THE CONSTITUTION

FELLOWSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH

ELLERBE, NORTH CAROLINA 28338

PREAMBLE

We declare and establish this constitution and bylaws to preserve and secure the principles of our faith and to govern the body in an orderly manner. This constitution and bylaws will preserve the liberties of each individual church member and the freedom of action of this body in relation to other churches and the community.

ARTICLE 1. NAME

This body shall be known as the Fellowship Baptist Church of Ellerbe, North Carolina (Richmond County), located at 138 Wallace Road, Ellerbe, North Carolina 28338.

ARTICLE 2. OBJECTIVES

To be a dynamic spiritual organism empowered by the Holy Spirit to share Christ with as many people as possible in our church, community, and throughout the world;

To be a worshiping fellowship, experiencing an awareness of God, recognizing His Person, and responding in obedience to His leadership;

To experience an increasingly meaningful fellowship with God and fellow believers;

To help people experience a growing knowledge of God and man;

To be a church that ministers unselfishly to persons in the community and the world in Jesus' name; and

To be a church whose purpose is to be Christ-like in our daily living by emphasizing total commitment of life, personality, and possessions to the lordship of Jesus Christ.

ARTICLE 3. STATEMENT OF FAITH

Section 3.1. General. We affirm the Holy Bible as the inspired word of God and the basis for our beliefs and the final authority for all matters. Our doctrinal statement of faith shall be the most current version of the Baptist Faith and Message adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention. We voluntarily band ourselves together as a body of baptized believers in Jesus Christ personally committed to sharing the good news of salvation to lost mankind. The ordinances of the church are believer's Baptism and the Lord's Supper (See Bylaws, Article 5. Church Ordinances, infra).

Section 3.2. Human Sexuality.

(1) We affirm that all persons are individuals of sacred worth created in the image of God, and marriage is a sacred institution ordained by God and to be only between one man and one woman for life. We affirm that human sexuality is God’s good gift to all persons. We call everyone to be responsible stewards of this sacred gift as taught by Christ and the Holy Scriptures. Although all persons are sexual beings whether they are married or not, sexual relations are affirmed only within the covenant of a monogamous, heterosexual marriage (Matthew 15:19, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, Hebrews 13:4).

(2) We further affirm that the practice of homosexuality is, as is all sexual immorality, incompatible with Christianity; and according to the teachings of the Holy Bible, defined as sin (Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10).

Section 3.3. Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

(1) As defined by nature and in Holy Scripture, sexual orientation is an enduring pattern of romantic or sexual attraction (or a combination of these) to persons of the opposite sex or gender. Therefore, we believe that any sexual orientation other than this is to be considered unnatural and immoral as taught by Scripture (Genesis 1:27, Romans 1:26-32, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

(2) Gender identity is either male or female. It is, according to Holy Scripture, determined before the world began in the mind of God and is physically, permanently established and assigned at conception (Psalm 139:13-16, Jeremiah 1:5).

(3) Moreover, the church also regards as sinful the intent or desire to surgically alter one’s biological sex to a different sex.

(4) Based upon our faith and religious beliefs, rooted in and determined by the Holy Bible and the teachings of Jesus Christ, the above definition of Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity is the only one that the church and its members subscribe to.

Section 3.4. Sanctity of Marriage. God has ordained marriage and defined it as the covenant relationship between a man, a woman, and Himself; therefore, the church will only recognize marriages between a biological man and a biological woman. Though various cultures and customs have evolving definitions of marriage, it is God alone who has ultimate authority to prescribe and describe the marital relationship. Further, the pastor, church, and staff shall only participate in weddings and solemnized marriages between one man and one woman.

Section 3.5. Sanctity of Life. We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being. Abortion constitutes the unjustified, unexcused taking of unborn human life. We hold and believe that there is forgiveness, healing and acceptance by God for those who have had an abortion (Job 3:16; Psalm 139:14-16; Isa. 44:24; 49:1, 5; Jer. 1:5; Luke 1:44).

Section 3.6. Authority of The Statement of Faith. This Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself is the sole and final source of all that we believe. We do believe, however, that the foregoing Statement of Faith accurately represents the teachings of the Bible and, therefore, is binding upon all members. All literature, whether printed or electronic, used in the church shall be in complete agreement with the Statement of Faith.

