ARTICLE 1.- NAME AND PURPOSE

SECTION 1.01-NAME
This congregation of believers shall be known as the Lighthouse Baptist Church of Four
Oaks, North Carolina.

SECTION 1.02-PURPOSE
This congregation is organized as a church exclusively for charitable, religious, and
educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Revenue Law).
Our purpose at Lighthouse Baptist Church is to Exalt our Savior, Jesus Christ, through
praise and worship; to Evangelize the sinner through sharing the gospel; to Equip the
saints through bible study and training; and to Enjoy our salvation through fellowship
with God’s family.

ARTICLE 2- STATEMENT OF FAITH AND COVENANT

SECTION 2.01-STATEMENT OF FAITH
The following comprise the Scriptural beliefs of this church and its members.
(A) The Holy Scriptures. We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New
Testament to be the verbally and plenarily inspired Word of God. The Scriptures
are inerrant, infallible and God-breathed and, therefore, are the final authority for
faith and life. The sixty-six books of the Old and New Testament are the complete
and divine revelation of God to Man. The Scriptures shall be interpreted according
to their normal grammatical­ historical meaning, and all issues of interpretation
and meaning shall be determined by the pastor. (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:20-
21)
(B) Dispensationalism. We believe that the Scriptures interpreted in their natural,
literal sense reveal divinely determined dispensations or rules of life which define
man’s responsibilities in successive ages. These dispensations are not ways of
salvation, but rather are divinely ordered stewardships by which God directs man
according to His purpose. Three of these dispensations-the law, the church, and
the kingdom-are the subjects of detailed revelation in Scripture. (Gen. 1:28; 1
Cor. 9:17; 2 Cor. 3:9-18; Gal. 3:13-25; Eph. 1:10; 3:2-10; Col. 1:24-25, 27; Rev.
20:2-6)
(C) The Godhead. We believe in one triune God, eternally existing in three persons­
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-each co-eternal in being, co-identical in nature, coequal
in power and glory, and having the same attributes and perfections. (Deut. 6:4; Matt.
28:19; John 14:10, 26; 2 Cor. 13:14)
(D) The Person and Work of Christ.
1. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man,
without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born
of the virgin Mary, in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful men.
(Isa. 7:14; 9:6; Luke 1:35; John l:l-2, 14; 2 Car. 5:19-21; Gal. 4:4-5; Phil.
2:5-8)
2. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through
His death on the cross as a representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice;
and, that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection
from the dead. (Acts 2:18- 36; Rom. 3:24-25; Eph. 1:7; 1 Pet. 2:24; 1
Peter 1:3-5)
3. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven and is now exalted
at the right hand of God where, as our High Priest, He fulfills the ministry of
Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate. (Acts 1:9-10; Rom. 8:34; Heb.
9:24; 7:25; 1 John 2:1-2)
(E) The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit.
1. We believe that the Holy Spirit is a person who convicts the world of sin, of
righteousness, and of judgment; and, that He is the Supernatural Agent in
regeneration, baptizing all believers into the body of Christ, indwelling and
sealing them unto the day of redemption. (John 16:8-11; Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor.
12:12-14; 2 Cor. 3:6; Eph. 1:13-14)
2. We believe that He is the divine Teacher who assists believers to
understand and appropriate the Scriptures and that it is the privilege and
duty of all the saved to be filled with the Spirit. (Eph. 1:17-18; 5:18; 1
John 2:20, 27)
3. We believe that God is sovereign in the bestowal of spiritual gifts to every
believer. God uniquely uses evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip
believers in the assembly in order that they can do the work of the ministry.
(Rom. 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12:4-11, 28; Eph. 4:7-12)
4. We believe that the sign gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues
and the gift of healing, were temporary signs to the unbelieving Jews. Speaking
in tongues was never the common or necessary sign of the baptism or filling of
the Holy Spirit. Ultimate deliverance of the body from sickness or death awaits
the consummation of our salvation in the resurrection, though God frequently
chooses to answer the prayers of believers for physical healing. (1 Cor. 1:22;
13:8; 14:21-22)
(F) The Total Depravity of Man. We believe that man was created in the image and
likeness of God; but that in Adam’s sin the human race fell, inherited a sinful
nature, and became alienated from God. Man is totally depraved and, of himself,
utterly unable to remedy his lost condition. (Gen. 1:26-27; Rom. 3:22-23; 5:12;
6:23; Eph. 2:1-3; 4:17-19)
(G) Salvation. We believe that salvation is the gift of God brought to man by grace
