Table Of ContentConstitution and Bylaws of Your Church A-10
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Almost every local church has a The particulars of local mission • Affiliation with the association, Specify a quorum, the number of
document that it uses to describe how may change and be restated as the conference and United Church of members necessary to be present to
it is organized and governed. Usually Spirit leads. Churches find it helpful Christ. conduct business, either a
this is a constitution and bylaws. regularly and systematically to review percentage of the members or a
• Purpose, covenant or mission
Normally the constitution is the and revise their constitution and specific number.
statement. Here the church sets its
broader body of mutually agreed bylaws to conform to and
course in relation to the authority • Governing board composition,
upon principles and purposeful complement the mission strategy,
of the Bible, the life and teachings powers, duties and limitations.
structure that govern the affairs and size, abilities and commitments of the
of Jesus and the history and hope of Describe the meetings, quorum and
action of the church. The bylaws are present congregation. Many churches
the church. The mission statement rules as required.
the subordinate rules adopted by the have found they needed to revise their
includes the faith affirmations and
church to augment the constitution. documents because the language used • Standing committees or
doctrines, perhaps in the form of a
Sometimes there is no constitution, so in them wasn't inclusive. The commissions. Explain formation,
covenant, which are revealed by
bylaws serve the purpose. Such language implied that only men could term and accountability.
the Bible, rooted in church history
documents allow a church to maintain chair committees, for instance. Others Responsibilities may be included
and theology, and related to
an orderly, efficient and clear church have revised their governing briefly or may go into standing
contemporary human needs. These
life that meets the needs of the statement as positions, such as deacon rules.
affirmations hold the church
members. or trustee, have been opened to
women. together and set it apart from other • Special committee authorization.
churches.
History and Most churches have a constitution • Finances. Including budget, audit,
that states the mission and general • Membership qualifications, bonding, fiscal year.
Background
governing rules. The bylaws, which privileges and responsibilities.
According to the Constitution of the often are more easily amended, have • Parliamentary authority governing
United Church of Christ, local more specifics. Some churches are • Officers. Tell which are elected and its meetings.
churches determine their own discovering that one simple document which appointed. Describe • Procedures for amending and
methods of organization, worship and may be all they need; therefore, they eligibility, term of office,
revising the document. Usually this
education; make covenants; admit set up bylaws only. nominating procedures, how
is a two-thirds vote with previous
members; call and dismiss pastors; vacancies are filled and special
notice (state how notice will be
acquire, manage and dispose of What to Include in a duties.
given).
property; control benevolences; and Governing Statement • Pastoral and other professional
can withdraw from the United Church leadership selection procedures and Supplemental
of Christ. Constitution and bylaws of Whether you have a constitution and tenure.
local churches tell how they may do bylaws, only a constitution or only Documents
those things. bylaws, the following should be • Meetings of the membership.
In addition to the basic document
covered in a document that tells how Specify the number of regular
governing the church, you may need
Common Practices the church governs itself: meetings each year, rules for giving
the following:
• Name. Include the full name, notice of the meetings and how the
When a church member asks,
schedule may be changed. Define
exactly as in your charter or articles
“What’s the purpose? Who's in the business of the annual meeting, • Articles of incorporation or a
of incorporation. If an abbreviation
charge here? Why do it that way?” it such as election of officers and charter. This is necessary when a
is to be used later in the document,
may be time to consult the making of annual reports. Make group desires to have corporate
state “'hereinafter referred to as
constitution and bylaws. You may not provision for special meetings and recognition under the laws of the
____.”
like what you find there, especially if tell who may call them and how. state, giving it the right to hold
it hasn't been updated recently. property, hire employees, make
Constitution and Bylaws of Your Church A-10
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contracts and engage in legal be unnecessarily restrictive. Neither
action. Required documents should you be without guidance from
must be obtained from and the documents in sticky situations.
filed with the secretary of • Ask an attorney to review your
state. constitution and bylaws to determine
if you are in conformity with state law
• Standing rules. These are and to clarify your incorporation
additional policy or procedural status and requirements.
provisions to deal with the
details of meeting dates, • Review your constitution and bylaws
expenses and order of to see that every item suggested above
business, usually adopted by is covered and amend it if necessary.
majority vote (amended or
rescinded by a two-thirds
vote). Unlike bylaws, these Issues Facing
can be suspended by a
majority vote for one meeting. the Church
• Some parliamentarians refer to
constitutions as "outdated." How does
Action Suggestions
that fit with your church's
• Review your church's understanding of the necessity of a
constitution and bylaws for constitution?
inclusive language and revise
it if necessary. • What is the difference between having
a covenant and having a constitution?
• Review and evaluate the
mission statement in your
constitution or bylaws. If it Questions
does not reflect the current
• What is the purpose of having a
understanding of your
constitution and bylaws?
congregation and your needs
for your current structure, take
• What should be included in a
time to revise it in an all-
constitution and bylaws?
church process before
finalizing your constitutional
• What is the purpose of standing rules?
revisions.
Do you have any? If not, would it help
• Ask a professional if you did?
© 2005 Parish Life and
parliamentarian to review your
Leadership, Local Church
governing documents and
Ministries, a Covenanted Ministry
advise you about their of the United Church of Christ
adequacy. There's no need to