ARTICLE 4. CHURCH COVENANT

Since we have committed ourselves to Jesus Christ and have experienced the acceptance, forgiveness, and redemption of God our Father, we covenant together as members of this church that with God's help through the guiding presence of his Spirit:

We will walk together in brotherly love.

We will show loving care for one another and encourage, counsel and admonish one another.

We will assemble faithfully for worship and fellowship, and will pray earnestly for others as

well as for ourselves.

We will endeavor to bring up those under our care "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." We will seek, by Christian example and personal effort, to win others to Christ and to encourage their growth toward Christian maturity.

We will share one another's joys and endeavor to bear one another's burdens and sorrows.

We will oppose all conduct which compromises our Christian faith and will uphold high standards of Christian morality.

We will prove the reality of our conversion by living godly, fruitful lives.

We will maintain a faithful ministry of worship, witness, education, fellowship, and service.

We will be faithful stewards of our resources and abilities in sharing the gospel with people of all nations.

As a result of this covenant relationship, we will seek earnestly to live to the glory of God who brought us out of darkness into his marvelous light.

ARTICLE 5. POLITY AND RELATIONSHIPS

Section 5.1. General. This church is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but it recognizes and sustains the obligations of mutual counsel and cooperation, which are common among Baptist churches. Insofar as is practical, this church will cooperate with and support the association, the state convention, and the Southern Baptist Convention.

Section 5.2. Governing.

(1) The government & polity of this church is vested in the body of believers who compose it. Persons duly received by the members shall constitute the membership. All internal groups created and empowered by the church shall report to and be accountable only to the church and to no external civil or ecclesiastical agency or group, unless otherwise specified by church action or in the bylaws.

(2) Fellowship Baptist Church of Ellerbe, North Carolina is duly constituted as an IRS recognized 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization and shall function as such.

(3) The church year shall be 12 months in length with the beginning and ending dates determined by the church.

Section 5.3. Dissolution. This church may withdraw from affiliation with the association and conventions by a vote of three-fourths of the active resident church members present and entitled to vote.

THE BYLAWS

FELLOWSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH

ELLERBE, NORTH CAROLINA 28338

ARTICLE 1. CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

Section 1.1. General. We are an autonomous Southern Baptist Church under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The membership retains unto itself the exclusive right of self-government, consistent with and through these bylaws, in all phases of the spiritual and temporal life of this church.

The membership of this church shall be composed of persons who have experienced a personal commitment to Jesus Christ and acknowledge Him as personal Savior, who have been baptized by immersion, who have subscribed to the constitution and these bylaws and who have been received by vote of the church. Applicants for membership shall be in agreement with these bylaws and accept and adhere to the church’s doctrinal Statement of Faith (See Constitution, Article 3, supra).

The membership reserves the exclusive right to determine who shall be members of this church and the conditions of such membership.

Section 1.2. Qualifications for Membership. Requests for membership may be made at any time, at any service, with any staff member, at which time, a time will be established to discuss membership with a member of the pastoral staff. A person may become a member in any one of the following ways:

(1) By profession of faith and request for baptism according to the policies of this church. (See Article 5. Section 5.1. Church Ordinances, infra)

(2) By promise of a letter of recommendation from another Baptist church.

(3) By Statement of Faith and/or Statement of Baptism by immersion in the case that previous church records are unavailable.

(4) By restoration upon a statement of prior conversion experience and baptism in a Baptist church when no letter is obtainable.

Section 1.3. Dissent. Should there be any dissent as to any candidate, such dissent shall be referred to the Senior Pastor and Deacon Body for investigation and the making of a recommendation to the church within thirty (30) days. A three-fourths vote of those active church members entitled to vote shall be required to elect the candidate to membership.

Section 1.4. New Member’s Orientation. New members are expected to participate in the church’s new member orientation. Church letters will not be requested, nor will membership be granted, until the new member has completed the orientation requirements set forth by the Senior Pastor and Deacons.

Section 1.5. Rights of Members.

