Reverend Carlton L. Phillips was called as the Pastor.  Under Reverend Phillips’s administration several ministries were established: Nursery Ministry, Tuesday Teen Night Ministry, Hospitality Ministry and the Saved and Single Ministry. Also, an 8:00 am Morning Worship Service has been reestablished. The church’s website was expanded and redesigned to include more information. Renovations were made to expand the Pastor’s office. A new video/audio system was installed, and three video projector screens were added to the sanctuary. Land was purchased near the church for future renovation. A church Facebook Page has also been created.

Additionally, six men were ordained as deacons including Deacon Clarence Cunningham (posthumously), Deacon Roy Grant, Deacon Lonnie Petty, Deacon Franklin McLain, Deacon Marcus Woods, and Deacon Billy Young. Three men were selected for Trustees including Brother Clarence Hall, Brother Tony Johnson and Brother Mark Montgomery.

Also, under Reverend Phillip’s administration, Naomi’s Food Pantry was established, Vacation Bible School attendance increased significantly, a Wednesday morning prayer line was established, a Grief-Share Support Program was started and the first Kids-For-Christ Summer Program was initiated. A computer lab was established, and new tables purchased for the fellowship hall. The church also hosted several North East District and Snow Creek District Ushers’ Workshops. The church held it’s third annual Tailgate Worship Service where family and friends came together for great food, fellowship and fun. The church’s mortgage on was paid off on Friday, November 3, 2017 at Wells Fargo Bank in Anniston, Alabama.

Around April 2020, in-person-church services were postponed due to the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic. Church services were conducted virtually and broadcasted on Sundays via the church website, Youtube channel and Facebook page. Periodically Parking Lot Prayer Services, weekly Thursday morning prayer and Evening Parking Lot Worship Services were held. Some auxiliaries continued to meet via conference calls and zoom meeting, including Sunday School.

Additionally in 2020, the church partnered with the Alabama State Baptist Convention and United States Department of Agriculture to distribute more than 170,000 pounds of fresh fruits, vegetables and salads weekly over a two months period. The church continues its monthly distribution of more than 120 bags of groceries including bags taken to sick and shut-in members.

In March 2021, a church renovation project began. The project included: the pulpit was redesigned into a semi-circle stage, the baptistery window was formed into an arch, new A/C units installed for the sanctuary, new rubberized flat roofing system, new carpet throughout the church, painting, 2 parking lots installed, upgrade to the audio-visual system and various other repairs.

Through Reverend Phillip’s administration Friendship Missionary Baptist Church continues to be a beacon of light and hope in the community. The church lives its motto – “A Church Where Everybody is Somebody and Christ is All”. We firmly believe that “You Won’t Leave Here Like You Came In Jesus Name”