CROSSROADS MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH OF CLYDE, INC.

“BY-LAWS”

PREAMBLE

For the purpose of preserving, propagating and making articulate the principles of our Faith, and to the end that this body of believing Christians may be governed in an orderly manner, consistent with the accepted tenets of Missionary Baptist Churches, and for the purpose of preserving the liberties inherent in each member of the Church, and to set forth the relationship of this body to other bodies of the same faith, we so declare and establish these By-Laws.

ARTICLE I. NAME

This body of believers shall be known as Crossroads Missionary Baptist Church of Clyde, Inc. It is located in Haywood County, Clyde, North Carolina.

ARTICLE II. PURPOSE

The purpose of this body shall be to provide regular opportunities for public worship, to sustain the ordinances, doctrines, and ethics set forth in the New Testament for the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ, to nurture its members through a program of Christian education; to channel its offerings to the support of those objects whose purpose is to exalt the Lord Jesus Christ and to preach and propagate among all people the gospel of the Revelation of God through Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

This church shall be missionary in spirit, extending the gospel through our organized religious channels to the entire world. It shall promote and maintain the teachings and doctrines of the Christian denomination universally known and designated as the missionary Baptist denomination.

ARTICLE III. THE ARTICLES OF OUR FAITH

“We also believe, and therefore speak.” 2 Cor 4:13

1. THE TRINITY : That there is one God, eternally existing in three persons: FATHER (Deut 33:27), SON (John 1:1), and HOLY SPIRIT (Heb 9:14).

2. VERBAL INSPIRATION: That the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are verbally inspired by God, and inerrant in the original writing and are of supreme and final authority in faith and life (2 Tim 3:16-17).

3. VIRGIN BIRTH: That Jesus Christ was born of the virgin Mary (Luke 1:35), truly God and truly man (1 Tim 2:5).

4. TOTAL DEPRAVITY: That man was created in the image of God (Gen 1:27), and he sinned and thereby incurred, not only physical death, but also that spiritual death which is separation from God; consequently all human beings are born with a sinful and depraved nature (Ps 51:5; Rom 3:23, 5:12).

ARTICLE III. THE ARTICLES OF OUR FAITH – CONTINUED

5. JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH: That the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures (1 Cor 15:3) as a representative and substitution sacrifice; and all who believe on Him are justified on the single ground of His shed blood (Rom 3:24-25).

6. PERSON AND WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: That the Holy Spirit is a person who reproves the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment (John 16:8-11); who regenerates and baptizes all believers into the Body of Christ which is the Church (1 Cor 12:12-13); and who indwells, guides, and enlightens the individual believer (1 Cor 6:16; John 16:13).

7. EVERLASTING LIFE: That all who by faith receive the Lord Jesus Christ are born again of the Holy Spirit and thereby become children of God (John 1:12-13; Rom 8:16), and are recipients of everlasting life (1 Peter 1:3-5).

8. RESURRECTION: We believe in the resurrection of the crucified body of our Lord (Acts 2:32), in His ascension into Heaven (Acts 1:9-10), and His present life there as High Priest and Advocate for the saved (Heb 4:14; 1 John 2:1-2).

9. SECOND COMING OF CHRIST: We believe in the rapture of the saved to meet Him in the air (1 Thess 4:13-18), and in the personal, visible, imminent, and glorious return of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (Acts 1:11; Rev 19:11-16).

10. ESCHATOLOGY: We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust (John 5:28-29; 1 Cor 15:44), the everlasting blessedness of the saved (Rom 6:5), and the everlasting, conscious punishment of the lost (Rev 14:9-12; 21:8).

11. SATAN: A fallen angel, called “that old serpent”, “the Devil”, and “Satan”, is a real person who deceived the whole world (1 Peter 5:8; Job 1:6-7).

12. SEPARATION FROM THE WORLD: That all Christians are called in to life of separation to the Lord and to His joyous service and from all worldly and sinful practices (1 Thess 1:9-10; 2 Cor 6:17-18, 7:1; 1 John 2:15-16).

13. MISSIONS: That all Christians are obligated to witness by word and deed to these truths and to proclaim the Gospel to all the world (Matt 28:19-20).

14. BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S SUPPER: Christian baptism is the immersion of the believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The act is a symbol of our faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Saviour.

The members of the Church by use of bread and fruit of the vine commemorate the Lord’s death until he comes again (Matt 3:13-17; 28:19-20; Mark 1:9-11; Matt 26:26-27; Luke 22:19-30; John 3:22-23; Acts 8:38-39; Rom 6:3-5; 1 Cor 10:16-17, 11:23-26).

ARTICLE III. THE ARTICLES OF OUR FAITH – CONTINUED

15. THE LORD’S DAY: The first day of the week is the Lord’s Day. It is a Christian institution for regular observance. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead and should be employed in exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private, and by refraining from amusements and resting from secular employments, works of necessity and mercy only excepted (Matt 28:1-6; John 20:1; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor 16:1-2; Rev 1:9-11).

16. THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED: There is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked. Those who are justified through the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and sanctified by the Holy spirit are truly righteous in His sight. Thos who continue in impenitence and unbelief are in His sight wicked under condemnation. This distinction between the righteous and the wicked hold in and after death, and will be made manifest at the judgment when final and everlasting awards are made to all men. (Matt 25:31-36; Mark 9:48; Luke 23:43; John 3:36; Rom 9:22-24; 1 Cor 15:45-53; 2 Cor 5:1-10; Phil 3:20-21; 1 Thess 4:16-17; Rev 20:10-15).

17. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY: God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrine and commandments of man which are contrary to His Word or not contained in. Church and state should be separate. The state owes to the Church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom, no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state more than others. Civil government being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God. The Church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose penalties for religious opinions of any kind. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free Church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and unhindered access to God on the part of all men, and the right to form an propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by civil power. (Matt 22:17-21; Mark 21:13-17; Rom 13:1-7; 1 Tim 2:14; 1 Peter 2:17).

18. SOCIAL SERVICE: Every Christian is under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ regnant in his own life and in human society; to oppose in spirit of Christ every form of greed, selfishness, and vice; to provide for the orphaned, the aged, the helpless, and the sick; to seek to bring industry, government, and society as a whole under the sway of principles of righteousness, truth, and brotherly love; to promote these ends Christians should be ready to work with all men of good will in any good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty to Christ and His truth. All means and methods used in social service for the amelioration of society and the establishment of righteousness among men must finally depend on the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Christ Jesus. (Ex 20:16, 22:9-15; Lev 6:1-5; Deut 4:41-42, 15:1-2; 27:17; Ezek 18:5-9; Zech 8:16-17; Luke 10:25-37; 6:25-36; Rom 12:14-21; Col 3:12-17; James 2:8).

19. EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS: It is the duty of every Christian man and woman, and the duty of every Church of Christ to seek to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth.

ARTICLE III. THE ARTICLES OF OUR FAITH – CONTINUED:

19. EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS – CONTINUED:

The new birth of man’s spirit by God’s Holy Spirit means the birth of love for others. Missionary effort on the part of all rests thus upon a spiritual necessity of the regenerate life. It is also expressly and repeatedly commanded in the teaching of Christ. It is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by personal efforts and by all other methods sanctioned by the gospel of Christ. (Matt 10:5-15, 13:1-23, 22:8-10, 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16, 16:19-20; Luke 24:46-53; Acts 1:4-8, 2:1-4, 21:39, 8:1-40, 10:42-48, 13:1-3, 13:30-33; 2 Cor 5:19-21).

20. STEWARDSHIP:

God is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him. We have a spiritual debtorship to the whole world, a holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding stewardship in our possessions. We are therefore under obligation to serve Him with our time, talents, and material possessions; and should recognize all these as entrusted to us to use for the glory of God and helping others. Christians should cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally contribute of their means to advancing the Redeemer’s cause on earth. (Lev 27:30; Mal 3:8-10; Matt 25:14-30; Luke 12:41-48; Acts 2:44-47; 1 Cor 16:2; 2 Cor 8:1-15).

ARTICLE IV. CHURCH COVENANT

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior and, on the profession of our faith, having been baptized by immersion in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we do now in the presence of God and this assembly most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.

We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this Church in knowledge, holiness, and comfort, to promote its prosperity and spirituality, to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the Church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel to all nations.

We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to bring up our children in the nurture and admonition of our Lord; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to strive to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from both the sale and use of intoxicating beverages, to use our Christian influence to combat the sale and use of illicit drugs, the taking of human life by abortions of convenience, the spread of pornography; to be zealous in our effort to glorify our Savior.

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember one another in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and Christian courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay.

ARTICLE IV. CHURCH COVENANT – CONTINUED:

We moreover engage that when we remove from this Church, 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 V. POLITY AND RELATIONSHIPS

SECTION 1. POLITY (GOVERNMENT): The government of this Church shall be congregational in nature and is vested in the body of believers who compose it.

SECTION 2. AFFILIATIONS WITH ASSOCIATIONS AND CONVENTIONS: This Church is free and autonomous as an independent body. It is congregational in nature with authority to determine for itself the manner set forth in these By-Laws free of any outside control, authority, or power, whether governmental or otherwise, the use of its properties, and all Church policies. We recognize that there is mutual helpfulness in the association of Churches who are in such agreement in faith and practice as to encourage the spirit of fellowship and good will. We also recognize that there have been devised, through voluntary cooperation of Churches of like faith and order, organizations whose purpose is to implement the missionary, educational, and benevolent interest and obligations of the individual Christian and his Church family.

Therefore, believing that the Haywood Baptist Association, the Baptist State Convention of

N. C. Inc and the Southern Baptist Convention are organizations which have as their sole purpose the promotions and support of missions, education and benevolences of the character, and in keeping with the spirit of these By-Laws and the Articles of Faith of this Church, we may participate in these organizations through our duly elected messengers and our support of the causes which these organizations represent. Our cooperation with these organizations does not mean that we surrender any part of our local self government or obligate ourselves to support any measure these organizations puts into operation that is in opposition to these By-laws, Articles of Faith, and convictions of our membership.