and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Whose precious blood was
shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins. We believe that all sins, except
blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, are forgivable. (Matt. 12:31-32; John 1:12; Eph.
1:7; 2:8-10; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; 1 John 1:9)
(H) The Eternal Security and Assurance of Believers.
1. We believe that all the redeemed, once saved, are kept by God’s power and are
thus secure in Christ forever. (John 6:37-40; 10:27-30; Rom. 8:1; 38-39; I Cor.
1 :4-8; 1 Pet. 1:4-5)
2. We believe that it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of
their salvation through the testimony of God’s Word, which, however, clearly
forbids the use of Christian liberty as an occasion to the flesh. (Rom. 13:13-
14; Gal. 5:13; Titus 2:11-15)
(I) The Church
1. We believe that the local church, which is the body and the espoused bride of
Christ, is solely made up of born-again persons. (1 Cor. 12:12-14; 2 Cor. 11:2;
Eph. 1:22-23; 5:25-27)
2. We believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly
taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures. (Acts 14:27; 20:17, 28-
32; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-11)
3. We believe in the autonomy of the local church free of any external
authority or control. (Acts 13:1-4; 15:19-31; 20:28; Rom. 16:1, 4; 1 Cor.
3:9, 16; 5:4-7,13; 1 Pet. 5: 1 -4)
4. We recognize water baptism by emersion and the Lord’s Supper as the
Scriptural ordinances of obedience for the church in this age. (Matt. 28:19-
20; Acts 2:41-42; 18:18; 1 Cor. 11:23-26)
(J) Separation. We believe that all the saved should live in such a manner as not
to bring reproach upon their Savior and Lord. God commands His people to
separate from all religious apostasy, all worldly and sinful pleasures, and to
refrain from all immodest appearances. (Lev. 19:28; Rom. 12:1-2; 14:13; l
Cor. 6:19-20; 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 1 John 2:15-17; 2 John 9-11)
(K) The Second Advent of Christ. We believe in that blessed hope, the personal,
imminent return of Christ, Who will rapture His church prior to the seven-year
tribulation period. At the end of the Tribulation, Christ will personally and visibly
return with His saints, to establish His earthly Messianic Kingdom which was
promised to the nation of Israel. (Ps. 89:3-4; Dan. 2:31-45; Zech. 14:4-11; 1 Thess.
1:10, 4:13-18; Titus 2:13; Rev. 3:10; 19:11-16; 20:1-6)
(L) The Eternal State.
1. We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life, and
the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment. (Matt. 25:46; John 5:28,
29; 11:25-26; Rev. 20:5-6, 12-13)
2. We believe that the souls of the redeemed are, at death, absent from the
body and present with the Lord, where in conscious bliss they await the
first resurrection, when spirit, soul, and body are reunited to be glorified
forever with the Lord. (Luke 23:43; 2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23; 3:21; 1 Thess.
4:16-17; Rev. 20:4-6)
3. We believe that the souls of unbelievers remain, after death, in conscious
punishment and torment until the second resurrection, when with soul and body
reunited, they shall appear at the Great White Throne Judgment, and shall be
cast into the Lake of Fire, not to be annihilated, but to suffer everlasting
conscious punishment and torment. (Matt. 25:41- 46; Mark 9:43-48; Luke
16:19-26; 2 Thess. 1:7-9; Jude 6-7; Rev. 20:11-15)
(M) The Personality of Satan. We believe that Satan is a fallen angel, the author of
sin and the cause of the Fall of Man; that he is the open and declared enemy of God
and man; and that he shall be eternally punished in the Lake of Fire. (Job 1:6-7;
Isa. 14:12-17; Matt. 4:2-11; 25:41; Rev. 20:10)
(N) Creation. We believe that God created the universe in six literal, 24-hour
periods. We reject any theory other than the Scripture account of creation. (Gen.
1-2; Ex. 20:11)
(O) Civil Government. We believe that God has ordained and created all authority
consisting of three basic institutions: 1) the home, 2) the church, and 3) the state.
Every person is subject to these authorities, but all (including the authorities
themselves) answerable to God and governed by His Word. God has given each
institution specific Biblical responsibilities and balanced those responsibilities
with the understanding that no institution has the right to infringe upon the other.
The home, the church, and the state are equal and sovereign in their respective
Biblically assigned spheres of responsibility under God. (Rom. 13:1-7; Eph.
5:J2-24; Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 2:13-14)
(P) Marriage and Human Sexuality.
1. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be
engaged in outside of a marriage between one man and one woman. We
believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality,
incest, fornication, adultery, and pornography are sinful perversions of God’s
gift of sex. We believe that God disapproves of and forbids any attempt to
alter one’s gender by surgery or appearance. (Gen. 2:24; Gen. 19:5, 13; Gen.
