Memo and Proposed Bylaws

MEMORANDUM To: Members, Fountain Inn First Baptist Church (FIFBC) From: FIFBC Constitution and Bylaws Team Date: February 5, 2021 Re: Proposed New FIFBC Bylaws Dear Members: The current members of the Constitution and Bylaws Team of FIFBC are Michelle King, Andy Bearden and Sam Mabry with Pastor Condy Richardson in an Ex-Officio role. After an approximately one-year process, the Constitution and Bylaws Team has drafted and the Deacons of FIFBC recommend the membership of FIFBC adopt proposed new Bylaws for FIFBC which are attached to this Memorandum for your review and consideration. FIFBC will have a special called meeting of the FIFBC Membership after the morning worship service on March 14, 2021 where the deacons based on their approval of the proposed amendment from the Constitution and Bylaws team will recommend the FIFBC Membership adopt these proposed Bylaws as amendments to the current Constitution and Bylaws. The vote to approve the proposed Bylaws must be by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of FIFBC members present at the called meeting on March 14. Our Team anticipated some questions the Members of FIFBC might have about the proposed new Bylaws and have provided our answers below. Why does FIFBC need Bylaws? FIFBC is incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation by Charter issued in 1897, which was last amended in 1973. Bylaws are the accepted way that a corporation sets forth the relationship between its members, who runs the corporation and their authority to do so and how disputes among the members will be resolved. Without Bylaws, the operation of FIFBC would be governed by the general provisions of the SC Not-for-Profit Corporations Act which may not fit with the way FIFBC operates or wants to operate. Written Bylaws allow a corporation to vary from the general provisions of the Act. Why are we doing this now? Has something happened? There is no specific event that has caused our Team to recommend amending the current FIFBC Constitution and Bylaws. However, due to the age of the current Constitution and Bylaws and the increasing changes within our culture that are not necessarily always friendly to churches, it has become prudent to review and revise the FIFBC Bylaws to address the times we live in, as well as protect FIFBC well into the future. 1

Why is this document called Bylaws as opposed to Constitution and Bylaws like our current document? The 1897 Charter from the State of South Carolina “constituted” FIFBC. There is no need to have a separate “constitution”. Additionally, the South Carolina Baptist Convention recommends that, where a church is incorporated, the document in question only be called the bylaws of the church. What are the major differences between the proposed Bylaws and FIFBC’s current Constitution and Bylaws? Article 2, which contains a Statement of our Beliefs, and Article 13, which contains a Statement of Facilities Use, have been added. Also, Article 17 on Interpretation of the Bylaws has been added to try to reduce as much as possible any court interference in the doctrines, beliefs and operations of FIFBC. Members under 16 will not be allowed to vote at business meetings. Members under 18 will not be allowed to vote at special called meetings on items such as the purchase of property, borrowing money or entering into contracts. An Administrative Business Council will be the governing body of FIFBC. Deacons will focus more on their true calling as servants to the church membership. The Administrative Business Council will consist of the Lead Pastor, the Chairman of the Deacons, Chairpersons of the Personnel, Finance and Buildings and Grounds Committees and two at-large members of FIFBC. The Clerk and Treasurer of FIFBC will be non-voting members of the Administrative Business Council. Trustees will no longer be required to be Deacons. Women will be eligible to serve on the Administrative Business Council or to serve as Trustees of FIFBC. Church membership will vote on hiring ministry staff but ministry staff, other than the Lead Pastor, may be terminated without a vote of the FIFBC membership. The job duties of church staff are generally described in the Bylaws but they may be changed or modified as circumstances require. We currently have ministry staff positions described in the current Constitution and Bylaws which are not being followed in actual operations. Technically, the current Constitution and Bylaws should have been amended when the job duties changed. 2

Only four Administrative Committees are expressly listed in Article 8 of the proposed Bylaws. Article 9 does not specifically list any Ministry Teams. This is intended to create flexibility in the structure of other committees and teams as needs demand or the Lord leads FIFBC without the need to formally amend the Bylaws. A ministry handbook will be developed to contain information on potential ministry teams and their functions/duties. Chairpersons of the four Administrative Committees will be nominated and elected for 3 year terms specifically as Chairperson of each Committee. What is the source document for these proposed Bylaws? The proposed Bylaws are modeled on the format and text of a set of Model Church Bylaws recommended by the South Carolina Baptist Convention, with modifications to fit current operations and practices at FIFBC. Our Committee also looked at Bylaws from several other churches as well. Why do the proposed Bylaws read like such a formal, technical document? Why do the proposed Bylaws have a “corporate feel” to them? As mentioned earlier, FIFBC is a corporation and has been one since 1897. Bylaws are formal documents which govern the way a corporation is run and the relationship between and rights of the members. Bylaws need to be technical and reasonably detailed. The proposed Bylaws for FIFBC follow the general format and structure of typical corporate bylaws and address the issues that need to be addressed under the South Carolina Not-for-Profit Corporations Act. Also, the format and detail of these proposed Bylaws is consistent with the Model Church Bylaws recommended by the South Carolina Baptist Convention. Why do we need an Administrative Business Council? Under South Carolina law, there must be a governing body of a corporation. The Administrative Business Council in these proposed Bylaws is basically the way FIFBC has been operating in the last few years. What will the role of the Deacons if the proposed Bylaws are adopted? The Deacons at FIFBC will be primarily servants of the members of FIFBC in accordance with what our Team views is the Biblical model for deacons. The Chairman of the Deacons will be a member of the Administrative Business Council. 3

Is the membership of FIFBC giving up voting control under the proposed Bylaws? No. Membership will still vote to approve staff hires, nominate and elect Deacons, vote to approve members of the Nominating Committee and the four Administrative Committees, approve the annual budget, and vote to approve matters like major purchases of property and major contracts like loans. The proposed Bylaws provide that only members over 16 years of age may vote in regular business meetings and only members over 18 may vote in special sessions such as to purchase property or take out a loan. The reason for this difference is that persons under 18 years of age are disqualified under South Carolina law from entering into contracts, purchasing property, or taking out loans. Condy Richardson Michelle King Andy Bearden Sam Mabry HSB 6610020 v.2 1/28/21 4

             Church Bylaws  Adopted: ___________________              Fountain Inn First Baptist Church | 206 N Weston Street Fountain Inn SC 29644 | 864.862.3350     