SECTION 3. WITHDRAWLS AND PROPERTY HOLDINGS:

This Church may withdraw from the Haywood Baptist Association and any conventions by a unanimous vote of those present and voting and this number must be equal to three-fourths of the total active membership on the Church roll at the time of the voting. The meeting having been duly advertised and publicized for thirty days stating the issue to be considered. If this vote is less than three-fourths of the total resident membership, then the property shall remain

vested in that part of the membership that desires to remain affiliated with the association and conventions, provided further that in all matters relating to its internal affairs the Church shall remain a self-governing body.

SECTION 4. PROPERTY:

It is agreed that the securing and maintaining of real property, building and equipment by this Church shall be for the express purpose of providing facilities for public worship and for the engagement upon the missionary, educational, and benevolent interests of this Church, of the character and the spirit of the constitution and articles of faith of this congregation.

ARTICLE V. POLITY AND RELATIONSHIPS – CONTINUED

SECTION 5. PROPERTY HOLDINGS:

All property, real and personal shall be held in the name of the Corporation, Crossroads Missionary Baptist Church of Clyde, Inc. If at any time this Church, its leadership, or any part of this leadership shall determine to alter the quality of its beliefs and practices so as to be at variance with the character described in these By-Laws and these articles of faith, such decision must be made in a special business meeting called for the purpose and duly advertised and publicized for thirty days before the meeting convenes.

This decision must be made by a unanimous vote of those present and voting and this number must be equal to three-fourths of the total active membership on the church roll at the time of the voting. If this vote is less than unanimous and equal to three-fourths of the total active membership on the roll, the property of this church shall remain in that part of the congregation that shall agree to use the property for which it was purchased and has been to that time maintained.

The affiliation of this Church with any group is not to carry with it any obligations as to the Church property or any of its physical assets. Property will be held in name of the Corporation Crossroads Missionary Baptist Church of Clyde, Inc. and vested in the membership

ARTICLE VI.MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1. GENERAL: This is a sovereign and democratic Baptist Church under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The membership retains unto itself the right of exclusive self-government in all phases of the spiritual and temporal life of this church. The membership reserves the exclusive right to determine who shall be members of this church and the conditions of such membership. The membership of this Church shall be composed of persons who have given evidence of regeneration, who have been baptized by immersion after regeneration, who have subscribed to the Covenant, Articles of Faith and By-Laws of the Church, and who have received a majority vote of the Church. All changes, corrections, additions, or deletions to the membership rolls of the Church shall be brought before the church at any business conference of the Church.

SECTION 2. CANDADICY: Any person may offer himself as a candidate for membership in this church. All such candidates shall be presented to the church at any regular worship service for membership in any of the following ways:

1. By profession of faith and baptism by immersion according to the policies of this

Church:

Baptism Exception: On the recommendation of the Pastor, the Deacons by

unanimous consent may recommend to the Church that the requirements for

immersion baptism be suspended as a condition of membership in the cases of

physical inability or severe hardship.

1. By promise of letter of recommendation from another Baptist Church: A member of

another Baptist Church of like faith and order may be received by the vote of the

church upon a letter of recommendation from that Church. The applying member will

be in a watch-care relationship until letter of transfer is received from the other

Church.

ARTICLE VI.MEMBERSHIP – CONTINUED

SECTION 2 CANDADICY – CONTINUED:

1. By restoration: Anyone who has once been a member of a Church of like faith and

order, and in consequence of peculiar circumstances has no regular letter of

recommendation, may be received into our fellowship upon a statement of prior

conversion experience and baptism by immersion in a Baptist church or duly

organized Christian body. This person will be under the watch-care of the church for

30 days, then will be accepted into full fellowship by a majority vote of those church

members present and voting. Should there be a majority of opposition as to any

candidate, such opposition shall be referred to the pastor and deacons for

investigation and making of a recommendation to the church within thirty (30) days

1. Other Denominations. Persons coming from other denominations who have never been baptized by immersion shall present themselves as candidates for baptism by immersion. This church will not grant letters of recommendation to any Church that is not of the same faith and order.

SECTION 3. PROCEDURE:

Any person may present themselves at a public service of the church for membership. At the discretion of the pastor, the church may, as set forth in these By-Laws, call itself into special session and vote on the membership of the candidate, or the pastor may acknowledge the desire and postpone the vote until some subsequent meeting.

SECTION 4. DUTIES OF MEMBERS:

In considering the duties involved, members are expected first of all to be faithful in all the duties essential to the Christian life; to attend regularly the services of the church; to give regularly and systematically to the cause of Christ; and to share in the organized work of the church.

SECTION 5. RIGHTS OF MEMBERS:

1. Except as otherwise provided herein, in voting only active and participating members may vote in business transactions brought before the church. Participating members are those whose whereabouts are known to the membership of the Church and attend its services and support the Church program.

