About Us

Norm Waligora - Elder

Our pastor is an expository preacher who likes to teach through books of the Bible. He is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute and Wheaton College Graduate School. He met his wife, Laura, at Moody.  They have five children.
Prior to coming to Faith Evangelical Bible Church Norm served as Pastoral Intern/Assistant to the Pastor at Belmont Bible Church in Downers Grove, Illinois (1986 – 1990), and as Pastor of Checkrow Community Church near Avon, Illinios (1990 – 1999). He has been Pastor of FEBC since October of 1999.
Norm became a dedicated Christ Follower through the ministry of The Navigators while serving in the United States Marine Corps (1980-1983).  While serving in the Marines, he was stationed at MCAS Cherry Point and attended FEBC. He feels honored to be back at “Faith Church” as pastor.

Robert Cummins - Elder

David Guthrie - Elder

David and his wife GaiI, live in Newport and are longtime members of FEBC. He has worked professionally in a variety of roles in recreational athletics in Carteret and Craven counties and currently serves as the youth sports director aboard MCAS Cherry Point.
Over the years, David has served the Lord at FEBC as an adult SS teacher, men’s ministry team member, and deacon. He also has served as the area director for with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes primarily working with college athletes and coaches in the Triangle area of North Carolina.
Today, he understands more than ever our brokenness – especially his own – and the deep need we have for the grace of God through His Son Jesus. Grace not only for salvation but just as importantly for daily living in a fallen and broken world.

Dave Van Der Decker - Elder

Larry Londy - Elder

Our Mission

To glorify God by spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ and teaching believers to be obedient followers of Him.

The Bible gives us the master plan and principles for accomplishing this mission.  Therefore, FEBC places a high priority on the teaching of God’s Word.

  • To provide fellowship and minister to the needs of the brethren.
  • To nurture Christian families and relationships.
  • To assemble to worship and glorify God.
  • To provide opportunities for service both within the local fellowship and in the community at large
  • To facilitate meeting for prayer for revival and for the mission of the church
  • The Word of God

    We believe that the Bible is the verbally inspired Word of God, without error in the original writings, and that it is therefore the supreme and final authority in all matters and that there are no other writings similarly inspired by God..


  • The Godhead

    We believe in one God, the Creator and Ruler of the universe, existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, eternal in being, having the same nature, attributes, perfection, and worthy of the same homage, confidence and obedience. We believe that by His sovereign power God sustains His creation, and by His providence, He orders the affairs of men and nations according to His own wise eternal plan.


  • The Person and work of Christ

    We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful man; and that as the God-man, He accomplished redemption for humanity and propitiation before God through His death by shedding His blood on the cross as a substitution sacrifice; that our redemption is made sure to us by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead, and that the Lord Jesus Christ is now in heaven, exalted at the right hand of God. We believe in the personal, visible and bodily return of the Lord Jesus Christ followed by His millennial kingdom.


  • The Person and work of the Holy Spirit

    We believe that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead who convicts the unsaved of sin, righteousness and judgment; who regenerates, indwells, baptizes and seals each believer at the moment of salvation and desires to control his life to empower him for service and to bring about the changed life.


  • Salvation

    We believe that mankind was created in the image and likeness of God, but that in Adam’s sin the race fell, inherited a sinful nature and became alienated from God. As a consequence, man is totally unable, by his own efforts, to please God or retrieve his lost condition. We believe that because of universal death through sin no one can enter the kingdom of God unless born again. This spiritual regeneration is wholly a work of God. Salvation is a gracious gift of God which is received by personally trusting in the death of Jesus Christ as an adequate substitute for the penalty of sin.


  • The Eternal Security of Believers

    We believe that all who have received Christ as Savior are kept secure forever.


  • Ordinances

    We believe that the Lord Jesus instituted the ordinances of water baptism and the Lord’s Supper to be observed by His church until His return. The practice of this church is believers’ baptism by immersion.


  • Spiritual Gifts

    We believe that the Holy Spirit distributes spiritual gifts to believers so that Christ’s church may be fully equipped for His service. Our understanding is that the sign gifts, such as prophecy, tongues and miraculous healings, were primarily for the apostolic generation. We believe that God does hear and answer prayer for the sick and afflicted in accordance with His sovereign will, and that the final deliverance of the body from sickness and death awaits the consummation of our salvation and the resurrection.


