or practice of that group.

Groups using Church space shall respect the land, sanctuary, animals, property, other visitors, freedom of conscience, and reasonable safety and conduct requirements established by the Church.

The Council of Stewards may establish reasonable scheduling, use, safety, privacy, cleanup, donation, and property-access policies for outside gatherings and may decline or discontinue use when reasonably necessary because of safety concerns, unlawful activity, harassment, coercion, threats, property limitations, substantial disruption, or conduct inconsistent with the dignity and freedom of others.

Peaceful religious disagreement alone shall not be grounds for exclusion.

Section 12. Scheduling and Use of Church Space.

The Council of Stewards may establish reasonable policies governing the scheduling and use of Church spaces by ministries, religious or spiritual communities, community groups, teachers, guests, and other approved users.

Such policies may address scheduling priorities, group size, available facilities, safety, property access, cleanup, responsible contacts, fees or voluntary contributions, deposits, cancellations, and other practical matters.

Access shall be determined according to reasonable and consistently applied criteria rather than favoritism based upon religious denomination or spiritual tradition.

No payment, donation, personal relationship, or financial contribution shall guarantee preferential access to Church space.

Section 13. Broad Community Use of the Sanctuary.

The sanctuary is intended to be a place of broad community use. When space, safety, property limitations, and the Church’s own activities permit, the Church may welcome religious, spiritual, educational, charitable, cultural, creative, contemplative, and community gatherings consistent with the dignity of the sanctuary and the rights and safety of others.

Permission to use the property does not imply endorsement of the beliefs, opinions, teachings, or activities of the requesting group.

Activities involving unlawful conduct, violence, threats, harassment, coercion, cruelty, substantial risk to persons or animals, intentional property damage, or serious interference with the peaceful use of the sanctuary shall not be permitted.

ARTICLE IX — FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Section 1. Stewardship of Church Resources.

All money, property, donations, grants, fees, supplies, equipment, and other resources received by Ozarks Church of Nature, Inc. shall be used to support the religious, charitable, educational, environmental, and community purposes of the Church.

Church resources belong to the Church and shall not be treated as the personal property of any founder, Steward, officer, volunteer, donor, teacher, or other individual.

Section 2. Separate Financial Records.

Church funds shall be maintained separately from the personal funds of any individual and from the funds of any separately operated business.

The Church shall maintain appropriate records of money received, money spent, donations, program income, reimbursements, significant property purchases, and other financial activity.

Whenever reasonably practical, Church expenses shall be paid directly from Church accounts.

Section 3. Sources of Support.

The Church may receive voluntary donations, gifts, grants, bequests, program or class fees, reasonable space-use fees, fundraising proceeds, and other lawful income consistent with its mission and tax-exempt purposes.

No person shall be required to make a donation or pay a tithe in order to be considered spiritually worthy or to participate in ordinary worship of the Church.

Fees may be charged for particular classes, materials, programs, retreats, space use, or other activities when reasonably necessary to cover costs or support the work of the Church.

Section 4. Financial Authority.

The Council of Stewards shall establish reasonable procedures governing who may spend Church funds, sign checks, use Church payment accounts, enter contracts, approve reimbursements, and make financial commitments on behalf of the Church.

No Steward, ministry leader, volunteer, teacher, or other person may incur debt or make a significant financial commitment in the name of the Church without proper authorization.

Section 5. Reimbursement of Expenses.

A Steward, volunteer, officer, teacher, or other person may be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses actually incurred on behalf of the Church when those expenses are properly authorized and documented.

Reimbursement of a legitimate Church expense shall not be considered a donation or personal financial benefit merely because an individual initially paid the expense from personal funds.

Section 6. Compensation.

The Church may pay reasonable compensation for legitimate services when the Council determines that compensation is appropriate, financially responsible, and consistent with the Church’s mission and applicable law.

No individual is entitled to compensation solely because they founded the Church, serve as a Steward, hold a religious title, donate money or property, or volunteer significant time.

Any compensation involving a Council Steward or other person with influence over the Church shall be reviewed and approved in accordance with the Church’s Conflict of Interest Policy.