B. Except as otherwise set forth herein, every member of this church is eligible

for consideration by the membership as candidates for elective offices in the

Church

C. Members shall have access to the principal records of the Church including

minutes of its governing body and principle financial reports. However,

consistent with Baptist doctrine and practices, these rights shall not include the

right to review or inspect individual donor records or personnel files.

SECTION 6. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP:

Membership shall be terminated in the following ways:

1. Death: When a name is dropped from our roll due to the death of that member the name is not to be scratched out. The Church Secretary will give the date and reason on the church roll.

ARTICLE VI.MEMBERSHIP – CONTINUED

SECTION 6. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP – CONTINUED:

1. Transfer of letter to another Baptist Church. Letters of recommendation may be granted to any Church of like faith and order for members in good standing. When letters are granted and received by another church of like faith and order, membership in this church will be terminated and the person has no more voice in the government of this body. When a name is dropped from our roll due to the transfer of a member the name is not to be scratched out. The Church Secretary will give the dates and reason on the church roll.

2. Other Denominations: When a member of this church joins a church of a different faith and order, membership with us is ended. The matter of his joining the other denomination must be brought to the attention of the church in conference and note of the matter made on the Church roll, giving the date of correction. If the member or the church receiving him requests a letter, they are simply notified that we are correcting our records to show such ending of membership. When a name is dropped from our roll due to the member joining another denomination the name is not to be scratched out. The Church Secretary will give the dates and reason on the church roll.

3. Exclusion. A person may be refused or excluded from membership of the Church for any of the following two reasons:

   1. Gross immorality as described in I Corinthians 6:9

   2. The teaching of heresy as described in Galatians 1:8,9; II John 10,11. The Church holds the possibility for redemption and reclamation for each person who may be refused or excluded membership in the Church.

When a name is dropped from our roll due to the reasons as outlined above the name

is not to be scratched out. The Church Secretary will give the dates and reason on the

church roll.

1. By Resignation/Removal: We will not remove a person’s name from our roll when he sends word by someone to have his name removed. If he desires his name

removed from the roll when no charges are preferred, he must come to the Church in

conference and so state his desire or make his request over his signature in writing.

His name will then be dropped by action of the Church in conference and he will be

notified of the action. When a name is dropped from our roll due to resignation or

removal, the name is not to be scratched out. The Church Secretary will give the dates

and reason on the church roll.

1. Membership Status: In the event that serious questions arise concerning the membership status of any member of the Church, this matter shall be referred to the deacons for investigation and appropriate recommendations for Church action at any regular or special called business session of the Church.

SECTION 7. BACKSLIDDEN CONDITION:

When a member goes into a backslidden condition and lives a life that is generally known as not a Christian life, but he goes to another Church and is reclaimed and joins that Church with a promise of a letter from this Church, upon receipt of such a request, this Church shall issue a statement indicating dates and method of joining this Church. This is instead of a regular letter.

ARTICLE VI.MEMBERSHIP – CONTINUED

SECTION 8. DISCIPLINE:

No charges are to be brought against a member until all the steps have been taken to reclaim him that Jesus gave in Matthew 18:15-17– “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But, if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of

two or three witnesses every work may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglects to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.” And as told to us by Paul in Galatians 6:1 “Brethren if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself,

lest thou also be tempted.” If the unruly member cannot be won, then he is to be invited by the pastor, chairman of the deacons and other members the Church selects to answer charges in person if he desires. If he refuses to appear, then he may be excluded by the Church, the charge made in writing and duly entered upon the minutes.

SECTION 9. RESTORIATION: Any person whose membership has been terminated for any condition which has made it necessary for the church to exclude him may upon request be restored to membership by a vote of the church upon evidence of his repentance and reformation.

ARTICLE VII.MEETINGS

SECTION l. WORSHIP SERVICES:

This Church shall hold regular meetings for worship, teaching, training, and fellowship.

The regular worship services of the Church shall be held on Sundays, morning and evening, and on Wednesday evening, unless otherwise agreed upon by the church. The Lord’s Supper shall be observed on fifth Sunday mornings, or at least once a quarter.

SECTION 2. REGULAR BUSINESS MEETINGS: This Church shall hold regular business meetings at least monthly, unless otherwise deemed necessary by the Church. Reports from the program organizations and specified committees shall be made and minutes kept and read at the business meetings.

SECTION 3. OTHER MEETINGS: Other meetings of the Church as a whole or of authorized groups within the Church shall be set according to the needs of the congregation.

SECTION 4. BUSINESS MEETINGS OF THE DEACONS:

The business meetings of the deacons shall be each month approximately one week before the monthly business meeting of the Church. Very important and special business that is to come before the church is to be discussed in the deacons’ business meeting and then presented to the church.

SECTION 5. SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETINGS:

Special business meetings may be called by the pastor, or the chairman of the deacons, at such times as they may be needed, with reasonable notice of time and place of the meeting given to the congregation. (reasonable time would be considered one week and the notice of time and place would be given from the pulpit.)