  • Marriage

    We believe that in Creation God instituted the covenant of marriage as a sacred union between one man and one woman.  We also believe that activities like fornication, adultery, and homosexual behavior are sins which degrade this divine institution and as such are forbidden and condemned by God

Faith Evangelical Bible Church places the word of God at the center of all of its policies and practicies. The Word of God reveals the mind of Christ and the design that He has for His Church.

The Bylaws and Statement of Faith is a document that applies the Scripture to the organization and polity of Faith Evangelical Bible Church. It is not the intention that these Bylaws ever take precedence over the Scripture, for we put ourselves under the authority of the Word of God, but it is a complement to the Scripture in giving guidelines for organiza­tional practice. 


 
  • Bylaw I-Name

    The name of this church shall be Faith Evangelical Bible Church .


  • Bylaw II-Purpose 

    • To worship, praise and give thanks to the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.(Hebrews 13:15  )
    • To teach the Word of God to believers so that they might be built up in the faith and equipped for the work of the ministry. (Ephesians 4:11-16; 6:11-20)
    • To spread the gospel by personal witnessing of individual believers, through our worship services, and support of missionaries of like faith.                                                  (Matthew 28:19-20  ; Romans 10:14-15  ; 1 Peter 3:15  )
    • To meet for prayer and the administration of the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. (Acts 2:42  )
    • To provide fellowship and to minister to the needs of the brethren.                                     (1 John 1:3  ; 2 Corinthians 8:4-7)
    • To assist in the rearing and education of children through the operation of a Christian School that is centered in God’s Word and focused on the Lord Jesus Christ.


  • Bylaw III-Principles of Government

    Section 1. The Head of the Church

     The Head of the Church is the Lord Jesus Christ. He rules in the affairs of His Church by His Word and by the Holy Spirit. It is thus the duty of those who oversee the congregation to seek His mind in all things.

     Section 2. The Rule of Faith and Practice

     Scripture is the final authority in matters of faith and practice. This church recognizes that it cannot bind the consciences of individuals in areas in which the Scripture does not speak, but that each believer is to be led by the Lord to whom alone he is ultimately responsible. For the preservation of the peace and unity of the Church, officers and teachers shall agree to support the Statement of Faith which we believe to be an accurate summary of what the Scriptures teach. Members of the congregation shall refrain from imposing doctrines that are not in accord with the Statement of Faith, which would tend to disturb the peace and unity of the Church.

     Section 3. Form of Government

     This Church is and shall remain independent and self-governing, though it shall be free to fellowship with other churches of like doctrinal persuasion, and to cooperate in joint efforts with other believers who demonstrate the oneness of the Body of Christ.

     This church shall be governed by a duly elected Board of Elders. The Board of Elders may delegate responsibilities to other boards, committees, staff personnel, or church workers as required for the efficient functioning of the Church. A Board of Deacons elected by the church membership will serve to assist the Elders in caring for the physical and material needs of the church. (1 Peter 5:1-5  ; Acts 6:1-3  )

     Each officer of the church shall accept and support the Bylaws and Statement of Faith of the church and shall be willing to discharge all duties of the office. This requirement applies specifically to each Elder and Deacon, to the Pastor and Assistant Pastor, and to members of the Missions Committee, members of the School Board and officers of the Women of Faith.  It applies also to any individual to whom the Elders assign a similar level of authority.

     Section 4. Membership

    Membership is for those committed to the ministry of this church and who are willing to demonstrate that commitment through regular attendance, the exercise of their spiritual gifts, prayer, and financial support of the ministry.

     Anyone desiring membership in this local church shall be interviewed by the Elders. All prospective members must profess a personal faith in Jesus Christ as Savior. Each must live consistently with that profession, must express his intention to abide by the By-Laws of this church, and must believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God; that His death on the cross was a substitutionary sacrifice for our sins apart from which all men would be eternally condemned; that He bodily arose from the dead and that salvation is a gift of God by grace and is received by means of personal faith in Christ.

     Christians of any age may become members of FEBC, as long as they meet the requirements of this section.  However, only those members who are eighteen years of age and older may vote in church business meetings, and will be counted as members for the purpose of establishing a quorum.

     Once each year prior to the annual business meeting, the Elders will review the membership roll and remove the names of inactive members. The elders will determine when a member has become inactive based on Paragraph 1 of this section.  Those being considered for removal, who are in the geographic area normally served by the church, will be contacted and given an opportunity to express their commitment to the church and desire to remain on the rolls.