  BYLAWS   FOUNTAIN INN FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH  a South Carolina Baptist Nonprofit Religious Corporation  PREAMBLE    We, the members of Fountain Inn First Baptist Church (hereinafter “FIFBC”), declare and adopt  these Bylaws to preserve and secure the principles of our faith, to govern the body in an  orderly manner, to maintain the liberties of each individual FIFBC member, and to guard the  freedom of action of this body in its relations to other churches.   We affirm the Holy Bible as the inspired Word of God and the basis of our beliefs. We  voluntarily band ourselves together as a body of baptized believers in Jesus Christ, committed  to sharing the good news of salvation to lost mankind. This church body subscribes to the  doctrinal statement of T​ he Baptist Faith and Message, a​ s adopted by the Southern Baptist  Convention on June 14, 2000. The ordinances of FIFBC are believer’s baptism and the Lord’s  Supper.  The government of FIFBC 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 FIFBC shall report to and be accountable only to FIFBC, unless otherwise  specified by FIFBC action.  FIFBC is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body but recognizes and sustains the  obligations of mutual counsel and cooperation which are common among Baptist churches.  FIFBC is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, South Carolina Baptist Convention,  and the Greenville Baptist Association.  NOTHING IN THESE BYLAWS IS INTENDED TO CREATE A CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT  BETWEEN FIFBC AND ANY MINISTERIAL OR NON-MINISTERIAL STAFF MEMBER. UNLESS  OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN THESE BYLAWS, EMPLOYMENT AT FIFBC IS  AT-WILL AND MAY BE TERMINATED BY EITHER PARTY AT ANY TIME FOR ANY REASON  OR NO REASON AT ALL.​     1 

  ARTICLE 1: PRINCIPAL OFFICE    Organized​: ​September 9, 1880  Constituted:​ ​ September 28, 1880  Original Charter Dated :​ M​ ay 26, 1897 Amendments Dated:​ ​July 26, 1973  Location/Mailing Address:​ 2​ 06 North Weston Street, Fountain Inn, SC 29644  Location Phone​: 8​ 64.862.3350  Website​: ​https://www.fifbc.org   Associational Affiliation:​ G​ reenville Baptist Association    ARTICLE 2: STATEMENT OF BELIEFS    FIFBC affirms the statement of doctrine and practice known as T​ he Baptist Faith and  Message,​ adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in 1963, enlarged in 2000, and  incorporated here by reference. A summary of the basic and most crucial doctrinal  teachings of that statement are as follows:   The Scriptures:​ ​ The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is the record  of God's revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It  has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for  its matter (Matthew 5:7-18; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21).  God: ​ There is one and only one living and true God. He is an intelligent, spiritual, and  personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and Ruler of the universe. God is  infinite in holiness and all other perfections. To Him we owe the highest love,  reverence, and obedience. The eternal God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son, and  Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or  being (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; John. 1:1-3; 4:24; Acts 5:3-4).  Man and Sin: ​ Man was created by the special act of God, in His own image, and is the  crowning work of His creation. In the beginning man was innocent of sin. By his free  choice, man sinned against God and brought sin into the human race. Only the grace  of God can bring man into His holy fellowship and enable man to fulfill the creative  purpose of God (Genesis 2:4-7; Acts 17:26- 31; Romans 1:19-32; 3:10-18, 23;  Ephesians 2:1-22).  Salvation: S​ alvation involves the redemption of the whole man and is offered freely to  all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, who by His own blood obtained eternal  redemption for the believer. In its broadest sense, salvation includes regeneration,  sanctification, and glorification. Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God's  2 

  grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus. Sanctification is the  experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to God's  purposes and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual perfection through the  presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Glorification is the culmination  of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed (John. 1:11-14;  3:3-21, 36; Acts 4:12, 16:30-31; Romans 6:1-14; Philippians 2:12-13; Revelation. 21:1 -  22:5).  The Church:​ A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is a local body of  baptized believers who are associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the  gospel; observing the two ordinances of Christ; committed to His teachings, exercising  the gifts, rights, and privileges vested in them by His Word; and seeking to extend the  gospel to the ends of the earth (Matthew 16:15-19; 18:15-20; Ephesians 1:22-23;  2:19-22; 3:8-11, 21; 5:22-32; 1 Peter 5:1-4).  The Ordinances: ​ Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name  of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the  believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior; the believer's death to sin; the  burial of the old life; and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. The  Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby Christians, through partaking of  the bread and the fruit of the vine, memorialize the death of the Redeemer and  anticipate His second coming (Mark 14:22-26; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:41-42;  Romans 6:3-5; 1 Corinthians 10:16, 21; 11:23-29).   Last Things: ​ God, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its  appropriate end. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and  visibly in glory to the earth, the dead will be raised, and Christ will judge all men in  righteousness. The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting  punishment. The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their  reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord (Mark 8:38, 9:42-49; John 14:1-4;  Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 5:1 ff.; Revelation 20:11- 22:17).  Evangelism and Missions: ​ It is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and of  every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations  (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Romans 10:13-15).  Gender​: We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as  either male or female. We believe God created man (genetic male) and woman (genetic  female) as unique biological persons. These two distinct, complementary sexes  together reflect the image and nature of God. Rejection of one’s biological sex is a  rejection of the image of God within that person (Genesis 1:26-27).  Sexuality, Family, and Marriage:​ We believe God’s plan for human sexuality is to be  expressed only within the context of marriage. God instituted monogamous marriage  between man (genetic male) and woman (genetic female) as the foundation of the family  and the basic structure of human society. For this reason, we believe marriage is  3 

  exclusively the union of one man (genetic male) and one woman (genetic female).  Children, from the moment of conception, are a blessing and heritage from the Lord.  (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:5-6, Mark 10:6-9, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9, Psalm  139:13, Jeremiah 1:4-5).  We believe that, in order to preserve the function and integrity of FIFBC as a local Body  of Christ and to provide a Biblical role model to FIFBC members and the community, it  is imperative that anyone employed by FIFBC abide by and agree to this Statement on  Marriage and Sexuality and conduct themselves accordingly.  Redemption and Restoration: ​ We believe that God offers redemption and restoration  to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through  Jesus Christ (Matthew 18:15-17).  We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect,  and dignity. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual  are to be repudiated and are not in accordance with scripture nor the doctrines of  FIFBC.  ARTICLE 3: MEMBERSHIP IN FIFBC    Section 1: General  The New Testament presents a picture of definable groups of people who, once  committed to the Lord, identified themselves with and committed themselves to a  particular local body (Acts 2:42-46, Romans 16:1, 1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 8:1,  Philippians 1:1, Acts 11:26).    Membership in FIFBC is open to people who:  ● have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior,   ● have been baptized by immersion (or are candidates for such baptism),  ● have completed the new member’s course of study,  ● are willing to commit themselves to a lifestyle that is consistent with the  statement of beliefs in these Bylaws, and   ● are united together by covenant as one body in Christ.    This is a sovereign and democratic Baptist church under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.  The membership retains the right to exclusive self-government in all phases of the  spiritual and temporal life of FIFBC.      Section 2: Candidacy  Any person may offer oneself as a candidate for membership in FIFBC and shall be  presented to the FIFBC membership at any regular church service in any of the  following ways:  4 

