CONSTITUTION
AND BYLAWS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA STATE ASSOCIATION OF ORIGINAL
FREE WILL BAPTISTS, INC.
[Approved Feb 25, 2005]
PREAMBLE
We, the South Carolina State Association of Original Free
Will Baptists, Inc., in order to advance the cause of the
Lord Jesus Christ through fellowship and cooperation, do establish
and adopt this Constitution and By-Laws.
Articles of FAITH
(A) The Bible. The Scriptures of the Old and New Testament
was given by inspiration of God and are our infallible rule
of faith and practice.
(B) God. There is one living and true God, revealed in nature
as the Creator, Preserver, and Righteous Governor of the universe;
and in the Scriptures as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; yet
as one God, infinitely wise and good, whom all intelligent
creatures are to love, adore, and obey supremely.
(C) Christ. Christ is God manifest in the flesh in His divine
nature truly God, in human nature truly man. The mediator
between God and man, once crucified, He is now risen and glorified
and is our ever-present Savior and Lord.
(D) The Holy Spirit. The Scriptures assign to the Holy Spirit
all the attributes of God.
(E) The Government of God. God exercises a wise and benevolent
providence over all beings and things by maintaining the constitution
and laws of nature. He also performs special acts, not otherwise
provided for, as the highest welfare of men requires.
(F) The Sinfulness of Man. Man was created innocent but by
disobedience fell into a state of sin and condemnation. His
posterity, therefore, inherits a fallen nature of such tendencies
that all who come to years of accountability, sin and become
guilty before God.
(G) The Work of Christ. The Son of God by His incarnation,
life, sufferings, death and resurrection affected for all
redemption for sin that is full and free and is the ground
of salvation by faith.
(H) The Terms of Salvation. The conditions of salvation are:
(a) Repentance or sincere sorrow for sin and hearty renunciation
of it. (b) Faith or the unreserved committal of one's self
to Christ as Savior and Lord with purpose to love and obey
Him in all things. In the exercise of saving faith, the soul
is renewed by the Holy Spirit, freed from the dominion of
sin, and becomes a child of God. (c) Continuance in faith
and obedience until death.
(I) Election. God determined from the beginning to save all
who should comply with the conditions of salvation. Hence,
by faith in Christ, men become His elect.
(J) Freedom of the Will. The human will is free and self-controlled
having power to yield to the influence of the truth and the
Spirit or to resist them and perish.
(K) Salvation Free. God desires the salvation of all; the
Gospel invites all; the Holy Spirit strives with all; and
whosoever will may come and take of the water of life freely.
(L) Perseverance. All believers in Christ, who through grace
persevere in holiness to the end of life, have the promise
of eternal salvation.
(M) Gospel Ordinances. Baptism, or the immersion of believers
in water, the Lord's Supper are ordinances to be perpetuated
under the Gospel. Feet Washing, an ordinance which teaches
humility and reminds the believers of the necessity of a daily
cleansing from all sin, is to be ministered to all true believers.
(N) Tithing. God commanded tithes and offerings in the Old
Testament; Jesus endorsed it in the Gospel (Matthew 23:23);
and the apostle Paul said, "Upon the first day of the
week let everyone of you lay by him in store, as God hath
prospered him." (I Corinthians 16:2). Both the Old and
the New Scriptures teach tithing as God's financial plan for
the support of His work. We believe that every Christian,
as a steward of that portion of God's wealth entrusted to
him, is obligated to support his local church financially.
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 the tithe or offering once the gift has been made
(Gen. 14:20; Prov.
3:9-10; Acts 4:34-37; I Cor.16: 2; 2 Cor.
9:6-7; Gal. 6:6; Eph. 4:28; I Tim. 5:17-18; I John 3:17).
(O) The Christian Sabbath. The divine law requires that one
day in seven be set apart from secular employments and amusements
for rest, worship, holy works and activities, and personal
communion with God.
(P) Resurrection, Judgment, and Final Retribution. The Scriptures
teach the resurrection of all men at the last day. They that
have trusted Christ as their Savior will come forth to the
resurrection of life, and they that have rejected Christ into
the resurrection of damnation; then the wicked will "go
away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal
life."