     Section 5.  Accountability

     Individuals shall receive prior approval of the Elders on any matter affecting the entire church.


  • Bylaw IV-Meetings

    Section 1. Annual Meetings.

     The membership of this church shall hold an annual business meeting, the date and time determined by the Board of Elders. Notice of the date, time, and place of meeting shall be announced during the morning service on the two Sundays preceding the meeting. The annual selection of church officers and the presentation for approval of the annual church budget shall take place during this meeting, as well as any other pertinent business previously announced.

    Section 2. Special Meetings

     A special meeting of the congregation may be called at anytime by the Elders or by a petition of ten percent (10%) of the active membership. Announcement of the call of such a special meeting shall be made during the morning and evening services on the two Sundays preceding the meeting, specifying date, time, and place of the meeting. Meetings called by petition of the membership must be held within five weeks of the presentation of the petition to the Elders. In the event that a special meeting is called for the election of church officers, announcement will be made on three successive Sundays and the membership will be invited to submit the names of nominees. Matters not specified in the call of a special meeting may not be considered at that meeting. All Business meetings will be held at the church building unless circumstances will not permit doing so.

     Section 3. Quorum

     A quorum shall consist of one third (1/3) of the active membership. In the event that a quorum is not present for a meeting, another meeting shall be called.

     Section 4. Officials and Rules

     The moderator of the meeting shall be appointed by the Board of Elders. Accurate minutes of the meeting shall be taken by a designee of the Board of Elders. Minutes of the meeting shall be made available to any member upon request and shall be available for public reading at the next church business meeting.

    The methods of voting shall be decided by the Board of Elders unless specified herein. There shall be no absentee or proxy ballots.


  • Bylaw V-The Board of Elders

    Section 1. Duties and Authorities

    The spiritual leadership and administrative responsibility of this Church shall be vested in the Board of Elders, who shall have authority in all matters except those reserved to the membership. God raises up Elders in the midst of the church and it is the responsibility of the congregation to recognize men who are qualified and ministering to the people. The church shall be governed by a plurality of Elders.

     The Board of Elders shall be the executive board of the congregation in it’s dealing with the Pastor, Church Staff, Membership, School Board, and other organizations of the church. The Elders, serving as trustees, shall have supervision over all church operations and transactions with power to act, except that it shall not encumber the church with loan, transfer, sale or purchase of any real estate except by authorization conveyed through a majority vote of the church membership present at a meeting called in accordance with these Bylaws. The board shall handle and consider suggestions, recommendations, and grievances from or upon the part of any member or organization affiliated with the church.

      The Board of Elders shall have authority to remove any officer, church staff worker, school worker, or appointed committee member when, by a seventy five percent (75%) vote of the Board, such action shall be deemed in the best interest of the church. Should a complaint be received against any member of the Board, that member shall not vote on any motion for removal or discipline and only voting members shall be considered in computing the seventy five percent (75%) vote requirement.

     No member of the Board of Elders shall vote on matters before the Board which involve responsibilities or remuneration for any church staff position he may hold, benevolence to himself or his immediate family, or the purchase of materials or services by which he would derive financial benefit.

     Section 2. Qualifications

     The Biblical qualifications for the office of Elder are set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 . According to these passages, Elders must be men whose lives exemplify the Gospel, who have shown themselves to be spiritual leaders in the church, who are knowledgeable in the Scriptures, able to instruct and guide younger Christians, and who set an example as the spiritual leaders in their homes

    Section 3. Selection

     At least two months prior to the annual church business meeting or a special meeting called for the appointment of Elders, the members shall be asked to submit the names of men whom they consider to be ministering to the congregation. Nominees must be members of the church for at least three months prior to the date of the appointment. Nominations will be made in writing to the existing Board of Elders at least two Sundays prior to the election.

      The Elders shall prayerfully examine the nominees to determine if they are in agreement with the Bylaws and Statement of Faith, are willing to serve, and are presently ministering to the congregation. The Board may also examine the nominees in any other matters considered pertinent. Those nominees which have been approved shall be presented to the members of the church at least seven days prior to the annual business meeting or special meeting.

