Bylaws

BYLAWS OF
FREEDOM MINISTRY OF THE SOUTH, INC.

ARTICLE I
The name of this corporation shall be Freedom Ministry of the South, Inc.

ARTICLE II – STATEMENT OF FAITH

The Corporation affirms the following core beliefs:

We believe that the Bible is composed of the Old and New Testaments and is the only infallible
Word of God. It is the inspired Word of God and the ultimate authority. The Word of God cannot be added to, subtracted from, or superseded in any regard; it is the source of all doctrine, instruction, correction and reproof. The Bible contains all that is needed for guidance in godliness and practical Christian conduct. We believe that through the revelation and operation of the Holy Spirit, the Word of God becomes alive and effective in our lives; it is the standard for our relational and experiential knowledge of God. All ministry and prophecy must be in accord with Scripture; if not, it is to be considered false and rejected.
We believe that the death of Jesus Christ on the cross paid the penalty for the sins of the world and inaugurated the New Covenant in His blood, for those who choose to receive Christ as their Lord and Savior. We further believe that his atoning sacrifice makes available healing of the body, soul and spirit.
We believe, as the Bible declares, that salvation is a free gift of God, received by faith and accomplished by the finished work of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Salvation occurs when a person confesses and accepts Christ as Lord and Savior of their life, resulting in being born again, and becoming a new creation in Christ Jesus. As a new creation, we are justified, sanctified, reconciled to God, and made righteous. As a new creation, we enjoy the privilege of adoption and inheritance as sons and daughters of the Most High God; we become citizens of His Kingdom, yet aliens to this kingdom on Earth. Salvation is an act of free will in response to God’s personal love for mankind. It is predestined only in the sense that God, through His omniscience, foreknew those who would choose Him, yet He desires that no one should perish. As believers, our old life inherited from Adam is crucified with Christ and we are born again as new creations into the risen life of Christ. Even though we are born again as infants, we progressively live our lives and mature our faith as we yield to the guidance and direction of the power of the Holy Spirit. We continuously renew our minds by the truth found in the Word of God which is revealed to us by the Holy Spirit. Hence, our behavior increasingly reflects His life in us and His purposes for our lives. Our lives, as Christians, while joyful and fulfilling, still includes trials, tests, and warfare against a spiritual enemy who takes advantage of our flesh to lure us into sinful behavior and independence from God. Our faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross redeems us from the power of the enemy and is the source of our victory over these trials, test and attacks of the enemy.

ARTICLE III – PURPOSE Section 1. Purpose

FREEDOM MINISTRY OF THE SOUTH INC is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational and scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations described in 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any federal tax code.

Section 2. Mission Statement

To reach people (snatch them out of the fire) with the love of Jesus and give them direction in their “next steps” in life by creating relationships, and connecting people with resources to be “that new man.”

Section 3. Vision Statement

We envision connecting people in their next step in life by establishing functional networks with FREEDOM MINISTRY OF THE SOUTH INC and through partnering with other organizations, community groups, and churches in the region. Our vision is to remedy the current problems in the state of Louisiana which include but are not limited to poverty, recidivism, addiction, divorce and racism. Our long-term goal is complete spiritual, mental, physical and financial restoration to each individual connected with the ministry.

ARTICLE IV – RESTRICTIONS Section 1. Private Inurement

No part of the net earnings of the Corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its directors, officers, or other private persons, except for reasonable compensation for services rendered in furtherance of the Corporation’s purposes.

Section 2. Political Activity

The Corporation shall not participate in or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. No substantial part of the activities of the Corporation shall consist of carrying on propaganda or attempting to influence legislation.

Section 3. Other Prohibited Activities

The Corporation shall not engage in any activities not permitted to organizations exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Code.

ARTICLE V – PRINCIPAL OFFICE

The principal office of the Corporation shall be located in the State of Louisiana at such location as determined by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VI – MEMBERSHIP

The Corporation shall have no members. All authority shall be vested in the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VII – BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. Authority

The Corporation shall be governed by a Board of Directors (the “Board”) responsible for the overall direction, governance, and financial oversight of the Corporation.

Section 2. Number and Qualifications

The Board shall consist of not fewer than four (4) and not more than nine (9) directors. Directors shall be at least eighteen (18) years of age and committed to the mission and values of the Corporation.

Section 3. Election and Terms

Directors shall be elected by the Board. Initial terms may be staggered to ensure continuity. Thereafter, directors shall serve two (2) year terms and may be re-elected.

Section 4. Removal

A director may be removed for cause by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board, after reasonable notice and opportunity to be heard.

Section 5. Vacancies

Vacancies may be filled by majority vote of the remaining directors.

Section 6. Meetings

The Board shall meet at least quarterly or as deemed necessary. Special meetings may be called by the Chairman or any two directors.

Section 7. Quorum and Voting

A majority of the directors then in office shall constitute a quorum. Each director shall have one vote. Actions shall be approved by a majority vote unless otherwise specified.

ARTICLE VIII – OFFICERS Section 1. Officers

The officers of the Corporation shall include a Chairman (or President), Vice Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Section 2. Election and Term

Officers shall be elected annually by the Board.

Section 3. Duties

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Chairman/President: Provides leadership, presides over meetings, and oversees vision and mission.

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Vice Chairman: Assists the Chairman and acts in their absence.

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Secretary: Maintains records and meeting minutes.

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Treasurer: Oversees financial matters and reports to the Board.

Section 4. Compensation

The Board may set reasonable compensation for officers or employees by disinterested directors in accordance with IRS guidelines.

ARTICLE IX – ADVISORY COMMITTEE

An Advisory Committee may be appointed by the Board or Chairman to provide non-binding counsel, insight, and recommendations. Advisory Committee members shall have no governing authority.

ARTICLE X – CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The Corporation shall adopt and comply with a written Conflict of Interest Policy consistent with IRS requirements.

ARTICLE XI – FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year of the Corporation shall begin January 1 and end December 31.

ARTICLE XII – AMENDMENTS

These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors at any duly called meeting, provided the amendments remain consistent with Section 501(c)(3) of the Code.

ARTICLE XIII – DISSOLUTION

Upon dissolution of the organization, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for public purpose.