Learn a few reasons why it is worth reviewing and updating your church by-laws.

Read about the potential for good disruption in updating church by-laws.

Social distancing directives will continue for the foreseeable future. While churches have adapted worship and operational functions to comply, uncertainty lingers. As disruptive as the coronavirus pandemic is, its physical limitations do allow churches to focus on remote activities. Locating and reviewing your church’s by-laws is a meaningful exercise that can engage leaders and members.

Church by-laws are the key document which governs how your church operates. In general terms, the by-laws are a rulebook. Basic elements that should be included in the by-laws are name and location, statement of faith, governing authority over the church, powers and restrictions, and membership. Many churches have by-laws that were established decades ago and are out-of-date.

The importance of up-to-date by-laws. By-laws are the structure that provides legal and organizational order to your church. Even before the coronavirus pandemic, society and lifestyles evolved dramatically in the last 20-30 years. Organizational rules that were effective and accepted two and three decades ago may not be today. Yes, your church needs order and structure. However, if that order and structure have and/or continue to result in unhealthy infighting and power plays, now is a good time to consider revisions.

Go back to the basics. Your statement of faith articulates the church’s beliefs and teachings. Does it align with current church practice? Is it flexible enough to accommodate church doctrine and differences in individual expression of faith? In other words, is adherence to church by-laws resulting in out-of-date, ineffective interpretations of church beliefs and teachings? Consider revisions that are consistent with traditional beliefs and today’s realities.

Get the word out to members. Transparency encourages engagement. Current social distancing requirements provide an opportunity for church leaders and members to remotely join and collectively read the by-laws. Consult with a qualified attorney beforehand to set parameters in determining your course of action, but allow open discussion about what updates might encourage growth and involvement. The pandemic has already negatively disrupted church life, but it has also opened up the possibility of good disruption. Collaborative participation among leaders and members in the decision-making process may help stem church attrition due to choice, i.e. people leaving under their own power.

Church by-laws have their rightful place. Good church by-laws are a framework incorporating structure, organization, and legal protection. Good church practice requires attention and care to see that by-laws are reviewed periodically and revised when appropriate. If church by-laws become a tool for creating harmful distractions and divisions, some good disruption is probably in order.

This blog is for informational purposes only. Consult legal counsel for advice and guidance about church by-law content and appropriate measures required to enact revisions.

Richey-Barrett Insurance is a Trusted Choice Independent Insurance Agent for churches and religious institutions. We understand church risk exposures, and we appreciate the practical budgetary struggles churches face today. Richey-Barrett Insurance seeks to offer each church insurance coverage that meets its needs.