    After the Elders have considered and acted upon (if necessary) the input of the congregation, the approved nominees shall be appointed to the Board of Elders. The term of office for an Elder shall be two years and will expire at the annual business meeting in the second year of term. An Elder may succeed himself and shall be considered automatically re-nominated. He must be unanimously approved by the Elders to be reappointed.  After three consecutive two-year terms, an Elder must step off the Board for one year before he can serve again.

     The Pastor shall be a member of the Board of Elders without requirement for separate election to the Board. He shall serve as an ex-officio (non-voting) member of the Board for three months after his arrival as Pastor and, thereafter, shall have full and equal membership on the Board. The Pastor shall continue to function as an Elder without the requirement for re-election as long as he serves as Pastor of the church except as designated in Article VII. Section 3.

     All other staff personnel of the church shall be eligible to stand for church offices, including Elder, on the same basis as other church members.

    Section 4. Meetings

     The Board of Elders shall meet regularly once a month at such time and place as it may select. Special meetings of the Board may be called by the Chairman and must be called upon the request of two or more Board members. A quorum for the transaction of Board business at any meeting shall be a majority of it’s membership. The Chairman of the Board of Elders shall be notified in advance by any member who will be unable to attend a meeting of the Board.

     The Chairman of the Board of Elders shall be selected from the voting membership of the Board.


  • Bylaw Bylaw VI-Deacons

    Section 1. Duties and Authority

     Deacons shall have the duty of assisting the Elders in the performance of their responsibilities in such areas as the Board of Elders may direct. They shall have only such authority as the Elders give them for any Specific duty.

    Section 2. Qualifications

     Candidates For the office of Deacon must be men who meet the qualifications laid down in 1 Timothy 3 and Acts 6 which view them as living as becomes the Gospel, being of good reputation within the community and setting an example of spiritual leadership in their families.

    Section 3. Selection

     At least two months prior to the annual business meeting or a date set for the appointment of Deacons, the members shall be asked to submit names of men whom they consider to be biblically qualified and ministering to the congregation.  Nominees must be members of the church prior to the date of the appointment, and have a willingness to serve as a Deacon.  They must be consistently involved in the life of the fellowship for at least one year prior to the date of appointment.  Nominations will be made in writing to the existing Board of Elders at least one month prior to the appointment.

     The Elders shall prayerfully examine the nominees to determine if they are biblically qualified, are in agreement with the Bylaws and Statement of Faith, are willing to serve, and are presently ministering to the congregation.  The Board may also examine the nominees in any other matters considered pertinent.  Those nominees which have been unanimously approved by the Elders shall be presented to the members of the church at least two Sundays prior to the annual meeting or appointment date.  During this period church members may express concerns or give needed input to the Elders.

     After the Elders have considered and acted upon (if necessary) the input of the congregation,  the approved nominees shall be appointed to the Board of Deacons.  The term of office for a Deacon shall be two years and will expire at the annual business meeting in the second year or term.  A Deacon may succeed himself and shall be considered automatically re-nominated.  He must be unanimously approved by the Elders to be reappointed.  After three consecutive two-year terms, a Deacon must step off the Board for one year before he can serve again.

    Section 4. Meetings

     The Board of Deacons shall meet regularly once a month at such time and place as it may select. Special meetings may be called by the Chairman when appropriate. A quorum for the transaction of Board business shall be a majority of its membership. The Chairman of the Board of Deacons shall be notified in advance by any member who will be unable to attend a meeting of the Board.

     The Chairman of the Board of Deacons shall be selected from the membership of the Board. The term of office shall be one year and the selection will be made at the first regularly scheduled meeting following the annual church business meeting. The Chairman may succeed himself.


  • Bylaw VII-The Pastor 

    Section 1. Qualifications of Pastor

     The Pastor shall be a man who possesses the gifts and experience sufficient to enable him to teach and preach the Word of God, to lead the congregation in it’s search for God’s will, and to perform the necessary administrative functions incumbent upon this position.  His daily life shall be consistent with the Christian life as set forth in Scripture. He shall be a testimony to the love and grace or God and be an example of spiritual leadership in his home (1 Timothy 3:1-7 ; 1 Peter 5:1-4 ; Hebrews 13:17 ; Titus 1:5-9 ).