  ● by profession of faith and, if not previously baptized by immersion, as a  candidate for baptism by immersion as demonstrated by Jesus in scripture,  ● by promise of a letter of recommendation from another Baptist church, or  ● by statement of belief of prior conversion and membership in a Baptist church.  Section 3: Designation  In an effort to properly reflect the membership of FIFBC, two (2) church rolls shall be  maintained by the Church Clerk, to be updated periodically and reported to the FIFBC  membership.  a. Active members shall be defined as members who are currently involved in the  activities, functions, and worship of FIFBC, and who demonstrate their active  status by being present and supporting FIFBC regularly.    b. Inactive members shall be defined as members who have become inactive as a  result of moving from FIFBC’s ministry area and not having joined another  church or members who have been inactive for twelve (12) months. Inactive  members may be reinstated by attending and supporting FIFBC for at least six  (6) months. Inactive members lose all voting rights and are disqualified from  serving as chairs for teams and committees.  Exceptions​: Members who have become inactive as a result of being  homebound, incarcerated, in a nursing home or assisted living facility, active  military, or out-of-town college students shall be considered inactive members  until their current situation changes. This is simply a designation to reflect the  reason for their inactivity.   Section 4: Responsibilities  The responsibilities of membership in FIFBC are as follows:    1. Maintain the unity of FIFBC b​ y acting in love toward other members, by  refusing to gossip, and by following the leaders (Romans 15:5,19; 1 Peter 1:22,  Ephesians 4:3, 29, Hebrews 13:17).    2. Share the responsibility of FIFBC b​ y praying for its growth, inviting the  unchurched to attend and by warmly welcoming those who attend (1  Thessalonians 1:2, Luke 4:23, Romans 15:7).    3. Serve the ministry of FIFBC b​ y discovering spiritual gifts and talents, being  equipped to serve by pastors and by developing a servant’s heart (1 Peter 4:10,  Ephesians 4:11-12, Philippians 2:3-4, 7).    4. Support the testimony of FIFBC b​ y attending faithfully, living a Godly life, and  giving generously (Hebrews 10:24-25, Philippians 1:27, 1 Corinthians 16:2).    5 

  Section 5: Voting Rights  Every member 16 years or older is entitled to vote at all elections and on all questions  submitted to the church membership in regular conference.  These voting matters include the annual FIFBC budget, election of leadership, and  other general business concerns.  Voting by proxy or any type of absentee ballot is normally prohibited; however, the  Administrative Business Council may, in its sole discretion, allow alternative voting  methods under such terms and conditions as the Council deems appropriate.  Special-called conferences relating to personnel, contracts, large purchases (such as  real estate), banking and mortgage, and amendment of Bylaws or Articles of  Incorporation may be secret ballot votes by members 18 years and older.  Section 6: Termination  Membership may be terminated for the following reasons:  1. death of the member  2. transfer of membership to another Baptist church  3. proof of membership in a church of another denomination or  non-denominational church  4. exclusion by action of FIFBC for disciplinary reasons (see Section 7)  5. personal written request of the member  Section 7: Discipline  It shall be the practice of FIFBC to emphasize to its members that every reasonable  measure shall be taken to assist any troubled member. The pastors, deacons, and  other members of the FIFBC staff 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 a member commit a serious offense which FIFBC considers to be detrimental to  FIFBC’s general welfare and reputation, the Lead Pastor and deacons shall take every  reasonable measure to encourage the offender to repent and be reconciled to God and  FIFBC in accordance with scripture (1 Corinthians 5:6, 1 Timothy 5:20-21, Matthew  18:15-18).  If, in the sole discretion of the Administrative Business Council, the welfare of FIFBC is  best served by the exclusion of the member, the member may be excluded by a  two-thirds (⅔) majority vote of the Administrative Business Council. The reconciliation  process described in the first and second paragraphs of this Section shall be followed  before the Administrative Business Council may exclude a member.   6 

  FIFBC may restore membership to any person previously excluded upon his/her  request and by simple majority (50% + 1) vote of FIFBC upon satisfactory evidence of  the excluded person’s repentance and reformation being presented to the Lead Pastor  and Administrative Business Council. Evidence may include participation in such  rehabilitative measures as may be prescribed by the Lead Pastor.  ARTICLE 4: MEETINGS/BUSINESS CONFERENCE    Section 1: Place  FIFBC shall hold regular meetings for worship, teaching, training, outreach, and  fellowship at the principal FIFBC location, unless otherwise designated on occasion by  the Lead Pastor.    Section 2: Ordinances  Baptism  A person shall be received for Baptism:  a. who receives Jesus Christ as Savior by faith,  b. who professes Him publicly at any worship service, and  c. who indicates commitment to follow Christ as Lord.  Baptism shall be by immersion in water, shall be administered by the Lead Pastor (or  whomever the Lead Pastor shall authorize) and shall be administered as an act of  worship during any worship service.  A person confessing Christ and failing to be baptized after a reasonable length of time,  as determined by the Lead Pastor, shall be counseled by the Lead Pastor and/or staff  and deacons. If negative interest is ascertained, that person shall be deleted from  those awaiting baptism.  Lord’s Supper  The Lord’s Supper is a symbol of obedience whereby Christians, through partaking of  the bread and fruit of the vine, commemorate the death of Jesus Christ and anticipate  His second coming.  The Lead Pastor and deacons (or designated team) shall be responsible for the  preparation and administration of the Lord’s Supper.  The Lord’s Supper shall be observed at least twice each year, at times determined by  the Lead Pastor.  Section 3: Regular Business  Regular formal business meetings shall be held at least twice per year as determined by  the Lead Pastor. Notices of meetings shall be provided at least 30 calendar days prior  7 

