FIFBC Bylaws (Online)

Church Bylaws FOUNTAIN INN FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 206 N Weston Street Fountain Inn, SC 29644 Adopted March 14, 2021



Church Bylaws Adopted March 14, 2021 Fountain Inn First Baptist Church | 206 N Weston Street Fountain Inn SC 29644 | 864.862.3350



table of contents Article Page Number Preamble 1 Article 1: Principal Office 2 Article 2: Statement of Beliefs 2 Article 3: Membership in FIFBC 4 Article 4: Meetings/Business Conference 7 Article 5: Administrative Business Council 9 Article 6: Professional Leadership Staff 10 Article 7: General Church Officers, Deacons, and Other Leadership 13 Article 8: Administrative Committees 16 Article 9: Ministry Teams 18 Article 10: Indemnification of Church Staff and Officers 19 Article 11: Dispute/Conflict Resolution 20 Article 12: Ordaining, Licensing, and Commissioning 21 Article 13: Statement of Facility Use 21 Article 14: Annual Responsibilities 22 Article 15: Article of Dissolution 23 Article 16: Amendments to the Bylaws 23 Article 17: Interpretation of Bylaws 24



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 The Baptist Faith and Message, as 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: May 26, 1897 Amendments Dated: July 26, 1973 and March 14, 2021 Articles of Amendment Filed: March 22, 2021 Location/Mailing Address: 206 North Weston Street, Fountain Inn, SC 29644 Location Phone: 864.862.3350 Website: https://www.fifbc.org Associational Affiliation: Greenville Baptist Association ARTICLE 2: STATEMENT OF BELIEFS FIFBC affirms the statement of doctrine and practice known as The 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: Salvation 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 2

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 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 3

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 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 4

presented to the FIFBC membership at any regular church service in any of the following ways: ● 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 by 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 by 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 by 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). 5

4. Support the testimony of FIFBC by attending faithfully, living a Godly life, and giving generously (Hebrews 10:24-25, Philippians 1:27, 1 Corinthians 16:2). 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 6

process described in the first and second paragraphs of this Section shall be followed before the Administrative Business Council may exclude a member. 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. 7

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 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. 8

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. 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 Robert’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 9

● Two at-large members selected by the Lead Pastor and Deacon Chair ● Treasurer (non-voting member) ● Clerk (non-voting member) 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 10

Lead Pastor is responsible for providing spiritual instruction and strategic leadership to the FIFBC members, staff, and ministries. 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. 11

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 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. Non-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. 12

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. 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. 13

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. The 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 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. Trustee 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 14

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. ● 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. 15

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 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 16

Nominating Committee Personnel Committee 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. 17

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. 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. 18

ARTICLE 10: INDEMNIFICATION OF CHURCH STAFF AND OFFICERS Section 1: Definitions Indemnitee shall 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 19

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, 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. 20

ARTICLE 12: ORDAINING, LICENSING, AND COMMISSIONING Section 1: Ordaining and Licensing of Ministers Licensing 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. 21

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 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 22

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. 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. 23

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 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