(Q) The Church. The Local Church 1. The local congregation
of believers is the only visible form of the "church"
founded by the direct authority of Scripture. Free Will Baptists,
therefore, recognize the local church as the sole source of
authority possessed and exercised within the visible church.
2. The local church is an independent and self-governing body,
with full authority to transact its business, choose its pastor
and officers, receive, discipline, and dismiss members, hold
free title to all its properties and conduct all its internal
affairs.
(R) Separation. We believe that all the saved should live
in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon their Savior
and Lord; and, that separation from all religious apostasy,
all worldly and sinful pleasures, practices and associations
are commanded of God (Rom. 12:1-2; 14:13; 2 Cor.
6:14-7:1; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; I John 2:15-17; 2 John 9-11).
(S) 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 nation of Israel (Ps. 89:3-4;
Dan. 2:31-45; Zech. 14:4-11; I Thess. 1:10; I Thess. 4:13-18;
Titus 2:13; Rev. 3:10; 19-11-16; 20:1-6). However, we believe
that there are other godly individuals that hold other eschatological
views.
(T) Civil Government. We believe that God has ordained and
created all authority consisting of four basic institutions:
(1) the home; (2) the church; (3) the state and; (4) employment.
Every person is subject to these authorities. but all (including
the authorities themselves) are answerable to God and governed
by His Word. God has given each institution specific Biblical
responsibilities and balance.
(U) Human Sexuality.
1. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual
activity be engaged in outside of marriage between a man and
a woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism,
bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, metrosexuality,
adultery and pornography are sinful perversions of God's gift
of sex. Any employee of the state becoming pregnant or causing
pregnancy as a result of consensual intercourse, outside of
the marriage relationship, shall be terminated from employment.
(Gen. 2:24; Gen. 19:5, 13; Gen. 26:8-9; Lev. 18:1-30; Rom.
1:26-29; I Cor. 5:1; 6:9; I Thess. 4:1-8; Heb. 13:4).
2. We believe that the only legitimate marriage is the joining
of one man and woman. (Gen. 2:24; Rom. 7:2; I Cor. 7:10; Eph.
5:22-23).
(V) Family Relationships
1. We believe that men and women are equal in position before
God 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 the 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 an 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 corporal 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;
I Cor. 7:1-16;
Eph. 5:21-33; 6:1-4; Col. 3:18-21; Heb. 13:4; I Pet. 3:1-7).
(W) 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 apostasy,
and all worldly and sinful pleasures, practices, and associations,
and to refrain from immodest and immoderate appearances. (Rom.
12:1-2; 14:13; 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; I John 2:15-17;
2 John 9-11; Lev. 19:28; I Cor.
6:19-20).
(X) Divorce and Remarriage. We believe that God hates 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. Although divorced and remarried persons
or divorced persons may hold positions of service in the church
and be greatly used of God for Christian service, they are
not to be considered for the office of pastor or deacon. (Mal.
2:14-17; Matt. 19:3-12; Rom. 7:1-3; I Tim. 3:2, 12; Titus
1:6).
(Y) 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 life.
Abortion is murder. (Job 3:16; Psalms 51:5; 139:14-16; Isa.
44:24; 49:1, 5; Jer. 1:5; 20:15-18; Luke 1:44).
(Z) 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 foreign nations 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).
(AA) 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 possess 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. (I Cor.
6:1-8; Eph. 4:31-32).
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ARTICLE I - NAME
This body shall be known as the South Carolina State Association
of Original Free Will Baptists, Inc. (Hereinafter referred
to as the State Association).
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ARTICLE II - PURPOSE
It shall be the purpose of this organization, through fellowship
and cooperation to:
1. Offer opportunities for extension of the ministries of
its local churches, conferences or associations.
2. Promote participation in and financial support for all
state ministries, for a combined effort to encourage Christian
service, enhance the spiritual growth and welfare of our people,
and to stress world evangelization through home and foreign
mission efforts and opportunities.
3. Work in harmony with the National Association of Free Will
Baptists to elect its leadership, to give financial support
to all of its ministries, and to combine our efforts and energies
with the Free Will Baptist denomination for the
extension of the Kingdom of God in general.