ARTICLE VII.MEETINGS –CONTINUED

SECTION 5. SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING – CONTINUED:

No items of business shall be considered in a special called business meeting except the matter, or matters, for which the meeting was called, except that by unanimous consent other matters may be considered which were not specified in the call.

SECTION 6. ANNUAL MEETING:

The annual meeting for the election of officers shall be held during August.

SECTION 7. VOTING PROCEDURES:

All controversial matters shall be voted on by secret ballot. All election of officers shall be voted on by secret ballot. All expenditures over $1000 shall be voted on by secret ballot. Members may be received by a verbal or standing vote. Letters of recommendation for former members may be sent based on verbal or standing vote.

SECTION 8. MODERATOR:

The Pastor shall serve as Moderator of the business meetings of the Church. In his absence, or upon his request, the chairman of deacons, or some other person chosen by the Church, may serve as Moderator.

SECTION 9. QUORUM: A quorum shall consist of the members of the church present and eligible to vote and voting at any regularly scheduled or properly announced business meeting of the church.

SECTION 10. PARLEMENTARY PROCEDURE: Except where specific provisions are made herein, Roberts Rules of Order shall be the rule and guide in matter of procedure in all business meetings of the church, except that the Moderator may, absent objection or with the consent of the majority deviate from such rules in the interests of full discussion and harmony.

SECTION 11. MINUTES: The minutes of all meetings shall be the property of the church and kept at the church office or in the safekeeping of the Church Secretary and available to all members for inspection.

SECTION 12. Church Year: The church year shall begin on September 1st and end on August 31.

ARTICLE VIII. OFFICERS

SECTION 1. GENERAL:

The ordained officers of the Church shall consist of pastor and

deacons. There shall be other vocation leadership as needed such as Trustees, (Corporate Board of Directors) Sunday School Director, Vacation Bible School Director, Music Director, and any others that may be needed to give efficiency in operation. All officers shall be elected by the Church and their qualification shall be:

1. An active and practicing Christian for two years and an active member of this church

for one year.

2. Faithful to at least 8 services in every given month.

ARTICLE VIII. OFFICERS – CONTINUED

SECTION 1. GENERAL -CONTINUED:

4. Uphold these By-Laws, covenant and proceedings of this Church.

5. Seek to fill their office with dignity and punctuality.

SECTION 2. PASTOR:

A. Call:

Whenever a vacancy occurs, a pastor shall be called by the Church to serve until the relationship is dissolved at the request of either the pastor of the Church. In either case, at least thirty days notice shall be given of the termination of the relationship, unless otherwise mutually agreed, with both pastor and the Church seeking to follow the will of God and the leadership of the Holy Spirit. The call of the pastor shall take place at a meeting especially set for that purpose of which at least one week’s notice has been given the membership. The election shall be upon the recommendation of a special committee appointed to seek out and nominate as pastor a minister of the Gospel whose Christian character and qualifications fit him for the office of pastor of this Church. The committee shall bring only one name at a time for consideration of the church, and no nomination shall be made except that of the committee. Elections shall be by secret ballot with an affirmative vote of three-fourths of those present and voting necessary for a call. Should the one recommended by the committee fail to receive a three-fourths vote, the committee will be instructed to seek out another minister, and the meeting shall be adjourned without debate.

B. Duties:

The pastor shall have in charge the welfare and oversight of the church; he shall be ex-officio of all organizations, departments and committees; he may call a special meeting of the deacons or any other committee according to procedures which may be set forth in the By-Laws; he shall conduct religious services on stated and special occasions, administer the ordinances, minister to

members of the Church and community, and perform other duties that usually pertain to that office; he shall have special charge of the pulpit ministry of the church and shall, in cooperation with the deacons, provide for pulpit supply when he is absent, and arrange for workers to assist in revival meetings and other special services. The pastor shall preside at all meetings of the Church except at otherwise provided in the By-Laws. He shall be administrative head of

the Church. The pastor is responsible for leading the Church to function as a New Testament Church. The pastor will lead the congregation, the organizations, and the Church staff to perform their tasks. The pastor is leader of pastoral ministries of the church, working with deacons and Church staff to:

(1) lead the Church in achievement of its mission,

(2) proclaim the gospel to believers and unbelievers, and

(3) care for the Church’s members and others persons in the community.

SECTION 3. DEACONS:

A. General:

There shall be at least five deacons for the first 150 members, and as many others thereafter as the church deems necessary. These shall be elected from among those members who have proven themselves to have scriptural qualification.

ARTICLE VIII. OFFICERS – CONTINUED

SECTION 3. DEACONS – CONTINUED:

B. Election:

They shall be elected by a three-fourths affirmative vote of those members present and voting. They shall be elected by secret ballot.

C. Qualifications:

1. Active and participating male members of the Church for at least two years,

or one who has been ordained as a deacon and has formerly served in a

Baptist Church, and has been a member of THIS church for one year, and voted

upon by the Church with three-fourths majority.