(1) Active members in good standing with the church and 18 years of age or older may vote in all business meetings. An active member is one who contributes regularly to the purpose and work of this church through attendance, giving, service, and support. The Senior Pastor and active Deacons shall determine the criteria for an active and inactive member.

(2) A nonresident member is a member who moves outside of the commuting distance of the church and is no longer actively participating in church’s functions on a regular basis. When a member moves outside of the commuting distance of the church, he or she should unite with another New Testament church as soon as possible. Until such time that the member returns to active participation in the church’s functions, the member shall be placed in a nonresident, inactive status.

(3) The Pastor and active Deacons shall maintain a list of active and inactive members and update it at least annually.

Section 1.6. Termination of Membership. Membership shall be terminated in the following ways:

(1) Death of the member

(2) Dismissal to another Baptist church

(3) Exclusion by action of this church

(4) Erasure upon written request or proof of membership in a church of another denomination.

(5) Inactivity and lack of participation in the church for a period of over one (1) year at the recommendation of the Deacon Body. Exceptions are shut-ins and active military. Inactive members shall not be dropped from the church membership roll until a reasonable attempt has been made to contact them.

(6) Disciplinary action by vote of the church in accordance with Section 1.7 Discipline (infra).

Section 1.7. Discipline. It shall be the practice of this church to emphasize to its members that every reasonable measure will be taken to assist any troubled member. The Senior Pastor, other members of the church staff, and deacons are available for counsel and guidance. The attitude of members toward one another shall be guided by a concern for redemption rather than punishment.

Should some serious condition exist that would cause a member to become a liability to the general welfare of the church, the Pastor and the Deacons will take every reasonable measure to resolve the problem in accord with Matthew 18:13-17 and 1 Corinthians 5.

If it becomes necessary for the church to take action to exclude a member, a three-fourths vote of the active members present and voting is required; the church may proceed to declare the person to be no longer in the membership of the church.

All such proceedings shall be pervaded by a spirit of Christian kindness and forbearance.

Section 1.8. Restoration. The church may restore to membership any person previously excluded, upon written request of the excluded person, and by vote of the church upon evidence of the excluded person's repentance and reformation. Any person whose membership has been terminated under Section 1.7. Discipline (supra), may be restored to membership by a vote of the church upon evidence of his or her repentance and reformation.

ARTICLE 2. OFFICERS AND STAFF

Section 2.1. General. . Fellowship Baptist Church of Ellerbe, North Carolina, is constituted as an IRS approved 501(3) nonprofit religious organization The biblical officers of the church are the Pastor and the Deacons. Other officers and leaders may be appointed to carry out the purpose and work of the church, as needed.

(1) Specific duties shall be prescribed in accordance with the needs of the church.

(2) To be eligible to hold any office in the church, one must meet the specified qualifications and be a church member in good standing.

Section 2.2. Senior Pastor. The biblical word for Pastor means “Shepherd.” Other New Testament terms synonymous with Pastor are Bishop (Overseer) and Elder. The Senior Pastor shall have charge over the spiritual welfare and oversight of the church, therefore functioning as the Shepherd, Overseer and Lead Elder of the congregation. The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Pastor shall be those described in the Holy Bible – Primarily, but not limited to, the preaching and teaching of the Word of God, praying, directing ministry, and leading the church in accomplishing its purpose and work.

(1) The pulpit ministry of the church shall belong exclusively to the Senior Pastor. This shall include the design and conduct of all services.

(2) The Senior Pastor shall meet the biblical qualifications set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7,

Titus 1:5-9 and 1 Peter 5:1-4, and be in good standing with his present church.

(3) The Senior Pastor shall receive such compensation for his services as shall be agreed upon at his call or at any business meeting upon recommendation of the church.

(4) The Senior Pastor shall serve as an ex-officio member of all committees, unless otherwise specified in these bylaws, and shall provide advice and counsel in all matters.

(5) Whenever a vacancy occurs in the office of Senior Pastor, a Pastor Search Committee shall be selected by the church to seek out, under God's direction, a suitable man to become the next Senior Pastor. This committee shall recommend only one man at a time for the consideration of the church. (6) The Senior Pastor, thus elected, shall serve until the relationship is terminated by his request or the church's request.