4. Give support to the South Carolina state and national Woman
Active for Christ.
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ARTICLE III - DISTRICT CONFERENCE
OR
ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP
Section One: Membership Requirements
Any district conference / association holding membership in
this state association must:
1. Hold with the treatise of the faith and practices of the
Original Free Will Baptists as adopted by the National Association
of Free Will Baptists.
2. Pledge participatory and financial support to this State
Association and its ministries as are adopted by this body.
Section Two: New Membership Procedure
Any district conference / association desiring membership
in this State Association must comply with the following procedure:
1. Present a letter of petition for membership to the Executive
Committee of this State Association at least thirty (30) days
prior to the annual state meeting.
2. If the State Executive Committee deems it necessary and
makes the request, the Executive Committee of the petitioning
conference / association must meet with the committee so that
membership eligibility can be determined.
3. The State Executive Committee must make a written recommendation
to the state body as to the disposition of the said petition.
4. The initial reception of a district conference / association
into membership in this State Association shall be for one
year under the watch care of this body.
5. After the initial one year watch care period and upon recommendation
of the State Executive Committee for such, the respective
conference / association is eligible for full membership by
vote of the body.
6. In order to be a member of the South Carolina State Association
of Original Free Will Baptists, Inc., a conference/association
must consist of, and maintain, a membership of three or more
churches, not to include missions.
Section Three: Moral Standards
1) The MORAL MANDATE: The overwhelming majority of the Conferences
in the State have stated that they believe that a Morally
Fallen Pastor should not remain ordained; nor should he be
re-ordained. They believe that he can be forgiven by God,
restored to his relationship with God, and even be used in
active service in the work of God; but not in an ordained
position.
The Conferences in our state do not wish to condone such moral
behavior by returning the fallen Pastor to an active leadership
role. To weaken the wall of Holiness at this point would eventually
lead to allowing other moral problems (such as Homosexuals)
to be placed in our pulpits.
2) The LEGAL LIABILITY: In our present legal climate, the
restoration of a sexually fallen minister to the pulpit would
expose the church, the conference, and the State Association
to the possibility of tremendous legal liabilities.
The State Association of Original Free Will Baptists, Inc.
in their 2002 annual session moved to withdraw fellowship
from any church or conference which licenses, ordains, or
recognizes a sexually fallen pastor. Withdrawing fellowship
from a conference or church means that they cannot be seated
at the State Association meeting; thus, they will have no
voting privileges nor can their ministers or delegates serve
on boards of the State Association during the breach of fellowship.
If they maintain this policy for four months after action
by the State Association, they will no longer be considered
a part of the South Carolina State Association of Original
Free Will Baptists, Inc..
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ARTICLE IV - REPRESENTATION TO
THE STATE ASSOCIATION
Representation to this association shall consist of delegates
duly appointed or elected by the local church and local conference
/ association, all ordained and licensed Free Will Baptist
ministers, and all members of standing boards or committees,
who are of a good report in their church and conference /
association of which they are members.
SECTION TWO: Conference / association Representation.
Each conference / association can be represented to this association
with five (5) delegates for the first one thousand (1000)
members or less and two (2) delegates for each additional
thousand members or fraction thereof.
SECTION THREE: Church Representation.
Local churches that are in good standing with the local conference
/ association to which it belongs can be represented with
two delegates.
SECTION FOUR: Finances
1. Each local conference / association shall be represented
to this association with a fee designated by the South Carolina
State Association of Original Free Will Baptists, Inc. at
each previous annual meeting. This fee must be paid before
a conference / association or its local churches can represent
to this association. The conferences and associations must
be seated and must have submitted their fee and reports for
the previous year before their members are allowed to be nominated
or to continue to serve in any standing board or standing
committee in the State Association. Those serving on standing
boards or standing committees without meeting these requirements
shall be replaced.
2. Local churches may be represented at no fee.
3. Monies received through representation fees shall be used
to pay the representation fee of this State Association to
the annual National Association, to meet the operational expenses
of this association, and to advance its work.