2. Twenty-one years of age and above

3. Seek by God’s help to consistently conduct his life according to the

Church’s approved covenant.

4. Possess a knowledge of the Church’s total programs of ministry and their

relationship to world missions.

5. Have given evidence that their lives are consistent with the requirements of

deacons as set forth in Acts 6:1-3 and I Timothy 3:8-13.

D. Organization: A chairman, vice chairman and a secretary will be elected at

the beginning of the Church year. They shall arrange for regular meetings and such

committees as are necessary to discharge their duties. The pastor, or the chairman of the

deacons, may call the deacons into special session whenever need for such arises.

E. Duties: The principles of service, set forth in the New Testament for deacons, will always

determine his work. He will regard himself as a servant of the Church. He will assist in the

ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. He will have general oversight of the Church

programs and property and supervising the financial program of the Church. Deacons shall at

all times consider themselves as servants of the Church. With the pastor, and as the Holy Spirit

may direct, they are to consider and make recommendations to the Church in all matters

pertaining to its work and progress; including oversight of the discipline of the church;

establish and maintain spiritual fraternal relations with all members of the church; assisting the

pastor in the observances of the ordinances; having general oversight of the upkeep, repair,

and use of the Church property; and supervising the financial program of the Church.

SECTION 4. BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

The currently serving Trustees shall meeting and acting together, constitute the Board of Directors of Crossroads Missionary Baptist Church of Clyde, Inc.

1. Election: The Church shall elect three members to serve as the board of trustees. These

members shall be active and regular attending members of the Church and familiar with

the efforts being put forth for the progress of the Church. The trustees are to be elected by

the Church for an indefinite term and until their successors are duly elected by the

Church in conference.

1. Duties: In their capacity as Directors, they shall the duties and responsibilities attendant

to Directors, subject however to the limitations set forth in the Charter (Articles of

Incorporation) and By-Laws of the Corporation.

ARTICLE VIII. CHURCH OFFICERS – CONTINUED

SECTION 4. BOARD OF DIRECTORS – CONTINUED :

1. Duties – Continued: The Directors shall not have power except as expressly authorized by the congregation to buy, sell, mortgage, lease or transfer any property of the Church, or encumber any real or personal property, to install or remove officers or staff, or to amend the By-Laws or Charter (Articles of Incorporation), or to bind the corporation to any contract. They shall have no control over the use of the Church property except by vote of the church. Neither shall they have power to block any move of expansion of the Church when it authorizes expansion or changes.

SECTION 5. CORPORATE OFFICERS:

The Chairman of the Trustees shall, whenever required by law or practice, serve as the president of the corporation, having however only such express powers as are granted by the congregation, and having no power absent such express authorization to bind the corporation in any matter or act for it. In a similar manner and subject to the same limitations, the Vice-Chairman of the Trustees shall be authorized to act as the Vice-President.

SECTION 6. CHURCH SECRETARY:

The Church Secretary shall be elected annually. It shall be their duty to attend, or to be represented at, all Church business meetings, to keep accurate record of all business transactions and meeting proceedings. The Secretary shall issue letters of dismissal as authorized by the Church and to preserve a true history of the Church in their minutes that are entered in their record book. It shall also be the duty of the Secretary to see that an accurate roll of the

Church membership is kept, with dates and methods of receiving or recommending of members. Dates of death are to be entered.

The Secretary is to be careful to enter the correct names of girls and ladies who change their names by marriage. There is also to be an assistant to be acting when the Secretary is not present. The Secretary or assistant should be present at all services to keep accurate record of members coming into the church. The Church Secretary shall serve whenever required by law or practice as the Secretary of the Corporation.

SECTION 7. CHURCH TREASURER:

The treasurer shall be elected annually. It shall be the duty of the treasure to receive, keep in hand, and disburse by check, upon proper authority, all money or things of value that are given to the Church, and to keep at all times an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements; rendering an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements since the last business meeting, at each regular business meeting. The treasurer’s books may be audited as arranged by the Church, and all books, records, and accounts kept by him or her shall be considered the property of the Church. The treasurer shall upon invitation meet with the deacons, and shall be an ex-officio member of the finance committee. When the treasurer leaves office all books shall be audited. The Treasurer shall also be responsible for keeping an accurate record of money given by check or envelope, and should issue yearly statements at the end of each calendar year for tax purposes. The Church Treasurer shall serve whenever required by law or practice as the Treasurer of the Corporation.

ARTICLE IX. MINISTIRES AND LEADERSHIP

SECTION 1. MINISTRY ORGANIZATIONS: the ministry organizations of the Church shall be Sunday School, Discipleship Training, Women’s Missionary Union, Brotherhood and auxiliaries related thereto, and such others as the Church may deem appropriate.

SECTION 2. POSITIONS OF LEADERSHIP (Excluding the Pastor – Refer to Article VIII- Officers – Section 2 – Pastor): The Church may establish such positions of leadership for its work as it deems appropriate and for each such position shall establish the qualifications, terms, duties and means of selection. These, when approved, shall be set forth in the Church Policies and Procedures Manual. The Church shall place its approval upon all church officers and other workers by electing them annually by majority vote at a business meeting.