Section 2.3. Terms of Office. The Senior Pastor shall serve indefinitely at the will of the church or until this relationship is terminated. The election of the Senior Pastor shall take place at a special meeting called for that purpose. One week's public notice shall be given for the time and place of a trial sermon and voting shall then take place that same Sunday after the trial sermon. Voting shall be by secret written ballot and an affirmative vote of at least three-fourths of the active members in good standing present and voting shall be necessary for a call. Should the Senior Pastor resign, he must give at least two weeks notice in writing. The church may dismiss a Senior Pastor, for just cause only, by a three-fourths vote of the active members in good standing present and voting at a special business meeting called for that purpose. Voting shall also be by secret ballot. A severance pay package may be granted.

Section 2.4. Duties. The Senior Pastor is responsible for leading the church to function as a New Testament church. The Senior Pastor will lead the congregation, the organizations, and the church staff to perform their tasks. The Senior Pastor is leader of pastoral ministries in the church. As such, he works with the Deacons and church staff to:

(1) lead the church in the achievement of its purpose and mission;

(2) proclaim the gospel to believers and unbelievers;

(3) care for the church's members and other persons in the community; and

(4) act as supervisor over all other staff.

Section 2.5. Deacons. In accordance with the meaning of the word and the practice of the New Testament (Philippians 1:1) as set forth in Acts 6:1-7, the Deacons are to be the servants of the church. The Deacons shall be responsible for the spiritual and physical care of the church under the direction and oversight of the Senior Pastor.

(1) Qualifications. A candidate for the office of Deacon shall meet the qualifications set forth in Acts 6:3 and 1 Timothy 3: 8-13, and be a member of the church in good standing for at least one (1) year.

(2) Duties. The responsibilities of the Deacons from its earliest mention in the New Testament (Acts 6:1-7) are that of assisting the pastoral staff in their ministry and equipping functions by focusing on such issues as congregational disputes and conflict resolution. Their duties shall also include:

(a) To proclaim the gospel to believers and unbelievers.

(b) To care for the church's members and other persons in the community.

(d) To serve as an exemplary Christian leader.

(e) To serve as the liaison for pastoral and parish relations and accountability.

(3) Selection. The Church Council and the active Deacon Body shall determine the number of active Deacons needed to serve each year and inform the church at least 90 days prior to the end of the church year. The church shall submit nominations of qualified men to serve a three (3) year term as an active Deacon. The current active Deacon Body shall select and interview these men who are willing to serve as Deacons. Once selected, the Senior Pastor shall approve the list of candidates before they are presented to the church

(4) Terms. Deacons shall be elected for a term of three (3) years. No Deacon shall be re-elected until after the lapse of one (1) year unless he is filling an unexpired term. In the case of a Deacon vacancy for any cause, the Deacon Body and Senior Pastor shall decide if the unexpired term needs to be filled immediately.

(5) Ordination. If ordination is necessary, the Senior Pastor and Deacons shall plan and conduct a Deacon Ordination Service accordingly.

(6) Removal of a Deacon. A Deacon may be removed from office for just cause. A written notice of the proposed removal of any Deacon shall be given to the Senior Pastor and Chairman of the Deacon Body, who will investigate to see if there is just cause to warrant a Deacon’s removal from office. If so, the same procedure will be used from Matthew 18 as for church discipline (Section 1.7. Discipline, supra).

(7) Other. The Deacon Body shall select its own internal officers.

Section 2.6. Trustees. The Trustees shall act as the church’s legal representatives.

(1) Selection. The church shall elect three or more Trustees to serve as a Board of Trustees.

(2) Terms. Trustees shall serve on a rotation basis, with one-third being elected each year. They shall elect their own chairperson.

(3) Duties. The signature authority required for the exercise of any of the delineated powers shall be, and hereby is, delegated to the Board of Trustees. The Trustees shall not have power, except as expressly authorized by the congregation, to purchase or sell or encumber any real or personal property, to install or remove officers or staff, to amend the bylaws or constitution, or to bind the church to any contract.