Section 7. Conflicts of Interest.

A conflict of interest exists when a Steward or other decision-maker has a personal, family, business, financial, or other material interest that could affect—or reasonably appear to affect—the person’s judgment concerning a Church decision.

A conflict of interest is not automatically wrongdoing. It must, however, be disclosed and handled openly.

A person with a material conflict shall disclose the relevant facts and shall not improperly influence the Church’s decision concerning the matter.

Approval of transactions involving a conflict of interest shall be handled by disinterested Stewards in accordance with applicable law and the Church’s separately adopted Conflict of Interest Policy.

Section 8. Fairness to the Church.

Any transaction between the Church and a Steward, founder, officer, family member, related business, or other interested person shall be fair and reasonable to the Church and shall be documented appropriately.

No person shall use Church property, money, opportunities, or authority primarily for improper private gain.

Arkansas law specifically recognizes that a transaction involving a director’s interest can be permissible when it is fair to the corporation or properly disclosed and approved under the statutory conflict-of-interest rules.

Section 9. Personally Owned Property Used by the Church.

The Church may conduct activities on property owned by a founder, Steward, officer, or another private person when the arrangement supports the Church’s mission.

The terms under which privately owned property is used by the Church should be documented in a written agreement when reasonably practical.

Any rent, reimbursement, construction, permanent improvement, maintenance obligation, or other significant financial arrangement involving privately owned property shall be reviewed for fairness to the Church and approved in accordance with the Church’s conflict-of-interest procedures.

A person who has a personal financial interest in such an arrangement shall disclose that interest and shall not improperly control the Church’s approval of the arrangement.

Section 10. Debt.

The Church should seek to conduct its work with financial responsibility and avoid unnecessary debt.

The Church shall not incur substantial debt, pledge significant Church assets, or guarantee the debt of another person or entity without approval of the Council of Stewards.

Nothing in this section prohibits ordinary short-term obligations, routine bills, approved purchases, or other reasonable financial commitments necessary to carry out the Church’s work.

Section 11. Financial Policies.

The Council may adopt and amend additional financial policies governing matters such as budgeting, reimbursements, receipts, donations, restricted gifts, purchasing, bank accounts, electronic payments, fundraising, compensation, grants, and internal financial controls.

Those policies may be updated by the Council without amending these Bylaws, provided they remain consistent with the Articles of Incorporation, these Bylaws, and applicable law.

ARTICLE X — RECORDS, TRANSPARENCY, AND CONFIDENTIALITY

Section 1. Organizational Records.

The Church shall maintain appropriate organizational records, including its Articles of Incorporation, current Bylaws, amendments, resolutions, minutes of official meetings of the Council of Stewards, written consents, financial records, significant contracts and agreements, and other records reasonably necessary to document the governance and activities of the Church.

Records may be maintained in paper or electronic form so long as they can be reasonably preserved, accessed, and reproduced when needed.

Section 2. Commitment to Transparency.

Ozarks Church of Nature values openness concerning its mission, beliefs, governance, organizational structure, and stewardship of resources.

The Church does not believe that transparency requires secrecy merely because information may be inconvenient, uncomfortable, or subject to disagreement.

At the same time, transparency shall be practiced together with respect for legitimate privacy, confidentiality, safety, and the dignity of individuals.

Section 3. Public Governing Documents.

The Council may make governing and informational documents available to the public through the Church website or another reasonable means.

Public documents may include, as appropriate:

the Articles of Incorporation;
current Bylaws;
foundational beliefs and statements of faith or practice;
names and general roles of current Council Stewards;
general financial and donation policies;
sanctuary and community-use policies;
significant organizational policies; and
public summaries of major Council actions or Church activities.

Publication of a document does not require publication of private addresses, personal contact information, signatures, tax identification numbers, bank information, account numbers, security information, or other sensitive information.

Section 4. Public Council Updates.

The Council may periodically provide public summaries of significant actions, plans, financial stewardship, programs, or decisions when doing so serves the Church community and promotes accountability.

Such summaries need not reproduce complete meeting minutes or disclose confidential discussions.