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ARTICLE V - STATE REPRESENTATION
TO THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
SECTION ONE: Delegates
Number: The State Association shall send five (5) delegates
to the National Association annual convention. This number
is determined by the national body.
Method of Selection: Each conference or association shall
have the privilege of nominating one delegate to represent
the South Carolina State Association of Original Free Will
Baptists, Inc. at the annual meeting of the National Association
of FWB. If any conference fails to nominate a delegate or
the delegate is unable to attend then the State Association
Moderator will choose delegates from available laymen with
consideration given to representation from all conferences.
If all six conference delegates are able to attend the National
Association, then the State Moderator will designate one of
them as an alternate on a rotating basis.
SECTION TWO: Finances
The financial representation fee to the National Association
will be the amount set by the National Association of Free
Will Baptist. This fee must be paid in order for the state
delegates to register and to allow the State Association to
be seated for representation at the National Convention.
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ARTICLE VI - LEADERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
All officers of this association, all members of its committees
and boards, all of its secretaries, agents, missionaries,
teachers, Christian workers or any other agent or agency who
may be approved or supported by this association must be fundamental
in their views of the Bible and its teachings, and in harmony
with the doctrines and practices of the Treatise of the National
Association of Free Will Baptists. They must give evidence
of genuine Christian piety, possess fervent zeal in the service
of Christ, and possess the ability to do the work for which
they are considered.
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ARTICLE VII - OFFICERS
The officers of this association shall be a Moderator, Assistant
Moderator, Clerk, Assistant Clerk, Treasurer, and Assistant
Treasurer.
SECTION ONE: Terms of Service
All officers are elected annually to serve one year. They
may serve consecutive terms as long as they are elected by
the body.
SECTION TWO: Duties
Moderator: It shall be the duty of the Moderator to preside
over each session of this State Association, to govern it
according to established rules of parliamentary procedure
so as to preserve order, appoint the Committee on Committees
unless the body requests they be elected, and serve as Chairman
of the Executive Committee.
Assistant Moderator: It shall be the duty of the Assistant
Moderator to serve in the full capacity of the Moderator in
his absence or when requested by the Moderator to serve in
his stead.
Clerk: It shall be the duty of the Clerk to record the transactions
of the Association while in session, prepare the minutes for
printing and distribution, record the business transacted
at the Executive Committee meetings, prepare a report of those
meetings to be presented to the State Association at the following
annual session, and administer any required correspondence.
Assistant Clerk: It shall be the duty of the Assistant Clerk
to assume the full responsibilities of the Clerk in his absence
for whatever cause, and to give whatever assistance the Clerk
may request of him.
Treasurer: It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive
all monies that come into this Association. Through a checking
account in a bank of his convenience, he shall dispense all
appropriated funds and pay all bills and expenses incurred
by an agent or agency of this Association. He will be a standing
member of the Finance Committee, and shall prepare and present
an annual financial report to the General Board for approval
and presentation to the body.
Recommended procedure for paying bills incurred by someone
other than the treasurer, and disbursing funds received for
The Informer:
1. The person incurring a debt for the state must first check
with the treasurer to confirm that funds are available before
incurring the bill. This rule is in the State Constitution
and By-Laws.
2. The person incurring the indebtedness must have the creditor
mail to him the invoice and statement. In some cases, the
invoice is secured at the time of purchase or the pickup of
the merchandise. In either case, the person incurring the
bill must sign the invoice for approval for payment, and mail
it to the State Treasurer. The State Treasurer will not pay
any bill that is not approved for payment.
3. Persons seeking reimbursements for travel and other approved
expenses must submit to the treasurer a written bill detailing
the expense items. The form to be submitted can be obtained
from the treasurer.
4. The funds received through the state representation fees
for the cost of printing The Informer shall be given in total
sum to the SCFWB State Office. The Executive Secretary shall
be responsible for paying the printing of the expenses as
they become due.
Assistant Treasurer: It shall be the duty of the Assistant
Treasurer to assume the responsibilities of the Treasurer
in the event of any cause which would render it impossible
for the Treasurer to discharge his duties. His signature shall
be registered at the bank which holds the account of the State
Association for authorization to issue checks. This authority
is to be exercised only in the event he must assume the duties
of the Treasurer or is requested to do so by him. He shall
give assistance to the Treasurer as may be requested.