26:8-9; Lev. 18:1-30; Rom. I: 26-29; I Cor. 5:1; 6:9; 1 Thess. 4:1-8; Heb.
13:4)
2. We believe that the only Scriptural marriage is the joining of one biological
man and one biological woman. (Gen. 2:24; Rom. 7:2; I Cor. 7:10; Eph. 5:22-
23)
(Q) Family Relationships
1. We believe that men and women are spiritually equal in position before God,
but that God has ordained distinct and separate spiritual functions for men
and women in the home and the church. The husband is to be the leader of
the home, and men are to be the leaders (pastors and deacons) of the church.
Accordingly, only men are eligible for licensure and ordination by the
church. (Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:18; I Tim. 2:8-15; 3:4-5, 12)
2. We believe that God has ordained the family as the foundational institution
of human society. The husband is to love his wife as Christ loves the church.
The wife is to submit herself to the Scriptural leadership of her husband as
the church submits to the headship of Christ. Children are a heritage from the
Lord. Parents are responsible for teaching their children spiritual and moral
values and leading them, through consistent lifestyle example and
appropriate discipline, including Scriptural corpora] correction. (Gen. 1:26-
28; Ex. 20:12; Deut. 6:4-9; Ps. 127:3-5; Prov. 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; Mk.
10:6-12; 1 Cor. 7:1-16; Eph. 5:21-33; 6:1-4, Col. 3:18-21; Heb. 13:4; I Pet.
3:1-7)
(R) Divorce and Remarriage. We believe that God disapproves of and forbids
divorce and intends marriage to last until one of the spouses dies. Divorce and
remarriage is regarded as adultery except on the grounds of fornication. (Mal.
2:14-17; Matt. 19:3-12; Rom. 7:1-3)
(S) Abortion. We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn
child is a living human being. Abortion constitutes the unjustified, unexcused
taking of unborn human life. Abortion is murder. We reject any teaching that
abortions of pregnancies due to birth defects, gender selection, birth or
population control, or the mental well-being of the mother are acceptable. (Job
3: 16; Ps. 51 :5; 139:14-16; Isa. 44:24; 49:1, 5; Jer. 1:5; 20:15-18; Luke 1:44)
(T) Euthanasia. We believe that the direct taking of an innocent human life is a moral
evil, regardless of the intention. Life is a gift of God and must be respected from
conception until natural death. Thus, we believe that an act or omission which, of
itself or by intention, causes death in order to eliminate suffering constitutes a
murder contrary to the will of God. Discontinuing medical procedures that are
extraordinary or disproportionate to the expected outcome can be a legitimate
refusal of over-zealous treatment. (Ex. 20:13, 23:7; Matt. 5:21; Acts 17:28)
(U) Love. We believe that we should demonstrate love for others, not only toward
fellow believers, but also toward both those who are not believers, those who oppose
us, and those who engage in sinful actions. We are to deal with those who oppose us
graciously, gently, patiently, and humbly. God forbids the stirring up of strife,
the taking of revenge, or the threat or the use of violence as a means of resolving
personal conflict or obtaining personal justice. Although God commands us to
abhor sinful actions, we are to love and pray for any person who engages in such
sinful actions. (Lev. 19:18; Matt. 5:44-48; Luke 6:31; John 13:34-35; Rom. 12:9-
10; 17-21; 13:8-10; Phil. 2:2-4; 2 Tim. 2:24-26; Titus 3:2; 1 John 3:17-18)
(V) Lawsuits Between Believers. We believe that Christians are prohibited from
bringing civil lawsuits against other Christians or the church to resolve personal
disputes. We believe the church possesses all the resources necessary to resolve
personal disputes between members. We do believe, however, that a Christian may
seek compensation for injuries from another Christian’s insurance company as long
as the claim is pursued without malice or slander. (1 Cor. 6:1-8; Eph. 4:31-32)
(W) Missions. We believe that God has given the church a great commission to proclaim
the Gospel to all nations so that there might be a great multitude from every nation, tribe,
ethnic group, and language group who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. As ambassadors
of Christ, we must use all available means to go to the world and not wait for them to
come to us. (Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-48; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2 Cor.
5:20)
(X) Giving. We believe that every Christian, as a steward of that portion of God’s
wealth entrusted to him, is obligated to financially support his local church. We
believe that God has established the tithe as a basis for giving, but that every Christian
should also give other offerings sacrificially and cheerfully to the support of the church,
the relief of those in need, and the spread of the Gospel. We believe that a Christian
relinquishes all rights to direct the use of his tithe or offering once the gift has been made.
(Gen. 14:20; Prov. 3:9-10; Acts 4:34-37; 1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 9:6-7; Gal. 6:6; Eph. 4:28; 1
Tim. 5:17-18; 1 John 3:17)