Section 5. Confidential Information.

The Church may maintain confidential records concerning individuals, families, donors, volunteers, Stewards, persons requesting assistance, pastoral or spiritual conversations, conflicts, safety matters, health-related discussions, personnel matters, financial security, legal matters, and other information reasonably understood to be private or sensitive.

Confidential information shall be shared only with persons who reasonably need access for legitimate Church purposes, except when disclosure is authorized by the person concerned or required by law.

Section 6. Pastoral and Personal Conversations.

People must be able to seek spiritual support, ask difficult questions, discuss personal circumstances, or request help without assuming that their private conversations will become public Church information.

The Church shall therefore treat pastoral, spiritual, personal, and assistance-related communications with reasonable confidentiality, subject to applicable law and legitimate concerns involving immediate safety or protection of others.

Section 7. Donor Privacy.

The Church shall respect the privacy of donors and shall not ordinarily publish or disclose the identity or amount of a person’s donation without that person’s permission.

Nothing in this section prevents the Church from maintaining donation records, providing appropriate contribution acknowledgments, complying with legal obligations, or publicly recognizing a donor who has agreed to such recognition.

No person’s financial contribution shall purchase spiritual status, greater voting authority, control of Church decisions, or preferential treatment.

Section 8. Financial Transparency.

The Church shall maintain accurate records of its income and expenditures and shall make reasonable information concerning the stewardship of Church resources available through reports or summaries approved by the Council.

Financial transparency does not require public disclosure of bank account numbers, payment credentials, personally identifying information, donor information, confidential assistance provided to individuals, or other information whose publication could create an unreasonable privacy or security risk.

Section 9. Requests for Information.

A person may request publicly available Church documents or information regarding the Church’s governance and activities.

The Church may respond by directing the requester to information already publicly available, providing an appropriate record or summary, or explaining that requested information is confidential, unavailable, protected, or not maintained as a public record.

Participation in the religious or community life of the Church does not, by itself, create a right to inspect confidential corporate records, private communications, donor information, or other protected information.

Section 10. Records of the Council of Stewards.

Each Council Steward shall have reasonable access to organizational information necessary to fulfill the Steward’s responsibilities, subject to appropriate safeguards concerning conflicts of interest, legal restrictions, security, and information that should not be unnecessarily distributed.

Stewards shall protect confidential information obtained through their service and shall not use confidential Church information for personal advantage, retaliation, harassment, public embarrassment, or purposes unrelated to their responsibilities.

Section 11. Electronic Records and Signatures.

The Church may maintain records, provide notices, preserve written consents, and conduct appropriate organizational business electronically when permitted by law.

Electronic copies of Church records may be treated as official organizational records when maintained in a reliable manner.

Section 12. Records Retention.

The Council may adopt a separate Records Retention Policy establishing reasonable periods for keeping financial records, receipts, contracts, meeting records, tax documents, donation records, correspondence, program records, and other Church materials.

Permanent governing documents—including the Articles of Incorporation, current and historical Bylaws and amendments, major organizational resolutions, and official Council minutes—should be preserved as part of the permanent history of the Church.

Section 13. Transparency Does Not Eliminate Boundaries.

The Church’s commitment to transparency shall not be interpreted to require disclosure that would invade another person’s privacy, expose confidential assistance, compromise safety or security, interfere with legitimate legal rights, or unnecessarily harm another person.

Transparency means being accountable for how we govern and steward the Church. It does not mean turning another person’s private life into public property.

ARTICLE XI — PROTECTION OF STEWARDS, OFFICERS, AND AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES

Section 1. Good-Faith Service.

The Church recognizes that Stewards, officers, volunteers, employees, and authorized representatives may make decisions, handle responsibilities, or act on behalf of the Church in good faith and within the scope of their assigned duties.

No person serving the Church should be expected to assume unnecessary personal financial risk merely because they agreed to serve responsibly on behalf of the Church.

Section 2. Indemnification.