  to the meeting. Members may submit agenda items to the Administrative Business  Council provided they do so at least 21 calendar days prior to the meeting date.    Meeting agendas shall be circulated to the membership at least 14 calendar days  before scheduled regular business meetings.   Unless otherwise presented, all motions are to be taken with discussion.    All new motions presented during new business, after a second, shall be taken as  information and referred to the committee/team to which the proposed motion relates.  The referred committee/team/group, after review, shall re-state the original motion as  old business in the next regular business conference or hold a special-called business  conference to propose church action on the motion after discussion.  All members present and voting shall constitute a decision.  The Administrative Business Council or Lead Pastor may hold additional informal  meetings, such as Town Hall Meetings, throughout the year for such purposes as  providing updates of essential statistics, sharing upcoming ministry opportunities, and  promoting discussion around the mission and work of FIFBC.  Section 4: Special Called  Special business meetings may be called at any time by the Lead Pastor or  Administrative Business Council for any purpose by giving notice to the members in  accordance with Section 5 of this Article. Motions/actions related to personnel,  contracts, large purchases (such as real estate), banking and mortgage, and amending  of Bylaws or articles of incorporation may need to be secret ballot by members 18  years or older.    Section 5: Notices  Notification of membership meetings shall be given in any of the following manners  deemed to be a reasonable method of calling a membership meeting:  a. distribution of written material to the congregation in attendance at a weekend  service;   b. announcement of the meeting by, in the sole discretion of the Administrative  Business Council,​ the most appropriate resources which may include worship  guide, newsletter, website, app, or social media;  c. verbal announcement to the congregation at a weekend service; or  d. delivery by the United States Mail to each FIFBC member.  Section 6: Quorum  A quorum shall consist of those members present and entitled to vote at a meeting duly  noticed and called for the transaction of business.      8 

  Section 7: Voting  Voting procedures shall follow the most current Robert’s Rules of Order as the guide to  parliamentary action.  a. Simple majority (50% +1) shall be required at regular business meetings.  b. Two-thirds (⅔) majority shall be required at special called business meetings.  c. Secret ballots may be used in some circumstances.  Section 8: Rules of Order  All business meetings shall be guided by Christian courtesy; formal business meetings  shall also be conducted according to parliamentary rules of procedures in the most  current edition​ of R​ obert’s Rules of Order.  ARTICLE 5: ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS COUNCIL    Section 1: General Overview  The Administrative Business Council shall be the governing body of FIFBC. The  Administrative Business Council is responsible for the general oversight of the church  ministry and mission and approves recommendations from teams and committees prior  to presentation and vote.    The Administrative Business Council shall provide support for the Lead Pastor,  ministerial staff, and non-ministerial staff as they oversee the monthly operations of  FIFBC. Areas of support may include administration, ministry, mission, calendar  services, financial concerns, and facility use, along with personnel issues and volunteer  service.    Section 2: Qualifications  Representatives on the Council are to be men and women of integrity and open  minded, visionary Christians with a heart for Kingdom work and upholding the vision,  goal, and objectives of FIFBC.    Section 3: Election and Service  The Administrative Business Council shall be made up of the following leaders of  FIFBC:  ● Lead Pastor (Chair)  ● Finance Committee Chair  ● Personnel Committee Chair  ● Building and Grounds Committee Chair  ● Deacon Chair  ● Two at-large members selected by the Lead Pastor and Deacon Chair  ● Treasurer (non-voting member)  ● Clerk (non-voting member)    9 

  Length of service on the Administrative Business Council shall coincide with the terms  of chairperson elections and rotation of Administrative Committees and FIFBC Officers.  At-large members shall serve three year terms and shall be ineligible for service for one  year prior to an additional term of service.     Section 4: Vacancies  All vacancies to the Administrative Business Council shall be filled by the Personnel  Committee for any staff vacancies, by the Nominating Committee for all other Officers  or Committees, and by the Lead Pastor and Deacon Chair for at-large members.    Section 5: Meetings and Quorum  As a general rule, the Administrative Business Council shall meet monthly on the fourth  Sunday afternoon of each month. In the sole discretion of the Lead Pastor as  Committee Chair, the Administrative Business Council may meet, conduct business,  and vote at any time either virtually, by phone, or by email.     Quorum shall be made when a simple majority (50% + 1) of the Council is present. No  proxy votes shall be allowed.   ARTICLE 6: PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP STAFF    Section 1: Staff Overview  Ministerial Staff  ● Lead Pastor  ● Associate Pastor to Families  ● Worship Pastor  ● Director of Children’s Ministries  Non-ministerial Staff  ● Administrative Assistant  ● Maintenance Supervisor  ● Financial Administrator  ● Weekday Preschool Director  ● Weekday Preschool Support Staff  Section 2: Staff Function  Lead Pastor (Ministerial)  The Lead Pastor is responsible for leading the FIFBC body in functioning as a New  Testament church (Acts 14:23, 20:28-32; 1 Timothy 5:17; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4).  The Lead Pastor is responsible for providing spiritual instruction and strategic  leadership to the FIFBC members, staff, and ministries.       10 

  Associate Pastor to Families (Ministerial)  The Associate Pastor to Families is responsible for planning, implementing and  evaluating a comprehensive discipleship program for members of all ages.   Worship Pastor (Ministerial)  The Worship Pastor is responsible for the planning, coordination, operation, and  evaluation of a comprehensive Worship Ministry.    Director of Children’s Ministries (Ministerial)  The Director of Children’s Ministries is responsible for developing and coordinating a  comprehensive ministry to children, infants through fifth grade.    Administrative Assistant (Non-ministerial)  The Administrative Assistant is responsible for administering clerical tasks and  functions relevant to the FIFBC office on a day-to-day basis including answering  incoming telephone calls, greeting visitors, handling incoming/outgoing mail, and  assisting with general office duties.    Maintenance Supervisor (Non-ministerial)  The Maintenance Supervisor is responsible for maintaining the appearance, cleanliness,  maintenance, and security of the FIFBC facilities and grounds.     Financial Administrator (Non-ministerial)  The Financial Administrator is responsible for receiving, recording, and depositing all  funds taken into the FIFBC treasury, maintaining the FIFBC financial records, and  preparing financial reports.     Weekday Preschool Director (Non-ministerial)  The Weekday Preschool Director is responsible for overseeing the strategic vision for  the Weekday Preschool Ministry of FIFBC, working together with preschool teachers  and the pastoral leadership to administer a Christ-centered curriculum and a safe  learning environment for children attending the school.    Weekday Preschool Support Staff (Non-ministerial)  The Weekday Preschool Support Staff is responsible for implementing a  Christ-centered curriculum under the leadership of the Weekday Preschool Director and  FIFBC Lead Pastor and shall include all teachers, classroom paraprofessionals, and  other staff who support the ministry of the Weekday Preschool program with job duties  as defined by the Weekday Preschool Director.    Section 3: Staff Selection  Lead Pastor  The Lead Pastor shall be chosen by a Pastor Search Committee and called by FIFBC  during a special called business meeting for that purpose, of which a one-week notice  11 