SECTION 3. COMMITTEES:

1. Number of Committees: The Church shall elect such committees as may be deemed necessary to carry on the various phases of the program of the church efficiently and effectively. In any event the Church shall at all times have the following standing committees – Nominating, Budget and Finance and Building and Grounds

The duties, membership and means of selection shall be set forth in the Church Policies

and Procedures Manual.

1. Election of Committees: The Nominating Committee shall nominate to the church in its annual business meeting persons to serve for the succeeding year on the standing committees. The Church will then elect the personnel of the several committees.

2. Special Committees: Special committees may be elected for specific obligation as described by the Church. These committees shall be elected by the Church.

SECTION 4. STAFF: The Church, as the Church deems necessary, may employ ministerial staff and support staff. The Church shall establish job descriptions, means of selection, supervision, accountability and termination for all such positions, and set them forth in the Church Policies and Procedures Manual. The Church shall also establish appropriate personnel policies for all staff.

ARTICLE X. LICENSE AND ORDINATION

SECTION 1. LICENSE:

When a member announces that he feels the call to the ministry, the Church, by a three-fourths majority vote, may license him as an acknowledgement of his call and worthiness and the Church’s sanction and encouragement to make preparation for he ministry. The secretary of the Church may furnish the member with a copy of the minutes or certificate of license as his credentials. This license is not an ordination and does not give the recipient the right to administer the ordinances or perform marriages.

SECTION 2. ORDINATION:

In the event this Church is to ordain one of its members to the ministry, the following procedure shall be followed:

1. The candidate must have been called as pastor of another Baptist church of the same

faith and order, and that Church makes a request to this Church for the ordination of

our member that has been called a pastor.

ARTICLE X. LICENSE AND ORDINATION

SECTION 2. ORDINATION – CONTINUED:

(2) The Church will express its approval by a vote of three-fourths of the members

present and voting at any regularly arranged business meeting of the Church.

1. Then the Church shall invite the associational council of ordination, if there be one,

to examine the candidate concerning his fitness for the ministry. In the event it is not

possible to obtain the association council of the ordination, this Church shall invite

ministers from neighboring Churches to examine the candidate and report to the

Church. The candidate has the right to request the presence of any minister he

desires to sit on the ordaining council. All members of the ordaining council shall be

ministers who are qualified and versed in Baptist doctrines and the Scriptures. Then

in the event the report is favorable, the Church will proceed with the ordination.

ARTICLE XI. CHURCH FINANCES

SECTION 1. POLICY: Financial policy shall be recommended by the Budget and Finance Committee and voted upon by the Church.

SECTION 2. BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE:

This committee shall meet quarterly, or at other regular intervals, to consider the financial condition of the Church and shall make regular reports of the same to the Church in business meetings. This committee shall prepare annually a proposed budget including local expenses, education, missions and benevolences, and shall submit same to the Church in regular business session at least one month prior to the beginning of the budget year. In preparing the budget, the committee shall confer with the head of each organization of the church. The proposed budget must be an inclusive budget, indicating by items the amount needed and sought for all local and other expenses. Offering envelopes may be provided for members’ use. There shall be a minimum of three members – the Treasurer, one deacon, and one woman.

SECTION 3. EXPENDITURES AND RECEIPTS OF FUNDS:

1. No funds shall be disbursed without the express authorization of the church as provided

for in the budget or separate authorization.

1. No designated funds shall be received except where the Church has approved the

expenditure of funds for the designated cause. Separate accounting shall be

maintained for all designated gifts and funds.

SECTION 4. AUDIT: The Treasurer’s books may be audited as arranged by the Church.

SECTION 5. FISCAL YEAR: The fiscal year shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31.

ARTICLE XII. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Church policies and procedures shall be described in the Church Policies and Procedures Manual which shall contain all currently controlling policies and procedures governing any aspect of the Church’s affairs including committee task descriptions, policies regarding the handling of funds, use of facilities, and employment policies and practices.

ARTICLE XII. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES – CONTINUED

The manual shall be maintained by the Board of Directors (Trustees) with administrative support provided by the Church Secretary.

The Church Policies and Procedures Manual will be kept in the church office and made available to any member of the church. Changes in policies and procedures may be initiated by any church member or organization. Addition, revision, or deleting of church policies requires:

1. The recommendation of the church officer or organization (including committees) to

whose areas of assignment the policy relates.

1. Discussion by the Church Council and Board of Directors (Trustees)

2. Approval by the Board of Directors (Trustees) and the church.

Procedures may be added, revised or deleted by:

1. Recommendation of the appropriate officer or group

2. Approval by the Church Council and Board of Directors (Trustees)

3. Approval of the church if deemed necessary by the Board of Directors (Trustees)

ARTICLE XIII. AMENDMENTS

SECTION 1. BY-LAWS:

These by-laws shall be considered adopted and in immediate effect if and when a three-fourths majority of the members present and voting at the business meeting at which time vote is taken shall vote in favor of same.