To the fullest extent permitted by Arkansas law, the Church may indemnify a current or former Council Steward, officer, employee, or authorized agent against reasonable expenses and liabilities arising from service performed on behalf of the Church when that person acted in good faith and reasonably believed the conduct was in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Church.

Any indemnification shall be determined and authorized in accordance with applicable law.

Section 3. Limitations.

Nothing in these Bylaws shall require or permit the Church to protect a person from consequences arising from fraud, intentional wrongdoing, improper personal benefit, knowing unlawful conduct, theft or misuse of Church property, or conduct for which indemnification is prohibited by law.

Service to the Church does not create immunity from personal responsibility for intentional misconduct.

Section 4. Successful Defense.

When Arkansas law requires indemnification because a Council Steward or other covered person has been wholly successful in defending a proceeding arising from their Church service, the Church shall provide such indemnification as required by law.

Section 5. Advancement of Expenses.

When permitted by law, the Church may advance reasonable expenses associated with a legal proceeding involving a Steward or other authorized representative, subject to any written affirmations, repayment agreements, approvals, or other requirements imposed by law.

Section 6. Insurance.

The Council of Stewards may obtain and maintain appropriate insurance for the Church and for persons serving the Church, including general liability, property, event, directors and officers, volunteer, or other insurance the Council determines reasonably appropriate.

The existence of insurance does not eliminate the responsibility of Stewards, volunteers, teachers, groups using Church space, or other persons to act safely and responsibly.

Section 7. Volunteers and Ministry Leaders.

The Council may extend protection or insurance coverage to volunteers, ministry Stewards, teachers, facilitators, and other persons acting within properly authorized Church responsibilities to the extent permitted by law, policy, and available insurance coverage.

Nothing in this section guarantees insurance coverage or indemnification for every activity or every individual.

Section 8. Personal Acts Outside Church Authority.

The Church is not responsible merely because a Steward, volunteer, teacher, speaker, ministry leader, or other person takes an action in their private capacity or outside the authority granted by the Church.

A Church title shall not be used to imply authorization for conduct that the Church did not approve.

ARTICLE XII — AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

Section 1. Authority to Amend.

These Bylaws may be amended, revised, repealed, or replaced by the Council of Stewards in accordance with applicable law and the procedures established in this Article.

Section 2. Notice of Proposed Amendment.

Each Council Steward shall ordinarily receive at least seven (7) calendar days’ written notice before a meeting at which an amendment to these Bylaws will be considered.

The notice shall state that amendment of the Bylaws will be considered and shall include the proposed amendment, a summary of the proposed amendment, or a reasonably clear description of its general nature.

Section 3. Approval.

An amendment to these Bylaws shall require the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Council Stewards then in office, unless applicable law requires a greater vote.

Section 4. Written Consent.

When permitted by law, an amendment may also be adopted without a meeting through the unanimous written or electronic consent of all Council Stewards then in office.

Section 5. Consistency With Governing Documents and Law.

No amendment may conflict with the Articles of Incorporation or applicable law.

Amendments should remain consistent with the religious mission and foundational principles of Ozarks Church of Nature unless the Council intentionally determines, after careful consideration, that a change in those principles is necessary.

Section 6. Preservation of Amendments.

Every adopted amendment shall be dated and preserved with the permanent organizational records of the Church. The Church should maintain an updated copy of the current Bylaws and may make that current version publicly available.

ARTICLE XIII — CONTINUITY, SUCCESSION, AND LONG-TERM STEWARDSHIP

Section 1. Perpetual Mission.

Ozarks Church of Nature, Inc. is intended to continue beyond the lives or service of its founders, initial Stewards, and current participants.

The Church is not organized for the personal ownership or lifetime benefit of any individual. Its mission, teachings, sanctuary work, charitable activities, educational programs, stewardship of Nature, and community service are intended to be carried forward by future generations of Stewards.

Section 2. Succession of Leadership.

The Council of Stewards shall seek to cultivate responsible future leadership so that the mission and work of the Church do not depend upon any single person.

Leadership transitions should preserve institutional knowledge, governing documents, records, financial integrity, property-use arrangements, ministries, and the foundational principles of the Church.

Section 3. Preservation of Mission.