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ARTICLE VIII - COMMITTEES
SECTION ONE: Standing Committees
1. Executive Committee
a. Composition. The Executive Committee shall consist of the
Moderator, Assistant Moderator, Clerk, Treasurer, and two
members elected at large from the State Association. One member-at-large
is to be from the upper state conferences (Beaver Creek Conference
or True Life Conference or the Palmetto Conference or the
Great Commission Conference), and one member-at-large is to
be from the lower state conferences (the Eastern Conference
or the Central Conference or the South Carolina Conference).
b. Terms of Service: The Executive Committee members at large
shall be elected annually to serve one year. They can succeed
themselves as often as elected by the body.
c. Duties. The Executive Committee is responsible to: 1) Act
for this State Association on matters that require its consideration
between the annual sessions of this Association. 2) Supervise
the arrangements for meetings of the State Association with
authority to change if necessary the time and place of the
meeting. 3) Fill vacancies in elected positions which are
created by whatever cause between annual sessions of this
State Association.
2. Credentials Committee
a. Composition. This committee shall consist of three members.
They shall be elected to a three-year term each, with one
position being open for election at each annual session of
this State Association.
b. Duties. This committee shall be responsible to: 1) Properly
register and recommend seating of all delegates, including
ministers and members of standing boards. 2) Properly register
all visitors. 3) Serve as the Finance Committee at each annual
session of this State Association, with the State Treasurer
serving as Chairman.
3. Finance Committee
a. Composition. This committee shall consist of the three
current Credentials Committee members and the State Treasurer.
The Treasure shall serve as Chairman.
b. Duties. 1) This committee shall be responsible for receiving
and accounting for all monies coming into the State Association
treasury during each annual session. 2) Receive all recommendations
and/or make its own recommendation for expenditures which
are not already approved to the body for vote.
4. Programs and Publicity Committee
a. Composition. This committee shall consist of the current
Executive Committee and the Executive Secretary.
b. Duties. This committee shall be responsible to: 1) Prepare
the program for each annual state convention and secure a
slate of speakers for devotions, seminars and worship services
as well as arranging a musician, song leader, and a good program
of special music and singing. 2) Arrange for a digest of national
and state ministry reports. They are to be bound together
in some manner for individual distribution at the annual session.
3) Supply news releases to all appropriate news media in the
state concerning the convening of the annual convention and
newsworthy events during and immediately after the session.
SECTION TWO: Temporary Committees
1. The Committee on Committees
a. Composition. This committee shall consist of five members,
appointed by the Moderator at the beginning of each annual
session of this State Association.
b. Duties. It shall be the responsibility of this committee
to: 1) Prepare a list of names to serve on the established
temporary committees for presentation to the body for their
vote. 2) Committees to be considered are Resolutions Committee
and Nominating Committee.
2. Resolutions Committee
a. Composition. This committee shall consist of five (5) members.
b. Duties. It shall be the responsibility of this committee
to: 1) Receive all resolutions, 2) Carefully, examine, study,
and discuss each resolution with those who presented the resolution,
if needed, and 3) Properly prepare and present each resolution
passed by the committee to the body for vote.
3. The Nominating Committee.
a. Composition. It shall be composed of one delegate from
each conference or association.
b. Duties. It shall be the responsibility of this committee
to: 1) Secure from the Clerk the list of elected positions
that are to be filled at the current session. 2) Prayerfully
prepare a slate of names for needed officers, directors, board
members and standing committee members for presentation to
the body for their consideration and election.
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ARTICLE IX - BOARDS AND DIRECTORS
SECTION ONE: Boards with Directors
1. State Youth Conference Board
a. Director
(1) Acquisition. The State Youth Conference Director is selected
by the State Youth Conference body at their annual state meeting
for a three year term and may serve successive terms.
(2) Duties. It shall be the responsibility of this Director
to give administration to the purpose, affairs and activities
of the State Youth Conference Convention in accordance with
the State Youth Conference constitution and bylaws, the national
Youth Conference competition guidelines, and as the State
Youth Conference Board may direct. It shall present a written
financial and activities report to the annual State Association.