SECTION 2. AMENDMENTS, ALTERATION OR REPEAL:

Any of the rules in these By-Laws may be amended, altered, or repealed by a three-fourths majority vote of the members present and voting at any business meeting of the Church; provided, however, that notice and proposal of such amendment, alteration, or repeal must be given to the Church Secretary in writing, and this proposed change shall be presented to the Church at least thirty days prior to the time vote is taken.

SECTION 3. EFFECT AND DISTRIBUTION

The adoption of these By-Laws shall effect a repeal of all previously adopted rules in conflict herewith.

SECTION 4. RETENTION:

A copy of these By-laws shall at all times be kept by the Secretary among his or her records, and another copy shall be kept in the church. A copy shall be available to all the members. All amendments to or revisions thereof shall, after passage by the Church, be prepared by the Secretary or a person appointed by the Secretary and revised versions shall be placed in all required locations and made available to the members as soon as is possible.

Crossroads Missionary Baptist Church of Clyde, Inc.

“Draft” By-Laws – Rev. 01 – March 3, 2008

CROSSROADS MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

OF CLYDE, INC.

“DRAFT”

BY-LAWS INDEX

PREAMBLE…………………………………………………………………… Page 1

ARTICLE I: NAME………………………………………………………….. Page 1

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE……………………………………………………… Page 1

ARTICLE III: THE ARTICLES OF FAITH……………………………….. Pages 1-4

ARTICLE IV: CHURCH COVENANT……………………………………… Pages 4-5

ARTICLE V: POLITY AND RELATIONSHIPS

Section l. Government…………………………………………………………Page 5

Section 2. Affiliations…………………………………………………………. Page 5

Section 3. Withdrawals and Property Holding……………………………… Page 5

Section 4. Property……………………………………………………………. Page 5

Section 5. Property Holdings…………………………………………………. Page 6

ARTICLE VI: MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. General…………………………………………………………… Page 6

Section 2. Candidacy………………………………………………………… Pages 6-7

Section 3. Procedure ………………………………………………………… Page 7

Section 4. Duties of Members ……………………………………………… Page 7

Section 5. Rights of Members ………………………………………………. Page 7

Section 6. Termination of Membership ……………………………………. Pages 7-8

Section 7. Backslidden Condition ………………………………………….. Page 8

Section 8. Discipline…………………………………………………………. Page 9

Section 9. Restoration ……………………………………………………….. Page 9

ARTICLE VII: MEETINGS

Section 1. Worship Services ………………………………………………… Page 9

Section 2. Regular Business Meetings ……………………………………… Page 9

Section 3. Other Meetings ………………………………………………….. Page 9

Section 4. Business Meetings of the Deacons……………………………… Page 9

Section 5. Special Business Meeting ………………………………………… Pages 9 – 10

Section 6. Annual Meeting ………………………………………………….. Page 10

Section 7. Voting Procedures ……………………………………………….. Page 10

Section 8. Moderator ………………………………………………………… Page 10

Section 9. Quorum ………………………………………………………….. Page 10

Section 10. Parliamentary Procedure ……………………………………… Page 10

Section 11. Minutes …………………………………………………………. Page 10

Section 12. Church Year …………………………………………………… Page 10

ARTICLE VIII: OFFICERS

Section 1. General …………………………………………………………… Pages 10-11

Section 2. Pastor …………………………………………………………….. Page 11

Section 3. Deacons ……………………………………………………………Pages 11-12

Section 4. Board of Directors ……………………………………………… Pages 12-13

Section 5. Corporate Officers ……………………………………………… Page 13

Section 6. Church Secretary …………………………………………………Page 13

Section 7. Church Treasurer …………………………………………………Page 13

ARTICLE IX: MINISTRIES AND LEADERSHIP

Section 1. Ministry Organizations ………………………………………… Page 14

Section 2. Positions of Leadership …………………………………………. Page 14

Section 3. Committees ……………………………………………………… Page 14

Section 4. Staff ……………………………………………………………… Page 14

ARTICLE X: LICENSE AND ORDINATION

Section 1. License …………………………………………………………… Page 14

Section 2. Ordination ……………………………………………………….. Pages 14-15

ARTICLE XI: CHURCH FINANCES

Section 1. Policy …………………………………………………………….. Page 15

Section 2. Budget and Finance …………………………………………….. Page 15

Section 3. Expenditures and Receipts of Funds …………………………… Page 15

Section 4. Audit ……………………………………………………………… Page 15

Section 5. Fiscal Year ……………………………………………………….. Page 15

ARTICLE XII: POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ………………………. Page 16

ARTICLE XIII: AMENDMENTS

Section 1. By-Laws …………………………………………………………… Page 16

Section 2. Amendments, Alteration or Repeal …………………………….. Page 16

Section 3. Effect and Distribution ………………………………………….. Page 16

Section 4. Retention …………………………………………………………. Page 16

Crossroads Missionary Baptist Church of Clyde, Inc.