SECTION 2.02-AUTHORITY OF STATEMENT OF FAITH
The Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself is the sole
and final source of all that we believe. We do believe, however, that the foregoing
Statement of Faith accurately represents the teaching of the Bible and, therefore, is
binding upon all members. All literature used in the church shall be in complete
agreement with the Statement of Faith.

SECTION 2.03-COVENANT
Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as
our Savior, and on profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of our
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now, in the presence of God, angels,
and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as
one body in Christ.
We will protect the unity of our church by loving other members; by refusing to gossip or
listen to gossip; by following the godly leadership of this church.
We will share in the responsibilities of our church by praying for its leaders, members
and the unsaved; by inviting the unchurched to attend; by warmly welcoming our
guests.
We will serve the ministry of our church by developing a servant’s heart; by discovering
our gifts and talents; by serving alongside our pastor(s).
We will support the testimony of our church by living a godly life; by attending
faithfully; by giving regularly.
We moreover engage, that when we remove from this place, we will as soon as
possible unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this
covenant and the principles of God’s Word.

ARTICLE 3 – MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 3.01-QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP
Membership shall be extended to all who have had and whose lives evidence a genuine
experience of regeneration through faith in and acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ as
personal Savior; who renounce sin; who endeavor to live a consecrated life wholly unto
the Lord; who fully subscribe to the Statement of Faith contained herein; who enter into
the church covenant contained herein; who agree to submit to the authority of the church
and its leaders as set forth herein; upon completion of Lighthouse membership class; and
upon compliance with any one of the following conditions:
(A) By baptism (immersion) as a true believer in Christ Jesus as personal Savior;
(B) By letter of transfer from another Bible-believing church of like faith and practice,
or other written statement of good standing from the prior church if the applicant
has been baptized by immersion subsequent to a profession of faith;
(C) By testimony of faith, having been baptized by immersion; or
(D) By restoration, if having been removed from membership, upon majority vote of
the congregation after confession is made publicly before the church membership
of the sin or sins involved, and satisfactorily evidencing repentance to the pastor
(or the board of deacons if the office of pastor is vacant).

SECTION 3.02-DUTIES OF A MEMBER
On becoming a member of this church, in addition to the covenant contained in Section
2.03, each member further covenants to love, honor, and esteem the pastor; to pray for
him; to recognize his authority in spiritual affairs of the church; to cherish a brotherly
love for all members of the church; to support the church in prayer, tithes, offerings and
with other financial support as the Lord enables; and in accordance with Biblical
commands, to support through a lifestyle walk affirming the beliefs and practices of the
church.

SECTION 3.03-PRIVILEGES OF MEMBERSHIP
(A) Only members at least eighteen years of age who are physically present at a
duly called meeting of the church shall be entitled to vote. There shall be no
proxy or absentee voting. The eligible membership of the church has certain limited
areas to exercise a vote. Members may not vote to initiate any church action, rather
the vote of a member is to confirm and ratify the direction of the church as
determined by the pastor and the board
of deacons.
(B) This congregation functions not as a pure democracy, but as a body under the
headship of the Lord Jesus Christ and the direction of the pastor as the under
shepherd with the counsel of the board of deacons. Determinations of the
internal affairs of this church are ecclesiastical matters and shall be determined
exclusively by the church’s own rules and procedures. The pastor shall oversee
and/or conduct all aspects of this church. The board of deacons shall give
counsel and assistance to the pastor as requested by him.5
(C) Membership in this church does not afford the members with any property,
contractual, or civil rights based on principles of democratic government. Although
the general public is invited to all of the church’s worship services, the church
property remains private property. The pastor (or in his absence, an individual
designated by the board of deacons) has the authority to suspend or revoke the
right of any person, including a member, to enter or remain on church property. If
after being notified of such a suspension or revocation, the person enters or
remains on church property, the person may, in the discretion of the pastor (or in
his absence, an individual designated by the board of deacons), be treated as a
trespasser.
(D) A member may inspect or copy the prepared financial statements of the church
and the minutes of the proceedings of church meetings and of board meetings,
provided he shall have made a written request upon the church and the church has
received the written request at least five business days before the requested
inspection date
1. A member may not, under any circumstances, inspect or copy any record
relating to individual contributions to the church, or the accounting books and
financial records of the church.
2. The church may impose a reasonable charge, covering the costs of labor and
material, for copies of any documents provided to the member before
releasing the copies to the member.

SECTION 3.04-DISCIPLINE OF A MEMBER
(A) There shall be a discipline committee consisting of the pastor and the board of
deacons. These men shall have sole authority in determining heretical deviations
from the Statement of Faith and violations of the church covenant. If the pastor or
a deacon is the subject of a disciplinary matter, he shall not sit as a member of the
discipline committee. The pastor and deacons shall be entitled to the same steps
as other church members and be subject to the same discipline.
(B) Members are expected to demonstrate special loyalty and concern for one
another. When a member becomes aware of an offense of such magnitude that it
hinders spiritual growth and testimony, he is to go alone to the offending party
and seek to restore his brother. Before he goes, he should first examine himself.
When he goes, he should go with a spirit of humility and have the goal of
restoration.
(C) If reconciliation is not reached, a second member, either a deacon or the pastor, is
to accompany the one seeking to resolve the matter. This second step should
also be preceded by self-examination and exercised in a spirit of humility with the goal
of restoration.
(D) If the matter is still unresolved after the steps outlined in subsections (B) and (C)
have been taken, the discipline committee, as the church representatives
Biblically responsible for putting down murmuring, shall hear the matter.
If the matter is not resolved during the hearing before the discipline
committee, the committee shall
recommend to the members of the church that they, after self-examination,
make an effort personally to go to the offending member and seek that
member’s restoration.
(E) If the matter is still unresolved after the steps outlined in subsections (B), (C), and
(D) have been taken, such members who refuse to repent and be restored are to be
removed from the membership of the church upon a majority vote of the membership
present at a meeting called for the purpose of considering disciplinary actions
(F) No matter may be heard by the discipline committee or the church unless the
steps outlined in subsections (B) and (C) have been taken, except in the case of
a public offense.
(G) If an unrepentant offending party is removed from the church membership, al
contact with him from that point forward (except by family members) should be for
the sake of restoration.
(H) The procedures provided in this section are based on Matt. 18:15-20; Rom. 16:17-
18; I Cor. 5:1-13; 2 Cor. 2:1-11; Gal. 6:1; 1 Thess. 5:14; 2 Thess. 3:6, 10-15; 1
Tim. S:19-20; and Titus 3:10-11.