  shall be given to the membership. A two-thirds (⅔) majority vote is required for the  election of a Lead Pastor.  Ministerial Staff  Ministerial staff shall be presented to the FIFBC membership by the Lead Pastor and  Personnel Committee for employment in these positions.    Non-ministerial Staff  Non-ministerial support staff may be hired by appropriate supervisors, with approval of  the Personnel Committee, following the screening and interviewing process.    Section 4: Lead Pastor Search Process  A Lead Pastor shall be chosen and called by FIFBC whenever a vacancy occurs. A  Pastor Search Committee consisting of an odd number of at least five FIFBC members  shall be elected by FIFBC upon nomination by the Nominating Committee. The Pastor  Search Committee shall bring to the consideration of the membership of FIFBC only  one nomination at a time. The membership of the Pastor Search Committee shall be  representative of the congregation by gender, age, and length of membership in FIFBC.     Section 5: Terminations  Lead Pastor  The Lead Pastor shall continue to serve until the relationship is ended by resignation or  termination. A two-thirds (⅔) majority vote is required for the termination of a Lead  Pastor.  Ministerial Staff  Ministerial staff shall continue until the relationship is ended by resignation (30 days  written notice given to the Lead Pastor), termination by the Lead Pastor and  Administrative Business Council, or the expiration of a predetermined time of service.    Non-ministerial Staff  Non-ministerial staff shall continue until the relationship is ended by resignation,  termination, or by the expiration of a predetermined time of service.​ N​ on-ministerial  staff should give at least a two-week written notice to their immediate supervisor before  leaving the position. This will allow their supervisor enough time to adjust working  schedules and secure a replacement.    The Administrative Business Council, in its sole discretion, may terminate  non-ministerial staff.    Section 6: Staff Screenings  All staff, ministerial and non-ministerial, shall complete full screening procedures prior  to hiring/calling as outlined in the Policy and Procedures Manual including credit check,  address verifications, criminal, sexual, and academic background checks.    12 

  Section 7: Staff Oversight  The Lead Pastor shall maintain oversight of all ministerial and non-ministerial staff  members and shall provide updates to the Administrative Business Council and  Personnel Committee regarding personnel issues, performance, and evaluation as  necessary. The Lead Pastor may delegate such oversight of non-ministerial staff as  necessary in order to establish efficient processes and procedures for performance  expectations and evaluation.      The Administrative Business Council shall be responsible for evaluating the Lead Pastor  as outlined in the FIFBC Policies and Procedures Manual.    Section 8: Staff Duty Modification  Ministerial and non-ministerial staff positions and job duties, except where expressly  provided within this Article, may be changed in the sole discretion of the Administrative  Business Council without amending these Bylaws. The provisions of Article 16 shall not  apply to the staff positions or job duties.    Section 9: Short Term Staffing  The Administrative Business Council may, in its sole discretion, retain interim ministerial  staff, interns, or contract non-ministerial staff for no more than twelve months without a  vote of the FIFBC membership.     ARTICLE 7: GENERAL CHURCH OFFICERS, DEACONS,   AND OTHER LEADERSHIP    Section 1: Overview  The leadership structure of FIFBC is based upon the nature of the church as revealed in  Scripture, as well as the necessary legal requirements for a recognized religious  organization. The leadership structure of FIFBC is intentionally designed to  accommodate simplicity, growth, unity, and Biblical teaching.    The primary offices of FIFBC shall be Lead Pastor, Deacons, Trustees, Moderator, Clerk  and Treasurer, whose election, tenure, and duties shall be as provided for in the Bylaws  and considered corporate officers of FIFBC. These offices shall only be held by  persons who are active members in good standing of FIFBC.    Section 2: Officer Functions  Moderator  The FIFBC Moderator shall preside at all FIFBC business meetings consistent with the  guidelines for a presiding officer in the latest edition of Robert's Rules of Order.​ T​ he  Moderator shall ordinarily be the Lead Pastor except in his discretion and on a  case-by-case basis when he may designate another person to serve as Moderator  including a non-church member. The Lead Pastor may, in his sole discretion, decline in  13 

  writing to generally serve as Moderator in which case a Moderator shall be elected and  serve as described in Sections 3 and 5 of this Article 7.     Clerk  The FIFBC Clerk is responsible for recording minutes of business meetings, preserving  historical records and correspondence to membership, and preparing annual  information for the association, state convention, and Southern Baptist Convention. In  addition, the Clerk shall keep the official copies of FIFBC Articles of Incorporation,  Bylaws, and Policies and Procedures documents.  Treasurer  The FIFBC Treasurer shall receive, deposit and pay out, according to financial policies,  all monies and other FIFBC funds, keeping at all times an itemized report of receipts  and disbursements.    Trustees  The FIFBC Trustees shall, at the direction and discretion of FIFBC, hold legal title to  FIFBC property and sign all contracts/documents as approved by FIFBC.      Deacon  The deacons shall at all times consider themselves as servants of FIFBC. It shall be  their duty to look after the spiritual well-being of the congregation, to cooperate with the  pastors and FIFBC officers in the furtherance of their duties, to visit the sick and care  for the needy, and to perform such other duties as usually pertain to that office.    Other Leadership  FIFBC may have such other officers, ministry leaders, and /or task force leaders as the  Holy Spirit may direct to carry out the purposes of FIFBC and as selected and approved  by the Administrative Business Council.    Section 3: Enlistment and Election  Clerk and Treasurer   The FIFBC membership shall elect the Clerk and Treasurer annually based on names  presented by the Nominating Committee.    Trustees  FIFBC shall have three Trustees who shall be elected by the FIFBC membership and  shall serve terms as set forth in Section 5 of this Article. The Nominating Committee  shall present the name of a proposed Trustee annually to the FIFBC membership for  approval. In the event of a vacancy due to death, removal or incapacity to serve, the  FIFBC membership shall elect a member in good standing to serve the remaining term  of the departing Trustee.     Deacons  ● The FIFBC membership shall elect the deacons to serve.  14 