Future Stewards are entrusted with the responsibility to preserve the religious, charitable, educational, environmental, and community purposes for which Ozarks Church of Nature was established while allowing the Church to grow and respond responsibly to changing circumstances.

No founder, Steward, officer, donor, or other individual shall have the power to convert the Church or its assets primarily to private ownership or personal benefit.

Section 4. Long-Term Foundation and Legacy.

The Church may establish endowments, charitable funds, trusts, supporting organizations, foundations, or other lawful structures when the Council determines that doing so will help preserve the mission, sanctuary, land stewardship, education, charitable work, or other religious purposes of Ozarks Church of Nature for future generations.

Any such structure shall remain consistent with the Church’s exempt purposes, governing documents, and applicable law.

ARTICLE XIV — DISSOLUTION AND FINAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. Dissolution.

Ozarks Church of Nature, Inc. may be dissolved only in accordance with its Articles of Incorporation, these Bylaws, and applicable Arkansas law.

Dissolution shall require formal approval by the Council of Stewards and completion of any filings or other actions required by law.

Section 2. Payment of Obligations.

Upon dissolution, the Church shall first make reasonable provision for payment or satisfaction of its lawful debts, liabilities, contractual obligations, and proper expenses associated with winding up its affairs.

Section 3. Distribution of Remaining Assets.

After lawful obligations have been satisfied, remaining Church assets shall be distributed in accordance with the dissolution provisions contained in the Articles of Incorporation.

Consistent with those Articles, remaining assets shall be devoted to one or more purposes qualifying under §501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or otherwise distributed as permitted by the dissolution clause contained in the Articles and applicable law.

No remaining assets shall be distributed to a founder, Steward, officer, donor, volunteer, or other private person merely because of that person’s association with the Church.

Nothing in this section prevents payment of legitimate debts, properly documented reimbursements, lawful compensation already owed, or return of property that never became property of the Church.

Section 4. No Ownership Rights in Church Assets.

No founder, Steward, officer, volunteer, participant, donor, ministry leader, or other person has an ownership interest in the assets of Ozarks Church of Nature, Inc. merely because of service, participation, financial support, or religious involvement with the Church.

Section 5. Fiscal Year.

The fiscal year of the Church shall ordinarily be the calendar year, January 1 through December 31, unless the Council of Stewards establishes a different fiscal year by resolution when permitted by law.

Section 6. Governing Law.

These Bylaws shall be interpreted consistently with the Articles of Incorporation and the laws applicable to nonprofit religious corporations organized in the State of Arkansas.

Section 7. Severability.

If any provision of these Bylaws is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, that determination shall not automatically invalidate the remaining provisions.

The remaining provisions shall continue in effect to the fullest extent reasonably possible.

Section 8. Headings and Plain Language.

Article titles, section headings, explanations, and organizational labels are intended to make these Bylaws easier to understand and shall not unnecessarily restrict the reasonable interpretation of their provisions.

The Church favors clear and accessible language in its governance and does not require unnecessarily technical terminology when ordinary language can communicate the same meaning.

Section 9. Controlling Authority.

If a provision of these Bylaws conflicts with the Articles of Incorporation, the Articles shall control. If either document conflicts with a controlling requirement of law, applicable law shall control.

Section 10. Adoption and Effective Date.

These Bylaws shall become effective when formally adopted by the initial Council of Stewards of Ozarks Church of Nature, Inc.

The date of adoption shall be recorded below and in the organizational records of the Church.

Adopted on: __________________________________

OZARKS CHURCH OF NATURE, INC.

INITIAL COUNCIL OF STEWARDS

Lead Steward / President
Printed Name: __________________________________________
Signature: ______________________________________________
Date: ___________________________________________________

Records Steward / Secretary
Printed Name: __________________________________________
Signature: ______________________________________________
Date: ___________________________________________________

Financial Steward / Treasurer
Printed Name: __________________________________________
Signature: ______________________________________________
Date: ___________________________________________________

Council Steward
Printed Name: __________________________________________
Signature: ______________________________________________
Date: ___________________________________________________