    Section 2. Selection of Pastor

     When a vacancy in the office of Pastor has been announced, a nominating committee shall be constituted of two Elders, chosen by the board of Elders, and three members selected by the membership of the church. The committee shall contact and interview prospective candidates for the position. Upon the approval by the committee of a prospective candidate, he shall be recommended to the Board of Elders at which time a report of the extent of the committees research and the reasons for their selection shall be presented.  Any dissenting opinion should be explained in full to the Board.

     The Board of Elders shall interview the candidate and upon seventy-five percent (75%) Favorable vote, the candidate shall be asked to preach before the congregation at a regular Sunday morning worship service (plus any other services for which he may schedule). If the candidate accepts this invitation, the congregation shall be notified of the scheduled date of his appearance in candidacy and a special business meeting shall be called in accordance with Article IV for the purpose of voting on the pastoral candidate. Ample opportunity for the congregation to meet and interview the candidate shall be scheduled.

     A period of at least one week must elapse between the appearance of the candidate and the taking of a vote. Committee files on the candidate under consideration will be open to any member of the congregation interested in seeing them. A quorum must be present at the time of voting and a ninety percent (9O%) plurality is required for approval of the candidate. Opportunity shall be given at this meeting for members to speak in favor or in opposition to the candidacy of the man under Consideration.

     The vote for the approval of a candidate for Pastor shall be by secret ballot. The ballots shall be counted at the time of the meeting and the results announced at that time.

    Section 3. Termination of Pastor

     Notice of resignation shall be delivered in writing to the Board of Elders at least one month in advance of the effective termination date of the Pastor.

     In the event that the relationship between the Pastor and the congregation deteriorates to the point of being detrimental to the welfare of the church, the relationship of the Pastor to the church shall be terminated. Recommendation of such termination can be activated by a seventy-five percent (75%) vote of the Board of Elders, excluding the Pastor, or by written petition signed by fifteen percent (15%) of the church membership. When such termination is recommended to the membership, a secret ballot shall be taken at a duly called business meeting (Article IV). A majority of votes cast shall be necessary for dismissal. The effective termination date shall be at the discretion of the Board of Elders, but must be within two months after the vote for termination.

     The Pastor shall cease to be a voting member of the Board of Elders effective immediately upon a vote for termination by the membership of the church.


  • Bylaw VIII-Assistant Pastor 

     Section 1. Duties and Authority

     The needs of the church may require the establishment of the position of assistant pastor to augment the ministry of the Pastor. The assistant pastor shall have such duties and responsibilities as directed by the Pastor with the approval of the Elders. In the event of the absence or incapacity of the Pastor, the assistant pastor shall assume the functions of the pastor on an interim basis. The assistant pastor may be appointed or elected to other church or school positions not relating to the office of assistant pastor on the same basis as other eligible persons. The assistant pastor shall not automatically become a member of the Board of Elders.

    Section 2. Qualifications

     The assistant pastor shall be a man whose life exemplifies the Gospel, is knowledgeable in the Scriptures and is able to instruct and guide younger Christians. He must set an example as the spiritual leader in his home.

    Section 3. Selection

     The selection process for the assistant pastor shall be the same as for the Pastor except that the requirement for a formal nominating committee may be waived at the discretion of Board of Elders and the congregational vote shall require a seventy-five percent (75%) plurality for approval of the candidate.

     Should a vacancy occur in the office of assistant pastor, the decision to seek candidates for the office shall be at the discretion of the Board of Elders, based upon the current needs of the church.


  • Bylaw IX-Discipline

    Section 1. The Purpose of Discipline

     Discipline is necessary in order to maintain a pure church and a Godly testimony (l Cor. 5:6-13). Discipline may be necessary in either matters of doctrine or in matters of practice. The purpose of discipline shall be to restore an erring member, and shall be carried out in all meekness and humility and love (Gal. 6:1-2 ). If an erring member refuses to accept lesser discipline, he or she may be excluded from the fellowship of the church.

    Section 2. Procedure

     Normally, investigation of any matter which would seem to require discipline shall be initiated by the Board of Elders. If any person has knowledge of a matter which, in his opinion, requires discipline, it is appropriate for him to communicate that knowledge to the Board. To give such information to other persons is gossip, and shall be a matter of discipline.

