This constitution is also available as a Word document.

Constitution for InterVarsity's Graduate Christian Fellowship at University of California, Los Angeles

Article I: Name

The name of this organization is Graduate Christian Fellowship, hereafter abbreviated as GCF, the University of California at Los Angeles chapter of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship / USA®, hereafter IVCF.

Article II: Doctrinal Basis

The Basis of Faith of GCF is:

We believe in:

• The only true God, the almighty Creator of all things,
  existing eternally in three persons-
  Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-full of love and glory.
• The unique divine inspiration,
  entire trustworthiness
  and authority of the Bible.
• The value and dignity of all people:
  created in God's image to live in love and holiness,
  but alienated from God and each other because of our sin and guilt,
  and justly subject to God's wrath.
• Jesus Christ, fully human and fully divine,
  who lived as a perfect example,
  who assumed the judgment due sinners by dying in our place,
  and who was bodily raised from the dead and ascended as Savior and Lord.
• Justification by God's grace to all who repent
  and put their faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.
• The indwelling presence and transforming power of the Holy Spirit,
  who gives to all believers a new life and a new calling to obedient service.
• The unity of all believers in Jesus Christ,
  manifest in worshiping and witnessing churches
  making disciples throughout the world.
• The victorious reign and future personal return of Jesus Christ,
  who will judge all people with justice and mercy,
  giving over the unrepentant to eternal condemnation
  but receiving the redeemed into eternal life.
• To God be glory forever.

Article III: Purpose

In response to God's love, grace and truth:
The purpose of GCF is:

• to provide discipleship and mentorship for graduate students in integrating their faith, learning, and life, in order to impact humanity and the Kingdom of God
• to provide encouragement and support for one another in our graduate programs

Article IV: Membership and Participation

Membership and participation in GCF is open to graduate students and other interested parties, provided that participation is not in opposition to Articles II and III.

Article V: Leadership

Section 1: The leaders of GCF will consist of members desiring a more active role. All leaders must subscribe without reservation to the Basis of Faith, as set forth in Article II.

Section 2: The responsibilities of the leadership of GCF include:

1. To carry out the purpose, general policies and program of GCF
2. As needed, to call meetings for GCF for planning and evaluation of activities of GCF and selection of new leaders
3. To ensure the continuance of GCF from year to year

Section 3: There are two categories of leaders: core members and coordinators. The purpose of coordinators is to help alleviate administrative burdens from the leadership by making minor decisions, while major decisions are made in conjunction with the rest of the leadership. The leadership may take action they deem appropriate for the well being of GCF or to ensure that the responsibilities of GCF continue to be fulfilled.

Section 4: Leaders will be chosen by general consensus of the current leadership. At this time, the titles and responsibilities for the various coordinators will also be decided upon, including the possibility of coordinator-at-large for positions that may be defined imprecisely by the leadership. Leaders that are not coordinators are considered core members. To maintain efficiency, the leadership should limit the number of coordinators to a reasonable amount.

Article VI: Meetings

Section 1: Meetings for discussion, Bible study and prayer will be held at times decided by the leaders.

Section 2: A leader of GCF shall from time to time give to a discussion meeting information as to the state of GCF.

Article VII: Finances

As no monies are collected, there are no financial records kept by GCF.

Article VIII: Constitution and Amendments

Section 1: This constitution shall be adopted upon general consensus by the current coordinators.

Section 2: This constitution may be amended by general consensus, but may not amend Article II or Article V Section I.

Section 3: Amendments of this constitution will not become valid until a copy of the amendment(s) has been placed with the IVCF staff member assigned to GCF.