2. Youth Ministries Board
a. Director
(1) Acquisition. This director is to be recommended to the
State Association by the Youth Ministries Board for election
by the State body. He is to be elected for a five-year term
and may serve successive terms.
(2) Duties. It shall be the responsibility of this director
to give administration to the purpose, affairs, and activities
of the S.C. State Youth Camps in accordance with their constitution
and bylaws, and as the Youth Ministries Board may direct,
and to give personal supervision to the activities while Youth
Camps are in session. In the event this is impossible, an
appropriate, capable, and competent person is to be appointed
for the responsibility. He also serves as chairman of the
Youth Ministries Board and presents a written financial and
activity report to the annual State Association.
b. Board.
(1) Composition. This board shall consist of five members
who are recommended to the State Association by the Youth
Ministries Director and Board, for election by the body. They
shall be elected to a five-year term each, with one position
being open for election at each annual session. A member cannot
serve more than two consecutive full terms.
(2) Duties. It shall be the responsibility of this board to
draw up a constitution and bylaws stating the purpose of the
ministry and the rules that will govern its function for presentation
to the State Association for its approval; also to make needed
changes in said constitution and bylaws to keep it in conformity
with the purpose and practices of the program. All changes
must be approved by the State body.
(3) Financial Appropriations. Expenses incurred in relation
to the function of this board and Youth Camp activities shall
be paid from the board treasury in accordance with its constitution
and bylaws. Mileage allowance cannot exceed the State Association's
approved rate and is payable only to the person incurring
the expense.
3. State Home Missions Board
a. Director
(1) Acquisition. This Director shall be elected by the State
body for a five-year term and may serve successive terms.
(2) Duties. It shall be the responsibility of the Director
to serve as Chairman of the Board, to give administration
to the affairs and purposes of the State Home Mission Ministry
as approved and directed by the board, to serve as treasurer
of the board, and to present a written annual financial and
activities report to the State Association.
b. Board
(1) Composition. This board shall consist of one member from
each supporting conference / association. They shall serve
on a rotating term with one position being open for election
at each annual session. A member cannot serve more than two
consecutive full terms.
(2) Duties. It shall be the responsibility of this board to
draw up a constitution and bylaws stating the purpose of the
ministry and the rules that will govern its functions for
presentation to the State Association for its approval, and
to make needed changes in said constitution and bylaws to
keep it in conformity with the purpose and practices of the
program. All changes must be approved by the State body.
(3) Financial Appropriations. Expenses incurred in relation
to the promotion and function of the board shall be paid from
the board treasury in accordance with its constitution and
bylaws. Mileage allowance cannot exceed the State Association's
approved rate and is payable only to the person incurring
the expense.
4. Home For Children Board - The board shall consist of one
member from each association with a total of no less than
seven (7) members. In the event of less than seven associations
within the State Association, the State Association has determined
that a member at large shall be elected to keep the number
of board members at seven. All board members must be members
in good standing with their respective churches and associations.
They shall be elected to serve a seven year term each, with
one position being open for election at each annual session
of the State Association. Board members may not serve more
than two consecutive terms unless approved by the State Association.
SECTION TWO: Boards Without Directors
1. National Association General Board Member
a. Acquisition. The South Carolina Free Will Baptist Executive
Secretary will serve as the General Board Member to the National
Association. This is a three year term as set by the National
Association of Free Will Baptists.
b. Duties. The National Association General Board Member is
to serve on the General Board of the National Association
to represent the South Carolina State Association and its
interest as it relates to the national ministries of the Free
Will Baptist Denomination.
2. General Board
a. Composition. This board shall consist of the present Executive
Committee, all State Association Field Directors and/or Chairmans of the Boards,
and a General Board Member from each conference, whose name
must be submitted to the State Clerk before the state meeting
each year.
b. Duties. The General Board will meet annually at an appointed
time and place the day prior to the beginning of the State
Association. The State Moderator will preside over the sessions.
The board will be responsible for hearing reports to be given
to the State body, which concern the State Association's ministry.
The board will approve all reports, recommendations and budgets,
and recommend them to the State body for its consideration.