     When one member of the church considers himself wronged by another member, it is well that he should remember the statement of Proverbs 10:12 and 1 Peter 4:8 that “love covers a multitude of sins”, and if the offense is relatively minor, that he should bear with his brother’s faults in the spirit of 1 Corinthians 13 , realizing that he himself has doubtlessly offended others on various occasions. However, if the wrong seems too great to be ignored, he should go to that person privately and seek reconciliation and restoration of fellowship. If the offender refuses reconciliation at this point, then he shall take “one or two others with him” (Matthew 18:15-17 ). If he still refuses to be reconciled, the matter shall be brought to the Board of Elders. They shall inquire as to whether the above steps have been exhausted. Only then shall they, in love and with much prayer, consider the issue.

     Inasmuch as some sins (for example, drunkenness, shameful behavior, dishonest practices, etc.) are more general in character, they do not necessarily involve reconciliation between two church members. In such cases, the Board of Elders shall conduct an investigation.

    • Any person who has first hand knowledge of the matter and is willing to testify shall submit his testimony in writing to the Board of Elders and shall sign it.
    •  The Board shall summon the accused to appear before them. The accused may, for adequate reason, be granted another time to appear before the Board provided he requests it.
    •  Failure of the party to appear before the Board, except for extenuating circumstances, at the specified time shall be construed as an admission of guilt.
    •  After thorough investigation, the Board shall either declare the party innocent or shall, by at least 3/4 majority, declare him guilty.
    •  If an erring person refuses to accept lesser discipline he may be excluded from the membership and fellowship of the church.
    •  The intent of the Board ought not to be just to expose the erring person but to restore him in a spirit of meekness to full fellowship and membership.

    Section 3. Discipline of the Pastor

     If it appears that the Pastor merits discipline, the Board of Elders shall initiate and carry out the investigation and administer any discipline which is considered appropriate. Any thing serious enough to warrant termination shall be handled according to Article VII Section 3.

     Section 4. Discipline of Officers

     Discipline of church officers and staff should be carried out in accordance with Article V Section 2. The membership may, however, use it’s right of petition to call a special meeting (Article IV Section 2) for the evaluation of the performance of any elected or appointed official of the church. A vote of confidence may be requested and should fewer than one half (1/2) of the voting members present express support of the official, his office shall be automatically declared vacant. The vote will be taken by secret ballot. The person under consideration may not vote nor any members of his or her immediate family.


  • Bylaw X-Missions

    Section 1. Policy

     It is expected that full or partial support of missionaries will be undertaken in an expanding fashion as the church grows. No missionary or missionary organization, however, will be supported unless the missionary and/or organization is in accord with the doctrinal position of the church. It shall be the responsibility of the Board of Elders to determine that doctrinal compatibility exists prior to offering access to the church pulpit to mission candidates or missionaries, on deputation.

     The missionaries to be considered for support shall be examined by the Elders and presented to the church fellowship during a regular worship service. A two-thirds (2/3) plurality of the members voting at a duly called business meeting is required for the commitment of financial support to any missionary or mission organization.

    Section 2. Missions Committee

     A Missions Committee may be appointed by the Board of Elders to assist in obtaining background information concerning missions organizations, their fields and outreach methods, and doctrinal distinctives. The committee will also endeavor to ensure effective liaison and communication with supported missionaries, prospective missions candidates, and mission organizations. The committee will inform the membership of the needs and ministries or the church’s missionaries and assist in coordination of missions conferences.

     A report shall be prepared for presentation to the membership at the annual business meeting outlining the status and activities of the church’s missionaries.

    Section 3. Termination of Support

     In the event that a supported missionary leaves the mission field or a mission candidate ceases deputation in order to pursue other vocations, support shall cease upon confirmation by the Elders or Missions Committee. Should a report of misconduct or doctrinal deviation be received concerning a missionary or mission organization supported by the church, the allegation shall be investigated by the Elders. The Missions Committee may assist in the investigation and make recommendations to the Elders concerning the advisability of continuation of support. The findings shall be presented to the membership at a duly called business meeting and a vote of confidence taken. Support shall be terminated by a majority vote of the members.


  • Bylaw XI-Financial Policy 

    Section 1. Financial Policy

     It shall be the policy or this church not to solicit pledges nor to pass an offering plate except as deemed appropriate and voted upon by the Elders. The Board of Elders shall be responsible for the policy governing the collecting, holding, disbursing, and accounting of all funds subject to the restrictions explained below. These tasks may be delegated to the Deacons and/or School Board, who shall periodically report to the Elders.