Section 2.7. Clerk. The church shall elect annually a Clerk as its clerical officer. The Clerk shall be responsible for keeping a suitable record of all official actions of the church, except as otherwise herein provided. The Clerk shall be responsible for keeping a register of names of members with dates of admission, dismission, death, or erasure, together with a record of baptisms. The Clerk shall issue letters of dismissal of members, preserve on file all communications and written official reports, and give required notice of all meetings where notice is necessary, as indicated in these bylaws. The Clerk shall be responsible for the preparation of the Annual Church Profile (ACP) of the church and its submission in a timely manner. All church records are church property and shall be kept in the church office when an office is maintained.

Section 2.8. Treasurer. The church shall elect annually a Treasurer as its Financial Officer. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive, keep in a bank, and disburse upon proper authority all money or things of value that are given to the church. Furthermore, the Treasurer shall keep at all times an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements; rendering a regular account to the church, which shall be preserved by the church Clerk. The Treasurer's books shall be audited as arranged by the church, and all books, records, and accounts kept by the Treasurer shall be considered the property of the church. The Treasurer shall upon invitation meet with the Deacons, and shall serve on the Budget & Finance Committee.

Section 2.9. Other Staff. Other ministerial staff shall consist of any other associate staff appointed to assist in determining programming, giving vision to the various ministries and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the church’s purpose and work. This staff is accountable to the Senior Pastor. All associate ministerial staff members are required to affirm the church’s Statement of Faith contained in Article 3 of the Constitution.

Section 2.10. Other Employees. It may be necessary to hire or contract other employees to

accomplish the purpose and work of the church. They shall be employed or contracted indefinitely at the will of the church or until the relationship is terminated. Their supervisory accountability and job descriptions shall be determined by the Senior Pastor and the Personnel Committee (or Trustee Board if no Personnel Committee), and they shall affirm the church’s Statement of Faith contained in Article 3 of the Constitution.

Section 2.11. Termination of Staff Member or Salaried Personnel. In order to terminate any staff member or salaried personnel, significant written documentation must be presented and verified.

ARTICLE 3. CHURCH ORGANIZATION & STRUCTURE

Section 3.1. General. The church shall maintain ministries to accomplish the purpose & mission of Fellowship Baptist Church. The church shall provide the human resources, the physical resources, and the financial resources for the appropriate advancement of these ministries and the church’s mission. No board, council, committee, organization, or ministry shall be formed without the approval of the Senior Pastor.

Section 3.2. Church Boards. Church Boards shall be formed and staffed, as needed, to oversee, evaluate, approve, and guide the purpose and work of the church. All board members shall be active church members in good standing.

Section 3.3. Church Committees.

(1) The committees of this church shall be organized, and selected, as needed to coordinate and execute the work of the church as the church shall authorize. This may also include subcommittees, teams, and work groups.

(2) All church committee members shall be active members in good standing and shall be approved by the Senior Pastor and the church, the exception being the Pastor Search Committee.

(3) Each committee shall elect its own chairperson and recording secretary and meet as deemed necessary to accomplish their mission and work.

Section 3.4. Church Organizations and Programs.

(1) The five-fold ministry of a New Testament church is: Worship, Evangelism, Fellowship, Discipleship, and Missions.

(2) The church shall maintain ministries to accomplish this five-fold ministry and the mission of Fellowship Baptist Church.

(3) These ministries shall be designated and approved by the Church Council. No ministry of the church shall be formed without the Church Council’s expressed approval.

(4) All leaders/directors of these ministries shall be active members in good standing and be approved by the Senior Pastor and the church.

(5) All workers shall be active members in good standing and shall be approved by the Senior Pastor and the church.

ARTICLE 4. CHURCH COUNCIL

Section 4.1. General.

The Church Council and its members shall have comprehensive oversight over the day-to-day activities of the church and shall serve the church by leading in the planning, coordinating, overseeing, guiding, and evaluation of the ministries and organizations of the church.

Section 4.2. Members.

(1) The Senior Pastor shall serve as the chairperson. Regular members of the Church Council shall be the Church Clerk, Treasurer, Deacon Chair, Trustee Chair, and Ministry Directors.

(2) The Church Staff shall serve as ex officio members. Other members may be added, as necessary, at the discretion of the council.

Section 4.3. Function.