SECTION 3.05-TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP
Members not under the disciplinary process of Section 3.04 may request that letters of
transfer be sent to another church.

SECTION 3.06-TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
(A) The church membership shall be reviewed annually, and the membership
of any individual member shall automatically terminate without notice if the
member in question has not attended a regular worship service of the church
in the preceding six months. Upon good cause being shown to the pastor, this
provision for termination may be waived in the case of any individual member at
the discretion of the pastor.
(B) No member of this church may hold membership in another church. The
membership of any individual member shall automatically terminate without
notice if the member unites in membership with another church.
(C) The membership of any individual member shall automatically terminate
without notice if the member states that he or she is actively involved in any
conduct described in Section 2.0l(P) or files a lawsuit in violation of Section
2.0l(U).
(D) No provision contained in this section shall be subject to or
governed by the procedures regarding discipline of members set forth
in Section 3.04.
(E) A member may resign at any time, but no letter of transfer or written
statement of good standing will be issued upon such resignation, except at the
discretion of the pastor.

ARTICLE 4 – OFFICERS

SECTION 4.01-CHURCH OFFICERS
The church officers are pastor (see Section 5.01) and deacon (see Section 5.02). One
person may hold two or more offices, except that of pastor. The pastor, from time to
time as he deems appropriate, may appoint other church officers, subject to a
confirmation vote of the church membership.

SECTION 4.02-DESIGNATION OF CORPORA TE OFFICERS
As an accommodation to legal relationships outside the church, the pastor shall serve as
president of the corporat10n; the church secretary shall serve as secretary and treasurer of the
corporation; and the chairman of the board of deacons shall serve as vice president of the
corporation.

SECTION 4.03-ELIGIBILITY FOR OFFICE
(A) The church shall not install or retain an officer who fails to adhere to or expresses
disagreement with the Statement of Faith. All church officers, upon request of the
pastor, shall affirm their agreement with the Statement of Faith (as set forth in
Article 2).
(B) All church officers must be approved initially and thereafter annually by the
pastor in order for them to commence or continue in their offices.
(C) Only church members are eligible for election or appointment to any church office
or position.

SECTION 4.04-TERMS OF OFFICE
(A) The relationship between the pastor and the church shall be permanent unless
dissolved at resignation or disciplinary action. The calling of a pastor may be
considered at any regular church administration meeting, provided notice to that
effect shall have been given from the pulpit to the church two Sundays prior to
said regular church administration meeting. A three-fourths majority of the
eligible members present, and voting shall be required to call a pastor.
Disciplinary removal of the pastor from office automatically terminates his
membership. A restoration to membership after disciplinary removal will be
subject to the requirements of Section 3.0l(D).
(B) A vacancy occurring in any office or board, except in the case of the pastor, may be
filled at any regular church administration meeting.
(C) All elected and appointed officers shall serve in their respective offices until
their successors are duly elected or appointed.
(D) Members of the board of deacons may be removed from office for unbiblical
conduct, as determined by the other board members, upon a majority vote of
the remaining members of the board of deacons.

SECTION 4.05-ELECTION OF OFFICERS
The election of officers by the church membership shall occur during the month of
December at the annual church administration meeting.

SECTION 4.06-PASTORAL OVERSIGHT OF OFFICERS AND STAFF
(A) Subject to the approval of the church membership and on the condition that they
shall become a member of the church upon assuming their duties, the pastor
may hire associates and assistants to assist him in carrying out his God-given
responsibilities.
(B) All church staff, whether paid or volunteer, shall be under the supervision of the
pastor who has the sole authority to dismiss the same. No employee or volunteer
shall be hired, appointed, or retained who fails to adhere to or expresses
disagreement with the Statement of Faith.

ARTICLE 5 – DUTIES AND POWERS OF OFFICERS

SECTION 5.01-THE PASTOR
(A) The pastor shall preach the Gospel and shall be at liberty to preach the whole
counsel of the Word of God as the Lord leads him. He shall administer the
ordinances of the church, act as moderator at all church meetings for the
transaction of church matters, supervise the teaching ministries of the church, and
tenderly watch over the spiritual interests of the membership.
(B) The pastor shall appoint the members of the various ministries at the annual
church administration meeting. He shall serve as the president of the corporation.
He shall publicly inform all newly elected officers of the function and the
responsibilities of their respective offices. He shall extend the right hand of
fellowship to all new members on behalf of the church and perform such other
duties as generally appertain to such a position. The pastor shall be free to choose
the means and methods by which he exercises the ministry that God has given
him.
(C) All appointments for public worship and Bible study and the arrangements thereof,
including time and place and the use of the property belonging to the church for
purposes other than the stated appointments, shall be under the control of the pastor.
(D) Although we believe that women have certain roles within the church, the office of
the pastor shall be limited to a man.