    Section 2. Budget

     It shall be the responsibility of the Board Of Elders (except as delegated to the Deacons) to propose an annual budget to the membership for discussion, modification, and approval. The Elders and Deacons shall have the authority to allow expenditures to exceed the approved budget by no more than 10%. These increases in the budget may be applied to individual line items as deemed necessary. Items not included in the budget may be approved by the Board of Elders provided that such additional items do not cause the total expenditures to exceed the budget by more than 10%. Total expenditures shall in no case exceed the budget in excess of 10% without the approval of the membership.

    Section 3. Borrowing Money

     It has been the policy of this church not to incur indebtedness. In the event that it becomes necessary, the Board of Elders, when authorized by the membership, shall have the authority to borrow money in the name of the church. In no case shall the amount borrowed exceed the assets of the church.

    Section 4. Pastor’s Salary

     The Pastor’s compensation shall be reviewed annually by the Board of Elders prior to the annual business meeting. In the event of termination of the Pastor by the church, the Pastor shall be entitled to one months salary.

     Section 5. Dissolution of the Church

     In the event of dissolution of this church, all assets shall be distributed for one or more tax exempt purposes within the meaning of the Interal Revenue Code.  Such a distribution shall be to an organization or organizations,  which is in agreement with the Statement of Faith and shall be at the discretion of the Board of Elders ruling at the time.


  • Bylaw XII-Amendments

    These Bylaws may be amended at a duly called business meeting provided that the proposed change(s), time and place of meeting have been announced from the pulpit on a Sunday at least seven days prior to the scheduled meeting. A two thirds (2/3) plurality shall be required for approval of all amendments.

     


  • Bylaw XIII-School Board

     

    Section 1. Duties and Authorities

     The Christian School provided under Bylaw II, Section 6, shall be named “Gramcercy Christian School” and shall be govened by a School Board as defined herein.  the Christian School shall be wholly an entity of Faith Evangelical Bible Church and shall be subject to the authority of the Board of Elders.  The school shall not hold title to assets in its own name.

     Authority for the Christian School is vested in a School Board of 5-8 members. This Board shall exercise supervision over the development and operation of the Christian School, and consistant with the Statement of Faith and shall comply with all local, state, and federal regulations.

     The Board, in consultation with the Headmaster and Staff, shall establish procedures and policies for the operation of the School, and shall be responsible for the employment, promotion, and dismissal of all school staff. The Board will also prepare an annual budget and submit it to the Board of Elders for approval. The Elders will announce the budget to the congregation and recommend the specific support level at which the church will assist the school. The congregation must approve all budgeted church money which will be given to the school. The provisions of these bylaws prohibiting capital expenditures or indebtedness without congregational approval shall apply to the School Board.

     The Board shall choose from it’s membership each year, a Chairman, a Vice Chairman, and a Secretary to the Board.

    Section 2. Qualifications

     Board members shall be selected from among the Church fellowship, the Christian School parents, or others with a vested interest in the ministry of Gramercy Christian School.  Prospective Board members shall be spiritually mature men and women who are committed to a Bible-believing church and to the principles of Christian education. 

     All school aged children of Board members should be enrolled in Gramercy unless special learning needs have been diagnosed that the school is unable to meet.

     Board members should evidence a commitment to Christian education and demonstrate a conviction that Gramercy is of God.

    Section 3. Selection

    Members of the School Board shall be appointed by the Board of Elders. The Elders shall seek from the Congregation recommendations of individuals to fill all vacancies on the School Board. Terms shall be for three years. Members may serve two successive terms but must be off the Board one year after two successive terms and must stand for reappointment for the second term.  The Board of Elders may, under extraordinary circumstances, extend the term of a School Board member or waive the one year off requrement.

     The Pastor shall be an ex-officio member of the School Board. In case of a tie vote, the Board of Elders shall act to resolve it.

    Section 4. Meetings

     A special meeting may be called by the Chairman of the Board, or by any two members of the membership. The Chairman shall be notified in advance by any member who is unable to attend a meeting.


  • Bylaw XIV-Women of Faith

    Section 1. Duties and Authority

     The women of Faith Evangelical Bible Church, to be known as Women of Faith, shall be organized to minister to the needs of the church and shall be under the authority of the Board of Elders.

     The Women of Faith shall oversee Bible studies and monthly meetings to encourage each woman to know Christ personally and to grow in Him through prayer, Bible stidy, fellowship, and service.  The Women of Faith shall provide an atmosphere of God’s love where the Spirit is able to move and touch lives of women of all ages, while remaining consistant with the Principles of Government set forth in Bylaw III.