(1) The Church Council shall serve the church by leading in the planning, coordinating, execution, and evaluation of the ministries and organizations of the church. The council shall recommend to the church suggested objectives and church goals; review and coordinate ministry and program plans recommended by church officers, organizations, and committees; recommend to the church the use of leadership, calendar time, and other resources according to program priorities; and evaluate achievements in terms of church purpose, objectives and goals.

(2) The Church Council shall be responsible for vetting all business brought before the church for action and preparing the agenda for all business meetings and conferences.

(3) All matters agreed upon by the council, which call for action not already approved, shall be referred to the church for approval or disapproval.

(4) The Church Council shall serve as the direct link and liaison to the church congregation for matters of communication and transparency.

ARTICLE 5. CHURCH ORDINANCES

Section 5.1. Baptism. We believe that water baptism is a commandment for everyone who has accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. It is an outward symbol that publicly announces your inward faith in Christ. Baptism does not make you a Christian, but it identifies you as one. This church may receive for baptism any person who has received Jesus Christ as Savior by personal faith, who professes him publicly at any worship service, and who indicates a commitment to follow Christ as Lord.

(1) Baptism shall be by immersion in water.

(2) The Senior Pastor or other authorized persons shall administer baptism.

(3) The Deacons shall oversee the preparation for and the observance of baptism.

(4) Baptism shall be administered as an act of worship during any worship service of the church.

(5) A person who professes Christ and is not baptized after a reasonable length of time shall be counseled by the Senior Pastor and/or staff or Deacons. If negative interest is ascertained on the part of the candidate, he/she shall be deleted from those awaiting baptism.

Section 5.2. The Lord's Supper. The Lord's Supper is also a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine, memorialize the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ in anticipation of His physical return. Participants in the Lord’s Supper should be born again, baptized believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.

(1) The church shall observe the Lord's Supper at least four times per calendar year, unless otherwise scheduled by the Senior Pastor and Deacons.

(2) The Senior Pastor and Deacons shall administer the Lord's Supper, the Deacons being responsible for the physical preparations.

ARTICLE 6. LICENSE AND ORDINATION

Section 6.1. License. When a member announces to the church that he feels a call to the ministry, the church, by majority vote, may license him as an acknowledgment of his call to the ministry and encouragement of his preparation for it. The Clerk of the church may furnish the member with a copy of the minutes or a certificate of license as his credentials. It is understood that the performance of civil duties by the member shall be governed by state law.

Section 6.2. Ordination.

(1) In the event this church has been requested to ordain a member who has been called as pastor of a Southern Baptist church, the following procedure shall be followed: The church will express its approval by a vote of three-fourths of the members voting at any regularly arranged business meeting of the church.

(2) Then, the church shall invite at the discretion of the pastor, other pastors, or the associational council on ordinations to examine the candidate concerning his fitness for the ministry.

(3) In the event the report is favorable, the church shall proceed with the ordination.

ARTICLE 7. CHURCH MEETINGS

Section 7.1. Worship Services.

(1) The church shall meet regularly on Sunday for the worship of Almighty God. Prayer, praise, preaching, instruction, and evangelism shall be among the ingredients of these services. The Senior Pastor shall direct the services for all the church members and for all others who may choose to attend. The church may meet on other days and times for worship at the discretion of the Senior Pastor.

(2) Decisions to cancel services (i.e., inclement weather, etc.) will be made by the Senior Pastor and/or the Deacon Chairman.

Section 7.2. Special Services. Other special church meetings essential to the advancement of the church’s goals, objectives, and purpose may be scheduled at the direction and approval of the Senior Pastor.

Section 7.3. Business Meetings.

(1) Regular Business Meetings. The church shall hold a business meeting at least annually; however, additional meetings may be held as necessary at times determined by the Senior Pastor and the Church Council. Matters of extreme importance shall be presented by the Church Council at a called conference to be held on a Sunday. At least one week’s notice will be given for the consideration of these more important matters unless extreme urgency renders such notice impractical.

(2) Special Called Meetings. The church may conduct called business meetings to consider matters of special nature and significance. At least one week’s notice must be given for the specially called business meeting unless extreme urgency renders such notice impractical. The notice shall include the subject, the date, time, and place; and it must be given in such a manner that all active members in good standing have an opportunity to know about the meeting.