  ● Deacons shall serve on a rotational basis. Each year the term of office of  one-third of the number of deacons shall expire, and election shall be held to fill  the vacancies. In case of death, removal or incapacity to serve, FIFBC may elect  to fill the unexpired term. After serving a term of three years a deacon shall be  ineligible for service for one year prior to an additional term of service.  ● The Administrative Business Council in consultation with the deacons shall  determine the nominating process for deacon candidates to be voted on by the  FIFBC membership.   ● There shall be a minimum of 12 deacons. The Administrative Business Council  in consultation with the deacons may add additional deacons based on the  needs of FIFBC membership.  ● A person is not eligible to be elected to be a deacon unless he has been a  FIFBC member for at least one calendar year.  ● In accordance with the meaning of the work and practice of the New Testament  (1 Timothy 3:8-13), deacons are to be servants of FIFBC.  ● The deacons shall elect their officers and shall be organized to assist the  pastors in all matters pertaining to the welfare of FIFBC.      Other Leadership  The duties, method of selection or election, and terms of office of other leadership  positions shall be according to the discretion of the Administrative Business Council  unless otherwise provided herein.    Section 4: Officer/Deacon/Leadership Qualifications  Officers/deacons/leadership, except the Moderator on a case-by-case basis, shall be  members of FIFBC.    Officer/leadership qualifications are to be based on the characteristics defined In  scripture (John 12:26; 1 Corinthians 11: 1; Luke 22:22; 1 Peter 5:2-5).  Deacon qualifications are found in 1 Timothy 3:8-13.  Section 5: Officer Rotation  Clerk/Treasurer  Clerk and Treasurer shall be elected by FIFBC annually and serve one-year terms. Each  may serve up to five consecutive terms. After serving five consecutive terms, the Clerk  or Treasurer shall be ineligible for service for one year prior to an additional term of  service.    Deacons  Deacons shall serve on a rotation basis. Each year the term of office of one-third of the  total number of deacons shall expire, and election shall be held to fill the vacancies. In  case of death, removal, or incapacity to serve, FIFBC may elect to fill the unexpired  15 

  term. After serving a term of three years, a deacon shall be ineligible for service for one  year prior to an additional term of service.  Trustees  Trustees shall serve on a rotational basis. Each year the term of one Trustee shall expire  and election shall be held to fill the vacancy. After serving a term of three years, a  Trustee shall be ineligible for service for one year prior to an additional term of service.    Section 6: Termination  Any officer, deacon or leader may resign at any time by written notification to the  Administrative Business Council.    Any officer, deacon or leader may be involuntarily removed from office at any time for  (1) physical or mental incapacitation, (2) spiritual or moral issues, (3) doctrinal issues, (4)  failure to fulfill responsibilities of the office. Steps 1, 2 and 3 in Matthew 18 shall be  used to implement termination by the Administrative Business Council in consultation  with the deacon body.    ARTICLE 8: ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEES    Section 1: General Overview  The administrative committees shall exist as the standing committees of FIFBC. The  purpose of administrative committees at FIFBC is to develop, implement, and oversee  policies and procedures that enable and support the ongoing business and mission of  FIFBC including, but not limited to, policies and procedures regarding personnel,  facilities, and finances. The Lead Pastor shall be a non-voting member of all  administrative committees and may attend committee meetings at his discretion.     Administrative Committees are advisory groups only. Neither a committee nor individual  members of any committee, with the exception of the Building and Grounds Committee  acting within their authorized budget or on an emergency basis, have the authority to  act on behalf of FIFBC with respect to third parties unless expressly authorized to do so  in writing by the Administrative Business Council.    FIFBC shall have the following administrative committees:     Building and Grounds Committee  Finance Committee  Nominating Committee  Personnel Committee        16 

    Section 2: General Duties  The specific duties and responsibilities of each administrative committee shall be determined  by the Administrative Business Council. The following general duties shall guide the work of  each administrative committee:  Buildings and Grounds Committee  The Buildings and Grounds Committee shall have general charge of the administration  and upkeep of the grounds and building, maintenance, and repairs.     Finance Committee  The Finance Committee shall develop and present the annual budget to FIFBC for  approval and shall manage the expenditures of all budgeted funds; shall develop  written guidelines and establish internal policies and procedures for the conduct and  operation of the financial business of FIFBC; establish such bank accounts and other  financial arrangements with banks and other fiduciaries as deemed in the best interest  of FIFBC; shall arrange for and report on all audits conducted of the FIFBC finances;  establish and monitor the procedures of collecting, handling, managing, and reporting  of all funds.     The Treasurer shall be a non-voting member of the Finance Committee.    Nominating Committee  The Nominating Committee shall coordinate the staffing of all church leadership  positions filled by volunteer workers, meet when necessary to consider all vacancies  that may have occurred, and make nominations to fill all vacancies​.    Personnel Committee  The Personnel Committee shall be in charge of and responsible for personnel  administration activities for all employees of FIFBC, carry out the policies and  procedures for personnel administration as approved by FIFBC, and maintain oversight  of FIFBC staff management.     Section 3: Enlistment and Election  Members of administrative committees shall only be active members in good standing  of FIFBC. The Nominating Committee members shall be recommended by the  Administrative Business Council and approved by the FIFBC body. All other  administrative committee members shall be recommended by the Nominating  Committee and approved by the FIFBC body.    The Nominating Committee shall select administrative committee chairpersons.    Section 4: Rotation of Service  Committee members, including committee chairpersons, shall serve three-year terms,  with a period of one year before re-election to any other administrative committee.  17 