The board will have the opportunity to make inquires and to
offer suggestive helps to any standing committee function
or board-supervised ministry. The board member will be the
representative of his people to the State Association. He
can convey the feelings and wishes of his people to the Executive
Committee and the General Board about matters relating to
the State Association and its ministries. When needed, they
can make motions relative to their concerns, and if passed
by a majority vote of the General Board and Executive Committee,
the matter will be given to the State body for its consideration.
In the event an issue arises, calling for action by the State
Association while out of session, the Executive Committee
can convene with the General Board for their consultation,
input, and recommendation for the decision making of the Executive
Committee.
c. Purpose. To offer a more adequate system of government
for future growth. To provide maximum conference/association
representation and input to the maintenance and growth of
the State Association and its ministries. To provide a safe
guard against minority power influence over any segment of
the ministry of the State Association.
SECTION THREE: Directors Without Boards
1. Executive Secretary:
a. Acquisition. The Executive Committee is responsible to
employ the Executive Secretary, oversee the SCFWB Executive
Office, and terminate the Executive Secretary's services if
it is deemed in the best interest of the office.
b. Duties. It shall be the responsibility of the Executive
Secretary to promote and raise financial support for the SCFWB
Executive Office and its expenses; edit, publish, and distribute
the state paper, "The Informer"; report news of
South Carolina Free Will Baptists to National Association
of Free Will Baptists publications for possible printing;
promote the annual State Association Convention via news media
and mail-outs; promote participation in and financial giving
to all state ministries; direct the promotion of Foreign Missions
in South Carolina; offer service to churches in securing a
pastor and service to pastors in securing a church; promote
attendance of South Carolina Original Free Will Baptists to
the National Association Convention; offer help to preachers
not in the pastorate for supply service; render any appropriate
promotional service for a local church, conference or association;
serve on the program committee; meet with the Executive Committee
when requested; serve as Treasurer of the SCFWB Executive
Office; and present a written financial and activities report
of the SCFWB Executive Office to the State Association's Annual
Convention.
c. Financial Appropriations.
Expenses incurred in the operation of the SCFWB Executive
Office shall be paid from money designated to the SCFWB Executive
Office through the South Carolina Plan of Support or from
other money received for the support of the SCFWB Executive
Office.
Mileage allowance shall not exceed the State Association's
approved rate.
The Executive Secretary's salary shall be set by the Executive
Committee and shall be paid from funds designated for the
SCFWB Executive Office and/or funds designated for the Executive
Secretary's Salary. In addition to encouraging regular monthly
gifts to the SCFWB Executive Office, the Executive Secretary
shall promote a special offering each year in which SCFWB
Churches are encouraged to give a gift specifically for the
salary needs of the Executive Secretary.
If the salary needs of the Executive Secretary are not met
for two consecutive months, then he is authorized to transfer
up to 4% of all money given through the South Carolina Plan
of Support to the Executive Secretary salary account until
such time as salary needs are again being met by normal gifts
and offerings.
d. Office Operations.
1) Building: Any major structural changes in the building
and any rental decisions must be approved by the Executive
Committee.
2) Equipment: Any purchase of equipment in excess of $500
must be approved by the Executive Committee.
3) Hiring: The Executive Secretary must exercise great care
in hiring employees. They must be examples in Christ likeness,
church attendance, and involvement in Christian work and,
if possible, members of a Free Will Baptist Church.
The breakdown in salaries by all personnel and the real cost
to operate the building (such as any rental income, utilities
and insurance, and the proportion paid by each occupant, including
any renters) must be shown in the budget.
2. State Historian:
a. Selection: The Historian shall be elected by the body to
serve a five (5) year term and shall be eligible to succeed
himself at the pleasure of the body.
b. Duties: The historian shall research the history of the
State Association, its churches, local conferences/associations,
and associated ministries. He shall gather, organize, maintain,
preserve, and display material of historic value, and shall
report the progress of these efforts to the State Association
annually.
c. Finances: The necessary expenses of the State Historian
shall be paid by the Treasurer of the State Association under
approval of the Executive Committee.