(3) Unauthorized Meetings. Any and all meetings that involve the conduct of church business shall be conducted on church property (unless previously approved) in accordance with the constitution and these bylaws and the knowledge and approval of the Senior Pastor and other church leadership. This includes any Bible studies or other ministries in the name of Fellowship Baptist Church. There shall be no private, exclusive meetings by any individuals or select groups to attempt to implement any action or policies pertaining to this church.

Section 7.4. Quorum. A quorum shall consist of those active members in good standing who attend the business meeting, provided it is a stated meeting, or one that has been properly called. The quorum for church meetings (boards, councils, committees, etc.) shall constitute the majority of its duly elected members who are present.

Section 7.5. Voting. All items of business, unless otherwise provided for herein, shall be approved or disapproved by a simple majority vote of those active church members in good standing who are present and voting. Voting by proxy or absentee ballot shall not be permitted.

Section 7.6. Parliamentary Rules. The current version of Robert's Rules of Order, Revised, is the authority for parliamentary rules of procedure for business meetings of the church. However, the Moderator may use other rules of order at his or her discretion, as necessary. No business shall be brought to the floor for action that has not been properly staffed by the appropriate body per the church’s organizational chart and vetted by the Church Council.

Section 7.7. Moderator. The Moderator and Vice-Moderator shall be designated annually by the church. The church shall ensure that there is no conflict of interest concerning this appointment.

Section 7.8. Judiciary. The Judiciary shall be the Deacon Body under the oversight of the Senior Pastor. The Judiciary, under the prayerful guidance of the Holy Spirit and the Holy Bible, shall render final decisions on the interpretation of these bylaws and other doctrinal and procedural disputes and disagreements that may arise.

ARTICLE 8. CHURCH FINANCES

Section 8.1. General.

(1) Church Budget. The church’s Budget & Finance Committee, at the direction of the Church Council, shall develop a church budget annually. The annual budget shall also be known as the church’s “Spend Plan.”

(2) Spending Procedures. This same committee shall develop policies and procedures, as well as levels of approval, for committing and expending church funds and submit them to the Church Council, and then on to the church for approval. This committee shall have the authority to re-program funds within the bottom line of the budget, as necessary, and approve expenditures up to 5% over the bottom line of the church’s annual budget. Any increase to the bottom line of the annual budget that is over 5% of the total budget shall require approval by the Church Council and the church.

(3) Fund Types. Funds shall be either General or Designated and either Restricted or Unrestricted. All monies received by the church shall go into the General Fund. The only exception is a church approved Designated Fund (i.e., Building Fund). There shall be no Designated Funds other than those expressly authorized by the church. Any monies given other than to these funds shall be either returned to the donor or deposited in the General Fund (Acts 4:32-35). The only exception shall be non-budgeted, so called temporary “in and out” funds, as prescribed by the Church Council and the Budget & Finance Committee.

Section 8.2. Accounting Procedures.

(1) All funds received for any and all purposes shall ultimately be received by the church Treasurer, and/or Financial Secretary (if applicable), and be properly recorded on the books of the church. The church Treasurer and any other personnel handling funds (i.e., Tellers, Counters, etc.) so designated by the church shall be bonded with the church paying the bond.

(2) A system of accounting that will adequately provide for the handling of all funds shall be the responsibility of the Church Council and the Budget & Finance Committee. Tellers or Counters are charged with the responsibility of counting all church offerings and preparing them for deposit.

Section 8.3. Budget.

(1) Preparation. The Budget & Finance Committee, after conferring with the heads of each of the ministry organization of the church, shall prepare for approval an inclusive budget, indicating by line items, the amount needed and requested for necessary expenses. Offering envelopes will be provided for members' use. It is understood that membership in this church involves a financial obligation to support the church and its causes with regular, proportionate giving.

(2) Presentation. The Budget & Finance Committee shall present the finished budget to the Church Council in a timely manner for approval. After a thorough review, and once approved, the Church Council shall instruct the committee to present the church’s annual budget to the church for approval.

Section 8.4. Fiscal Year. The church fiscal year shall be set at the discretion of the Church Council.

