What’s Included in Church Bylaws?
The Model Nonprofit Corporations Act (3rd ed. 2008) also states that “the bylaws of a nonprofit corporation may contain any provision for managing the activities and regulating the affairs of the corporation that is not inconsistent with law or the articles of incorporation.” The following subjects generally pertain to “managing the activities and regulating the affairs of” a church, and are commonly included in a church’s bylaws:
- Qualifications, selection, and expulsion of members
- Time and place of annual business meetings
- The calling of special business meetings
- Notice for annual and special meetings
- Quorums at meetings of the membership and church board
- Voting rights and requirements
- Selection, tenure, and removal of officers and directors
- Filling of vacancies on the church board
- Responsibilities of directors and officers
- The procedure for amending bylaws
- The procedure and voting requirements for purchases and conveyances of church property
- The designation of standing committees (such as audit committee, an investment committee, and an insurance committee)
The drafting of church bylaws is a complex task that should not be attempted without the assistance of an attorney. Knowing what to include, and exclude, from your bylaws are important tasks that require legal knowledge and experience.
Adapted from “Governing Well,” Church Law & Tax Report.