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ARTICLE X-FINANCIAL APPROPRIATIONS
These appropriations are from the state treasury. Before any
expenses are incurred, the responsible person should check
with the State Treasurer to be sure funds are available.
1. Standing Committees
a. Travel Allowance. Members of the Executive Committee shall
be reimbursed for their travel expense at the IRS approved
mileage rate. The travel allowance is to be paid only to the
person incurring the expense.
b. Lodging and Food. This applies for all standing committees
as previously listed. Lodging and food expense should not
be incurred unless absolutely necessary. When incurred, the
actual cost will be reimbursed to the members.
c. Other Expenses. Telephone calls, postage, etc., will be
reimbursed to members at the actual cost.
2. Clerk. The clerk shall receive $500.00 annually for services
rendered.
3. Moderator. The moderator shall receive $100.00 annually
for services rendered. He shall be reimbursed for expenses
to attend the annual State Leadership Convention held at Nashville,
Tennessee.
4. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall receive $250.00 annually
for services rendered.
5. The SCFWB State Office. This office shall receive $50.00
annually for office supplies. The Executive Secretary shall
be reimbursed for his expenses to attend the annual State
Leadership Conference held at Nashville, Tennessee, and the
National Association Convention. This is to be paid only when
funds are not available in the SCFWB State Office treasury.
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ARTICLE XI - PRINTING OF THE ANNUAL
STATE MINUTES AND THE CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
SECTION ONE: Format
The minutes of each session of the State Association shall
be printed annually in booklet form.
SECTION TWO: Content
The annual state minutes shall include: I) Necessary identification
information. 2) Immediate past and forthcoming meeting place
information. 3) Records of the entire proceedings of the annual
session. 4) Directory of officers, directors, boards, standing
committees, and all board and committee members with dates
of service listed. 5) Directory of local conferences or associations,
listing only the name of the conference/association; and address,
and telephone number of its moderator and clerk and all ordained
and licensed ministers. 6) Reports of state ministries and
activities only. 7) Any content that may be directed for printing
by a vote of the state body. 8) The current up-to-date copy
of the South Carolina State Association of Original Free Will
Baptists, Inc. Constitution and By-laws.
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ARTICLE XII - PLACE OF STATE MEETING
SECTION ONE: LOCATION
The location (church) shall be recommended by the host conference
and approved by the State body with the following guidelines:
1. Size of the church. The meeting place must be in a church
large enough to host the meeting.
2. Accommodations. The meeting place must be near a town with
adequate motel and restaurant facilities. If a conference/association
does not have a church near a town with adequate facilities,
then the conference/association shall work out the necessary
arrangements with a sister conference/association for the
use of a church to host the meeting. The conference/association
requesting the arrangements shall be responsible to pay whatever
expenses necessary to the host church.
3. Expenses. The attendants of the meeting shall be responsible
for their own lodging and dining expenses during the State
meeting, without the host church preparing the meals.
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ARTICLE XIII - LOCATION AND TIME
This association shall convene on the last Thursday of February
beginning with registration at 9:00 am and concluding the
following day.
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ARTICLE XIV - AMENDMENTS
Articles may be altered or amended at any regular session
of this association by a vote of two-thirds of the members
present, providing the change is recommended at least one
day before the vote is taken.
BY LAWS OF THE ASSOCIATION
1. A portion of the Scripture shall be read and prayer offered
at the beginning of each morning and afternoon session of
the association and prayer shall be offered at the close of
each session.
2. It shall be the duty of all members of the association
to remain throughout the entire session unless they are excused
by the Moderator.
3. Anyone desiring to speak shall rise and address the Moderator
and shall wait until he is recognized before speaking further.
4. The Moderator shall not allow discussions that are un-Christian
in spirit and that tend to create envy and strive among the
brethren. Anyone resenting the ruling of the Moderator in
such matters shall be liable to censure of the body.
5. No one shall be allowed to speak more than 15 minutes or
more than twice on the same subject without permission of
the body.
6. It shall be the duty of the Moderator to have an arranged
outline of his annual message to be presented to the Clerk
for printing in the minutes.
7. These bylaws may be altered at any regular session of the
association by two-thirds of the members present, providing
the change is recommended at least one day before the vote
is taken.
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