ARTICLE 9. FACILITIES, PROPERTY & SPACE

Section 9.1. General. The church’s facilities, property, and space were provided through God’s benevolence and by the sacrificial generosity of church members. The church desires that its facilities, property, and space be used for the fellowship of the Body of Christ and to honor God. Although these are not generally open to public, we make our facilities, property, and space available to active members in good standing and approved outside groups who are sponsored by the church as a witness to our faith, in a spirit of Christian charity, and as a means of demonstrating the Gospel of Jesus Christ in practice. Any civic meetings shall be approved on an individual basis and a specific meeting basis.

Section 9.2. Facility Usage. Facility, property, and equipment use will not be permitted to persons or groups holding, advancing, or advocating beliefs or practices that conflict with the church’s Statement of Faith (Constitution, Article 3, supra) or moral teachings, which are summarized in, among other places, the Holy Bible and the church’s constitution and bylaws. The Senior Pastor, or his official designee, makes the final decision concerning the use of church facilities, property, and equipment.

Section 9.3. Responsibility & Liability.

(1) The person(s) or group seeking facility, property, and/or equipment use must be willing to take responsibility for the facilities, property, and/or equipment. Furthermore, such person(s) or group must agree to abide by the church’s doctrinal Statement of Faith (Constitution, Article 3, supra) and bylaws for facility, property, and/or equipment use as prescribed in the church’s facility usage reservation/request forms, and the agreements and church policies & procedures. Or, if none, then as determined by the Senior Pastor, or his official designee.

(2) The church and its leadership have the right and authority to prohibit acts or omissions, including but not limited to the permitting of any church assets or property, whether real property, personal property, intangible property, or any property or asset of any kind, that is subject to the direction or control of the church, to be used in any manner that would be—or, in the sole determination of the church, could be perceived by any person to be—inconsistent with the church’s Statement of Faith (Constitution, Article 3, supra).

Section 9.3. Records. All church documents, records, and minutes of meetings are legal documents and shall be kept and maintained in a place designated by the church. A copy of this constitution and bylaws shall at all times be kept by the church Clerk among his/her records, while another copy shall be kept in the church office. All amendments to, or revisions thereof, shall, after passage by the church, be prepared by the church Clerk. They shall then be posted in the copies of the church constitution and bylaws. These records shall be made available to church members generally upon request within a reasonable time period.

ARTICLE 10. AMENDMENTS

Section 10.1. General. Amendments to this constitution and bylaws may only be made with the participation of the church membership. Such amendment(s) shall be made by the Deacon Body, or a select committee for such purpose, to the Church Council. The amendment(s) shall then be presented to the church at a special called business meeting for such purpose. Notice of the amendment(s) shall have been presented in writing at least two (2) weeks prior to the meeting. Copies of the proposed amendment(s) shall have been furnished to the membership and may be in either printed or digital format, as prescribed by the Church Moderator.

Section 10.2. Voting.

(1) For the purpose of amendments to either this constitution and/or the bylaws, only those active members present at the duly called meeting for voting on such amendment are those members eligible and entitled to cast a vote on such amendment.

(2) Amendments to the constitution and bylaws must be approved by a two-thirds vote of the active members in good standing present and entitled to vote.

TO THE MEMBERS OF FELLOWSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH OF ELLERBE, NORTH CAROLINA:

The Deacon Body has prayerfully and diligently prepared this document as the revised bylaws of Fellowship Baptist Church of Ellerbe, North Carolina. We therefore humbly submit this constitution and bylaws for your prayerful consideration and adoption. Once adopted, this constitution and bylaws supersede any and all other constitutions, bylaws, and documents.

Deacon Body

Bronson Wright, Chairman

Ronald Cook

Robert Dawkins

Doug Goins

Brandon Hughes

Kenny McFayden

Grant Hunsucker

Matthew Rhyne

Josh Richardson

Sam Richardson

John Schrenker

This revised constitution and bylaws was adopted by vote of the Fellowship Baptist Church of Ellerbe, North Carolina, located at 138 Wallace Road, Ellerbe, North Carolina 28338, on the _______ day of__________________________, 2024.

___________________________

Church Moderator

___________________________

Church Clerk