    Section 5: Qualifications  Administrative committee members shall be FIFBC members in good standing, active,  and who support FIFBC financially and physically.    Section 6: Termination  Any administrative committee member may resign by written notification to the  Administrative Business Council and the chairperson of their committee.    Any administrative committee member may be removed from office for (1) physical or  mental incapacitation, (2) spiritual or moral issues, (3) doctrinal issues, (4) failure to fulfill  responsibilities of the office.  Steps 1, 2 and 3 in Matthew 18 shall be used to implement termination by the  Administrative Business Council.  Section 7: Short Term Committees  The Administrative Business Council may form ad hoc committees, as needed, for  short-term purposes.       ARTICLE 9: MINISTRY TEAMS    The purpose of ministry teams at FIFBC is to equip and mobilize FIFBC members in  carrying out the mission of helping as many people as possible connect with God. The  Administrative Business Council shall have the discretion to create and define the  duties of such ministry teams as it deems appropriate to carry out this mission.    The general duties of FIFBC ministry teams shall be defined in the Ministry Team  Handbook.​     The Administrative Business Council, in conjunction with the Lead Pastor and  ministerial staff, shall select the members of ministry teams.    All ministry members shall be members in good standing and must be able to represent  Christ to all that come to worship, learn, and participate at FIFBC and in the community.      ARTICLE 10: INDEMNIFICATION OF CHURCH STAFF, OFFICERS    Section 1: Definitions  18 

  Indemnitee s​ hall mean and be defined as any FIFBC Staff, FIFBC Officer or any member who  is acting in good faith on behalf of FIFBC as authorized by these Bylaws, including a Trustee of  FIFBC.  Covered Proceeding​ shall mean and be defined as a civil lawsuit or administrative  proceeding which alleges an Indemnitee was negligent or mistaken while acting on  behalf of FIFBC within the scope and course of his/her employment or within his/her  authority expressly provided in these Bylaws. A Covered Proceeding shall not include a  civil lawsuit or administrative proceeding which alleges that: (a) an Indemnitee  committed an intentional tort; (b) acted outside the scope of their employment or their  authority under these Bylaws; or (c) acted for their own benefit personally or financially.   Expenses ​shall mean and be defined as the reasonable attorneys' fees and reasonable  expenses and costs incurred by an Indemnitee in the successful defense of a Covered  Proceeding.  Section 2: Indemnification  The Administrative Business Counsel may, in its sole discretion, agree to have FIFBC indemnify  an Indemnitee solely for Expenses incurred and paid by the Indemnitee in the successful  defense of a Covered Proceeding. This provision shall only apply after the Indemnitee has  retained and paid legal counsel to defend the Covered Proceeding and only after the  Indemnitee has prevailed in the Covered Proceeding. A potential Indemnitee does not have a  right to indemnification for Expenses under this Section. The question of indemnification is  totally in the discretion of the Administrative Business Counsel on a case-by-case basis.     Section 3: Good Faith Conduct  The Indemnitee must be found to have acted in good faith, in a manner he believed to be in the  best interest of FIFBC and with such care, including reasonable inquiry, as an ordinarily  prudent person in a like position would use in similar circumstances.     Section 4: Insurance  The Administrative Business Council may adopt a resolution authorizing the purchase  and maintenance of insurance on behalf of Indemnitee against any liability asserted  against or incurred by the agent in such capacity, whether or not FIFBC would have the  power to indemnify the agent; however, FIFBC shall have no power to purchase and  maintain such insurance to indemnify any agent of FIFBC for violation of State or  Federal laws.     The Indemnification provision in Section 2 shall apply only if there is no insurance policy or  fidelity bond, whether purchased by FIFBC or the potential Indemnitee, that would provide a  defense and/or pay Expenses incurred in the Covered Proceeding. The Indemnitee shall be  required to pursue all potential sources for a defense or indemnification from third-parties,  including insurance companies, before the Indemnitee may ask FIFBC for indemnification of  Expenses incurred and paid in successfully defending a Covered Proceeding. Nothing in this  Article is intended to create or constitute “other insurance” for any person who might be  defined as an Indemnitee under this Article so as to excuse an insurance company from any  duty to defend and/or to pay defense fees, expenses and/or costs which might exist under an  insurance policy or to create any right for an insurance company to recover from FIFBC,  19 

  through subrogation or otherwise, any fees, expense and/or costs incurred or paid by an  insurance company in defending any person who might be defined as an Indemnitee under this  Article.  Section 5: No Waiver  Nothing in Article 10 on Indemnification is intended to eliminate, alter, change, modify  or amend, in any way whatsoever, any immunity, protection or limitation of liability  contained in the South Carolina Nonprofit Corporation Act, including, but not limited to,  Section 33-31-834 of the South Carolina Code, or any immunity, protection or limitation  of liability which otherwise might be available to FIFBC, to those operating or acting for  FIFBC or to its members under any other statutory provision or the South Carolina  common law.    Section 6: Indemnification of Directors  Subject to the other applicable provisions of this Article, the members of the  Administrative Business Council shall be considered the directors of FIFBC under  Section 33-31-852 of the South Carolina Code.​     ARTICLE 11: DISPUTE/CONFLICT RESOLUTION    Section 1: Disputes  FIFBC shall follow the Biblical formula for redemptive resolution of disputes as found in  Matthew 18 and 1 Corinthians 6, so that every effort is made to live at peace and  resolve disputes in private.    Section 2: Church Conflict  It shall be the practice of FIFBC to emphasize to its members that every reasonable  measure shall be taken to resolve conflict using the principles of Matthew 18. Should  parties involved be unable to settle their disputes using this guideline, then  Biblically-based and legally binding Christian mediation shall be used.     Section 3: Exclusion Procedures  If a condition should exist that causes a member to become a liability to the welfare of  FIFBC, every reasonable effort shall be made to resolve the problem in a spirit of  Christian kindness and forbearance. Upon determination that the welfare of FIFBC is  best served by the exclusion of the member, FIFBC may take this action at a meeting  called for this purpose.    ARTICLE 12: ORDAINING, LICENSING, AND COMMISSIONING    Section 1: Ordaining and Licensing of Ministers  Licensing  20 

