Our By-Laws

Section 1. The purpose of the Ministerial Alliance shall be to promote ecumenicity, enhance spiritual growth, and seek the advancement of humanitarian causes in the greater Bristol area.

Section 2. The Alliance which shall be referred to as B.A.M.A. shall sponsor at least four services a year. There will be an invitation to each church where services will be held. Black Heritage, Palm Sunday, Thanksgiving, and Harvest (September) services. In case of emergency, it will be up to the President to secure a host location.

Section 1. The financial obligation of each member shall be $50 per year and we ask for an offering of $10 for each service of B.A.M.A. which will not be monitored. All dues and financial obligations are canceled at the end of the calendar year.

Section 2. A Contribution will be asked from each member of B.A.M.A. for special needs as voted upon by the majority of the members. A gift of $50 shall be given to members who have lost spouse, mother, father, sister, brother, son, or daughter. Monies of special needs shall be extended by the majority vote of the membership except in extenuating circumstances. In such cases the executive committee shall make the determination, but in no case shall it exceed $100.

Section 3. Monies shall be expended by the majority of vote of the membership.

Section 4. The Monies raised at the Ministerial Alliance Services shall be expended as follows:

• B.A.M.A. member speakers will receive $75 from the offering. On special occasions and with out-of-town speakers, the formula will be changed as this will involve at least $100 for speaker, travel and other expenses to be considered.
• The host church will receive $100 from the offering.
• The balance will be retained by B.A.M.A.
• B.A.M.A. will pay the musicians, if necessary.

Section 1. The elective officers of B.A.M.A. shall be a president, vice-president, secretary, assistant secretary, treasurer, and assistant treasurer.

Section 2. The officers shall be elected annually at the January meeting of B.A.M.A.

Section 3. All officers of B.A.M.A. must be active members of B.A.M.A. If an officer misses two consecutive meetings without notification to the president or secretary of the alliance, that office shall be considered vacant and may be filled by appointment by the executive committee.

Section 4. A majority of the votes cast shall elect.

Section 5. Each elective officer shall take office in February and shall serve for one year. The president may be re-elected only one time to that office, however, he/she can be elected to another office.

Section 6. The duties of the Officers shall be:

• The president shall preside over the meetings of B.A.M.A.
• He/She shall also communicate matters to B.A.M.A. that will help to promote the welfare of B.A.M.A. and to further the purpose of B.A.M.A. He/She shall perform such other duties as are incidental to the office of the president.
• The vice-president shall assume the duties of the president in the absence of the president. He/She shall perform such duties as may be directed by the president of B.A.M.A.
• The secretary shall notify all the members of B.A.M.A. of each meeting and keep an accurate record of the proceedings. He/She shall maintain an accurate role of the membership. He/She shall also send and receive all communications of B.A.M.A.
• The assistant secretary shall perform the duties of the secretary in his/her absence. He/She shall assist the secretary whenever needed.
• The treasurer shall keep an accurate account of all monies received and expended and shall make the necessary disbursements. He/She shall report monthly to the B.A.M.A. He/She shall also keep an accurate account of all dues given by the members of the B.A.M.A.
• The assistant treasurer shall perform the duties of the treasurer in his/her absence. He/She shall assist the treasurer whenever needed.

Section 7. The executive committee shall consist of all the elected officers and three shall make a quorum.

Section 8. The advisory board will consist of any past presidents of B.A.M.A. or other elected officers or active members.

Section 1. These by-laws may be amended, repealed, or altered, in whole or in part.

Section 2. The proposed amendment(s) must be written and distributed to all members prior to the first meeting in which it is to be discussed.

Section 3. It must be presented by two or more members.

Section 4. It will be presented at one meeting for discussion and voted on at the next meeting. It will require a two-thirds majority vote to pass.

Section 5. If the amendment is altered or amended, the amending procedure starts all over again.

Section 1. Before these laws can be ratified, they must be read and approved at one meeting and passed by a two-thirds majority of those present at the second meeting.

Section 2. These by-laws will become effective immediately after ratification.