     The Women of Faith shall be reponsible for church potlucks adn other special functions, the Martha Meals Ministrhy, and church decorations.  They shall assist the Deacon Board with landscaping and the church picnic, as needed.

    Section 2. Officers

     The Women of Faith shall choose from its fellowship for offices: A President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer to serve for two year terms on a staggered basis. n addition to the officers, the Women of Faith Board shall include the immediate past-President, the current Nursery Coordinator, and up to four membrs-at-large, each serving for a two year term.  The wives of the Pasters will serve as advisors to the Board and may attend Board meetings at their discretion.


  • Bylaw XV-Legal Status

     The Church is organized as a nonprofit corporation under the Nonprofit Corporation Act of the state of North Carolina.  Unless otherwise determined by the church, the directors of the corporation shall be the duly elected Elders.

     No part of the funds of the church shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributed to, its members, officers, or other private persons, except that reasonable compensation may be paid for services rendered the furtherance of the purpose of the church, as stated in these Bylaws. The church shall not carry on any activities not permitted by any organization exempt from Federal income tax under the Internal Revenue code.


  • Bylaw XVI-Christian Education

    Section 1. Committee

     The church shall establish and maintain a Christian Education Committee (CEC) which shall be responsible for the general oversight and coordination of the educational work of the church. Its duties shall include: recruiting and screening personnel, reviewing and selecting curriculum, ordering needed materials, conducting teacher and staff training as needed, and supervising the Child Protection Program. Its area of supervision shall include: Sunday School, Children’s Church, Vacation Bible School, Library, and any other program or ministry the Board of Elders should choose to place under the CEC’s supervision. The CEC shall be responsible to the Board of Elders. The chairman and members of the CEC shall be appointed by the Board of Elders.

    Selection 2. Teacher Qualification

     All people who are in a teaching position, with the exception of those employed by Gramercy Christian School, must be members in good standing of Faith evangelical Bible Church.

     All people who are in a teaching position for children or youth must comply with the Child Protection Policy.

    Section 3. Child Protection Policy

     The purposes of the Faith Evangelical Bible Church Child Protection Program are to protect children from sexual abuse and to protect those who minister to children from false allegations of abuse.

     The following must be adhered to:

      •  People who will work with children or youth must be screened to insure that they do not pose a significant risk.
      •  Annual training is mandatory.
      •  Workers should limit physical contact with children to what is reasonable and necessary for a given situation.

     Activities involving children shall be done in an open area as much as possible, where others can easily observe them. Where possible more than one adult shall be present for activities involving children. Two adults must always be present in situation where only one child is involved, such as counseling or providing transportation, unless prior permission from a parent or guardian is obtained.

     Parental permission shall be obtained for a child to attend a church or school activity which takes place away from the church/school campus or during other than regular hours or for a worker to spend unsupervised time with a child.

     Supervisors shall periodically inspect areas where children and adults are together, as well as areas, such as bathrooms and closets, where sexual abuse might occur.

  • To Worship

    Our purpose is to worship, praise, and give thanks to the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

    Hebrews 13:15

    “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.”


  • Teach the Word of God

    Our purpose is to teach the Word of God to believer’s so that they might be built up in the faith and equipped for the work of the ministry.

    Ephesians 4:11-16

    “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

    Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

    Ephesians 6:11-20

    “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

    Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”


  • Spread the Gospel

    Our purpose is to spread the gospel by personal witnessing of individual believers, through our worship services, and support of missionaries of like faith.

    Matthew 28:19-20

    “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

    Romans 13:14-15

    “… in the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy and save some of them. For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?”

    1 Peter 3:15

    “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, …”


  • Meet for Prayer

    Our purpose is to meet for prayer and the administration of the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

    Acts 2:24

    “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”


  • Provide Fellowship

    Our purpose is to provide fellowship and to minister to the needs of the brethren.

    1 John 1:3

    “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.”

    2 Corinthians 8:4-7
    “… they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will. So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. But just as you excel in everything — in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us — see that you also excel in this grace of giving.”


  • Assist in Education

    Our purpose is to assist in the rearing and education of children through the operation of a Christian School that is centered in God’s Word and focused on the Lord Jesus Christ.