An independent local church may by its bylaws extend to all persons not members of the church, who are 18 years of age and upward and who regularly contribute toward the expenses of the church, the right to attend and participate in the annual and special meetings of the church when action is to be taken relative to the use and appropriation of funds towards which they have contributed or toward which they have pledged contributions, and meetings called for the purpose of obtaining or dismissing a pastor.   [PL 1971, c. 598, §15 (AMD).]