  When a man announces to FIFBC that he feels the call to the ministry, the Lead Pastor  and deacons may recommend him to the FIFBC membership and may, by a majority  vote, license him to the ministry.     Ordaining  In the event FIFBC has been requested to ordain a man who has been called as pastor  of a Baptist church, the following procedures shall be followed:     1. FIFBC shall express its approval by two-thirds (⅔) majority vote of the  members present at any regularly arranged FIFBC business conference.   2. The Lead Pastor shall organize a council to examine the candidate  concerning his fitness for the ministry. Upon receiving a favorable report,  FIFBC shall proceed with the ordination.   Ordination is usually a designation indicating the candidate is a \"minister for tax  purposes\" and complies with federal income tax reporting and withholding rules.   Section 2: Ordaining Deacons  The Lead Pastor shall perform the ordination in the presence of the FIFBC membership.    Section 3: Commissioning Missionaries  Any present or former FIFBC member, who by his/her leading and convictions feel  called of God to the work of missions may, by a majority vote of the members present  at any regular church conference, be commissioned by FIFBC to missionary-related  service.    ARTICLE 13: STATEMENT OF FACILITY USE    FIFBC properties and facilities exist primarily to provide a location for FIFBC-approved  religious activities and functions and for use by members of FIFBC in good standing for  activities and functions which are consistent with the teachings of the Bible, the Mission  Statement, and the Statement of Beliefs in these Bylaws.     However, FIFBC believes it exists to help as many people as possible connect with  God. FIFBC shall do this by connecting with God, other believers, and the world  through missions and ministry. Therefore, we believe this mission may be aided by  making the properties and facilities at FIFBC open for use by people or groups who are  not members of FIFBC.  Further, FIFBC believes that, while its properties and facilities should be open to  non-members in a way that carries out FIFBC’s mission, the Bible also teaches that  activities which occur on the church’s premises must be consistent with the teachings  of the Bible, e.g. John 2:13-16. Accordingly, on a case-by-case basis, the  Administrative Business Council may, in its sole and only discretion, make FIFBC  21 

  properties and facilities available for use by persons or groups other than FIFBC  members (or for secular activities or functions by such persons or groups) provided  such persons or groups do not, in any way whatsoever, engage in activities or have  beliefs or practices which are contrary, in any way, to FIFBC's Mission Statement and  Bylaws, instructions or guidelines from the South Carolina Baptist Convention and/or  the Southern Baptist Convention, and/or FIFBC’s interpretation of the Bible.   The Administrative Business Council shall have the sole discretion to determine whether  a person or group's practices or beliefs violate or are contrary in any way to these  precepts. Regardless of whether the properties and facilities are used by a member or  otherwise, activities or conduct in the properties and facilities which violate or are  contrary, in any way, to FIFBC’s Mission Statement and the statement of Beliefs in  these Bylaws, instructions or guidelines from the South Carolina Baptist Association  and/or the Southern Baptist Convention, and/or FIFBC’s interpretation of the Bible are  strictly prohibited.   For specific use of FIFBC properties and facilities for weddings, please see the current  Member Wedding Policy.  ARTICLE 14: ANNUAL RESPONSIBILITIES    Section 1: Accounts and Records  The budget/financial year of FIFBC shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31  of each year. The FIFBC program year shall begin on September 1 and end on August  31 of each year.    FIFBC shall have an annual budget to serve as the guide for the financial operation of  FIFBC. Such budget shall be presented to FIFBC at the annual business conference for  vote and, in the sole discretion of the Administrative Business Council, discussion.  Discussion may be held separate from the vote as the Administrative Business Council  may determine.     Section 2: Inspection of Records  A copy of the Incorporation, Bylaws, and Policies & Procedures of FIFBC shall be  available in the FIFBC office for viewing by FIFBC members.     Upon proper written notice, every FIFBC member in good standing has the right to  inspect all records, reports and documentation of every kind, except that which Is  deemed confidential. Members are required to submit the request in writing to the  Administrative Business Council. FIFBC staff shall have 14 days to make the requested  documents available for viewing at the principal business office. No copy of viewed  documents shall be allowed to leave the FIFBC office. The Administrative Business  Council has sole discretion to determine whether a record or information is confidential.    22 

  Every household should have a copy of the Bylaws of FIFBC.       Section 3: Auditing Procedures Financial and Security  The Finance Committee shall conduct an annual audit and arrange for an independent  audit every other year.    All leadership of children under age 18 and all FIFBC employees shall be screened and  the records maintained in the FIFBC office, administered by the Lead Pastor and  Personnel Committee chair. FIFBC members shall not be entitled to inspect any  records of such screening.    ARTICLE 15: ARTICLE OF DISSOLUTION    FIFBC, being organized and incorporated, operates as a non-profit, tax e​ xempt  organization under the United States Internal Revenue Code. In the event of dissolution  of FIFBC, the assets thereof shall be liquidated and distributed for payment of all  outstanding debts and obligations; remaining assets shall be distributed to the  Greenville Baptist Association for the purpose of Kingdom work.    No assets of FIFBC shall be distributed to any member, officer, or staff of FIFBC or any  other individual.    ARTICLE 16: AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS    Section 1: General Procedures  These Bylaws shall be amended, altered or repealed only if the procedure directly  below is strictly followed:  1. A suggestion shall be brought to the Constitution and Bylaws Committee.  2. A proposal for change shall be brought to the Administrative Business Council  from the Constitution and Bylaws Committee.  3. An approved proposed amendment shall be brought to the church from the  Administrative Business Council.  4. The church shall vote. In order for a change to be effected, there must be a  favorable two-thirds (⅔) majority vote of those church members present and  voting.     Section 2: Notifications and Reviews  Upon approval of proposed amendments by the Bylaws committee and the  Administrative Business Council, amendments shall be presented to the church body  for a vote in accordance with the process in Article 4 of these Bylaws.     Section 3: Presentation and Vote  23 

  Proposed amendments shall be presented to the church following the notification  structure for regular business meetings as noted in Article 4 of these Bylaws.      Section 4: Documentation Distribution  New documents or sections of amended documents shall be available for distribution in  the FIFBC office.    ARTICLE 17: INTERPRETATION OF BYLAWS    It is the intent of FIFBC and its membership that these Bylaws shall be interpreted and  applied so as to give the broadest possible application of the doctrine of separation of  church and state, and the legal principles related thereto, contained in the United States  and/or South Carolina State Constitutions. These principles include, but are not limited  to, that FIFBC shall be free from governmental or court interference in matters of church  governance as well as matters of faith and doctrine and that courts shall not engage in  resolving disputes among FIFBC members as to religious law, principle, doctrine,  custom, or the governance, administration or operation of FIFBC. The Administrative  Business Council shall have the sole discretion to fully and finally resolve any dispute or  issue as to the above and shall also have the sole discretion to fully and finally resolve  any dispute as to any ambiguity in or conflict as to the construction or operation of any  provision of these Bylaws.    The order of the Articles and Sections in these Bylaws is not intended to indicate their  relative importance to each other. Membership at FIFBC is subject to all of the Articles  and Sections in these Bylaws, as these Bylaws are interpreted by the Administrative  Business Council.       24