SECTION 5.02-THE BOARD OF DEACONS
(A) The board of deacons shall assist the pastor, in such manner as he shall request,
in promoting the spiritual welfare of the church, in conducting the religious
services, and in performing all other work of the church. They shall make
provision for the observance of the ordinances of the church. They shall, if
requested by the pastor, consider applications for church membership. They
shall, in cooperation with the pastor, disburse the benevolence fund. They shall
assist the pastor in visitation and all other evangelistic efforts of the church. The
board of deacons shall assist the pastor in caring for the administrative needs of
the church’s various ministries as requested by the pastor. They shall provide the
pulpit supply and choose a moderator for church meetings if the pastor is
unavailable, or the office of pastor is vacant. Upon the death, resignation, or
dismissal of the pastor, the board of deacons may appoint a pulpit committee.
(B) Immediately following the annual church administration meeting, the board of
deacons shall assemble and elect, from their own number, a chairman who shall
be vice president of the corporation, a vice chairman, and a secretary.
(C) Although we believe that women have certain roles within the church, the office of
the deacon shall be limited to a man.

SECTION 5.03-THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
(A) The board of directors shall assist the pastor, in such manner as he shall request,
in the administrative welfare of the church.
(B) Immediately following the annual church administration meeting, the board of
directors shall assemble and elect, from their own number, a chairman, a vice
chairman, and a secretary.

SECTION 5.04-THE CHURCH SECRETARY
The church secretary shall:
(A) Have charge and custody of, and be responsible for, all funds of the corporation,
and deposit all funds in the name of the church in banks, trust companies, or
other depositories as shall be selected by the pastor or board of deacons;
(B) Receive, and give receipt for all contributions, gifts, and donations to the church;
(C) Disburse, or cause to be disbursed, the funds of the church as may be directed
by the pastor, the board of deacons, or the budget adopted by the members of
the church at the annual church administration meeting, taking proper vouchers
for the disbursements·
(D) Keep and maintain adequate and correct accounts of the church’s properties
and business transactions including account of its assets, liabilities, receipts,
disbursements, and capital;
(E) Make all expenditures of the church (except miscellaneous petty cash
disbursements) by check;
(F) When and as requested, render to the pastor and the board of directors accounts of
all his/her transactions as church secretary and of the financial condition of the
church;
(G) Present a written report of itemized disbursements at the annual church
administration meeting;
(H) Keep all church financial records at the office of the church and deliver them to
any successor upon leaving office; and
(I) Serve as treasurer of the corporation.

SECTION 5.05-ASSOCIA TE PASTORS
Under the direction and guidance of the pastor, the associate pastor(s) of the church shall
assist the pastor in carrying out the ministries of the church.

SECTION 5.06—BOARD OF TRUSTEES
It may be necessary for the church to appoint three men to serve as trustees, to
represent the church in certain legal matters as required by law and hold in trust the
property of the church. They shall have no power to buy, sell, lease, mortgage, or
transfer any property without the specific instruction of the church authorizing such
actions. A trustee must be a property holder.

SECTION 5.07-DUTIES OF ALL OFFICERS
(A) All officers shall prepare a written report of their work for the annual church
administration meeting and shall surrender all records in their possession to the
pastor at the close of their term of office to be filed as a permanent record of the
work of the church. All records are the property of the church and must be kept
in the church office.
(B) Any officer who neglects his duties as outlined in the bylaws may be removed
from his office, at the discretion of the pastor, and another may be appointed by
the pastor to serve the un-expired term.

SECTION 5.08-INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
A public installation service in which all newly elected officers of the church are to be
dedicated to their respective offices and the ordination of newly elected deacons shall be
held at a public church service following their election at the annual church
administration meeting.

ARTICLE 6 – MEETINGS

SECTION 6.01-MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP
Unless otherwise determined by the pastor, the church shall meet each Sunday for public
worship and at least once during the week for Bible study and prayer. The ordinance of
the Lord’s Supper shall be observed regularly.

SECTION 6.02-MEETINGS FOR CHURCH ADMINISTRATION
(A) The annual church administration meeting shall be held on the first
Sunday of December, at which time the regular church administration
shall be considered. A quorum shall consist of the members present.
(B) All church administration meetings shall be opened and closed with prayer for
divine guidance and blessing.
(C) The moderator shall determine the rules of procedure according to his sense of
fairness and common sense, giving all members a reasonable opportunity to be
heard on a matter. The moderator is the final authority on questions of
procedure, and his decision is final and controlling.
(D) For any meeting under this article, the moderator, in his sole discretion, shall
have full and unilateral authority to require nonmembers to leave the meeting
room and to order the immediate removal of any member or other person present
who is deemed by the moderator to be disruptive to the proceedings by act or
presence. The moderator shall have full authority to order the removal of all
children (ages to be determined by the moderator) if the moderator determines, in
his sole discretion, that circumstances so warrant. If the moderator determines that
compliance with his order of removal is unsatisfactory, the moderator may, in his
sole discretion, revoke the disruptive person’s right to remain on the premises in
accordance with Section 3.03(C) and treat the person as a trespasser.

SECTION 6.03-SPECIAL MEETINGS
(A) The pastor (or deacons if the office of pastor is vacant or the pastor is the subject
of possible disciplinary action) may call a special meeting by giving notice of
such a meeting and the purpose for which it is called to the church from the
pulpit at least one Sunday and not less than one week prior to said meeting. A
meeting for the calling of a pastor or the severance of the relationship between
the church and pastor shall be called in accordance with the provision of Section
4.04(A).
(B) Bible conferences, missionary conferences, and revivals may be held as the
pastor deems beneficial.

SECTION 6.04-FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of the church shall begin January 1st and end December 31st.

ARTICLE 7 – MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

SECTION 7.01-PURPOSE
The church believes that it is to provide an education which is based upon and consistent
with Biblical teachings. The church believes that the home and church are responsible
before God for providing a Christian education. To this end, the church shall engage in
ministries in education in keeping with the following dictates.

SECTION 7.02-CHURCH PARTICIPATION
All educational programs or courses of instruction formulated and offered by the church
shall be primarily for the benefit of the members of the church; however, the pastor may
permit non-church members to participate in church educational programs or courses of
instruction if he deems it in the best interest of the church.

SECTION 7.03-STAFF MEMBERSHIP
All instructors, teachers, and administrators shall be members of this church. This
provision shall not apply to visiting missionaries, evangelists, or preachers engaged for
the purpose of delivering sermons, conducting revivals, or other special meetings on a
temporary basis.

SECTION 7.04-STATEMENT OF FAITH ACCORD
All educational programs or courses of instruction shall be taught and presented in full
accord with the Statement of Faith of the church. The church shall not hire, appoint, or
retain any employee or volunteer for its educational programs who fails to adhere to or
expresses disagreement with the Statement of Faith.

SECTION 7.05-UNITY
All educational programs or courses of instruction shall be conducted as an integral and
inseparable ministry of the church.

SECTION 7.06-TEACHING
All educational programs or courses of instruction shall be conducted consistent with the
teaching of the inerrant Word of God. Any assertion or belief which conflicts with or
questions a Bible truth is a pagan deception and distortion of the truth which will be
disclaimed as false. It is the responsibility of every instructor or teacher to present the
inerrant Word of God as the sole infallible source of knowledge and wisdom.

SECTION 7.07-CHRISTIAN WALK
All administrators, instructors, and teachers shall continue a lifestyle consistent with the
precepts which they teach, whether in or out of the classroom.

ARTICLE 8- ORDINATION

SECTION 8.01-ORDINATION QUALIFICATIONS
Any member of this church or its mission churches, who gives evidence of a genuine call
of God into the work of the ministry and possesses the qualifications stated in 1 Timothy
3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9, may be ordained as a minister of the Gospel.

SECTION 8.02-ORDINATION PROCEDURE
(A) Upon a conference with the pastor and after the pastor has approved the candidate
for ordination, the pastor shall call a council to examine and pass on the
qualification of the candidate. The ordination council shall consist of ordained
ministers of like faith invited to participate in the examination of the candidate.
(B) If the candidate is found worthy of ordination by the council, the ordination
council may ordain the candidate on behalf of the church.
(C) The pastor and the deacons shall arrange for the ordination service.

ARTICLE 9 – INDEMNIFICATION

SECTION 9.01-ACTIONS SUBJECT TO INDEMNIFICATION
The church may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a
party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative, or investigative, including all appeals (other than an action by or
in the right of the church) by reason of the fact that the person is or was a pastor, deacon,
officer, employee, or agent of the church, against expenses, including attorneys’ fees,
judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him
in connection with the action, suit, or proceeding; and if that person acted in good faith and
in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
church and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to
believe his conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit, or proceeding by
judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or on a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent,
shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a
manner that he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
church and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to
believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.

SECTION 9.02-EXPENSES SUBJECT TO INDEMNIFICATION
To the extent that a pastor, deacon, officer, employee, or agent has been successful on the
merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit, or proceeding referred to in this Article,
or in defense of any claim, issue, or matter in that action, suit, or proceeding, he or she
may be indemnified against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, actually and reasonably
incurred by him or her in connection with the action, suit, or proceeding.

SECTION 9.03-LIMIT ATIONS OF INDEMNIFICATION
Any indemnification made under this Article, may be made by the church only as
authorized in the specific case on a determination that indemnification of the pastor,
deacon, officer, employee, or agent is proper in the circumstances because he has met the
applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 9.01. The determination shall be made
(a) by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of the pastor and deacons who were not and
are not parties to or threatened with the action, suit, or proceeding; (b) if the described
quorum is not obtainable or if a majority vote of a quorum of disinterested deacons so
directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion; or (c) by a majority vote of the
members of the church.

SECTION 9.04-TIMING OF INDEMNIFICATION
Expenses of each person seeking indemnification under this Article, may be paid by the
church as they are incurred, in advance of the final disposition of the action, suit, or
proceeding, as authorized by the board of deacons in the specific case, on receipt of an
undertaking by or on behalf of the pastor, deacon, officer, employee, or agent to repay the
amount if it is ultimately determined that he or she is not qualified to be indemnified by
the church.

SECTION 9.05-EXTENT OF INDEMNIFICATION
The indemnification provided by this Article shall be deemed to be discretionary
unless otherwise required as a matter of law or under any agreement or provided by
insurance purchased by the church, both as to action of each person seeking
indemnification under this Article in his official capacity and as to action in another
capacity while holding that office, and may continue as to a person who has ceased to
be a pastor, deacon, officer, employee, or agent and may inure to the benefit of the
heirs, executors, and administrators of that person.

SECTION 9.05-INSURANCE
The church may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a
pastor, deacon, officer, employee, or agent of the church against any liability asserted
against him and incurred by him in that capacity, or arising out of his status in that
capacity, whether or not the church would have the power to indemnify him against
liability under the provisions of this Article.

ARTICLE 10 – COMMITTEES

SECTION 10.01-STANDING COMMITTEES
The pastor (or the board of deacons if the office of pastor is vacant) shall appoint standing
committees and designate a chairperson for each standing committee and, except when
otherwise specifically provided in these bylaws, shall determine the membership of each
standing committee. In addition to the discipline committee, the pastor may appoint other
standing committees as he deems appropriate.

SECTION 10.02-SPECIAL COMMITTEES
The pastor in conjunction with the board of deacons, in its discretion, may create special
committees to provide the board with advice and information regarding matters submitted
to the committee by the board for consideration. The committee shall have no authority to
act on behalf of the corporation. The members of the committee shall be chosen by a
majority vote of the board of deacons and shall serve solely at the pleasure of the pastor
and board of deacons.

ARTICLE 11 – DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTIONS
From time to time the church, the pastor and board of deacons, may establish various
funds to accomplish specific goals. Contributors may suggest uses for their
contributions, but all suggestions shall be deemed advisory rather than mandatory in
nature. All contributions made to specific funds or otherwise designated shall remain
subject to the exclusive control and discretion of the pastor and the board of deacons. No
fiduciary obligation shall be created by any designated contribution made to the church
other than to use the contribution for the general furtherance of any of the purposes
stated in Section 1.02.

ARTICLE 12 – BINDING ARBITRATION

SECTION 12.01-SUBMISSION TO ARBITRATION
Believing that lawsuits between believers are prohibited by Scripture, all members of this
church agree to submit to binding arbitration any matters which cannot otherwise be
resolved, and expressly waive any and all rights in law and equity to bringing any civil
disagreement before a court of law, except that judgment upon the award rendered by the
arbitrator may be entered m any court having jurisdiction thereof.

SECTION 12.02-NOTICE OF ARBITRATION
In the event of any dispute, claim, question, or disagreement arising out of or relating to
these bylaws or any other church matter, the parties shall use their best efforts to settle
such disputes, claims, questions, or disagreement as befits Christians. To this effect, they
shall consult and negotiate with each other in good faith and, recognizing their mutual
interests not to disgrace the name of Christ, seek to reach a just and equitable solution. If
they do not reach such solution within a period of sixty (60) days, then upon notice by
either party to the other, disputes, claims, questions, or differences shall be finally
settled by arbitration as described in Section 12.01, above, and such Procedures for
Arbitration as are adopted pursuant to Section 12.04, below.

SECTION 12.03-LIMITATIONS ON ARBITRATION DECISIONS
(A) Should any dispute involve matters of church discipline, the arbitrators shall be
limited to determining whether the procedures for church discipline as outlined
under Section 3.04, were followed.
(B) Should any dispute involve the removal from office of the pastor or any church
officer, the arbitrators shall be limited to determining whether the procedures
set forth in Sections 4.04 or 5.06 were followed.

SECTION 12.04-ARBITRA TION PROCEDURES
The Procedures for Arbitration shall be as adopted by the pastor and the board of
deacons.

ARTICLE 13 – AMENDMENTS
These bylaws may be revised or amended by a majority vote of the members present and
voting at any regular or special called church administration meeting, provided that said
revision or amendment has been submitted in writing and announced from the pulpit
fourteen (14) days before the vote is taken.

ARTICLE 14 – DISSOLUTION OF THE CHURCH
In the event of dissolution, the property of this church, both real and other assets, shall be
disposed of according to the majority vote of the remaining members, to one or more non-
profit corporations of like faith and practice.

ADOPTION
These amended bylaws were adopted by a majority vote of the members present and
voting at a duly called meeting of the church in which a quorum was present.