Part 5 of 5
Running a Virtual Church Business Meeting
A quick guide to conducting church business virtually.
Governance
Administration, denominations, boards, polity, mandatory policies
Part 4 of 5
Taking Minutes at a Church Business Meeting
How to properly document the official actions taken at a meeting.
Part 3 of 5
Voting at a Church Business Meeting
Four primary methods of voting that members and leaders should understand.
Part 2 of 5
Making Motions at a Church Business Meeting
Four questions to help ensure your motions follow proper parliamentary procedure.
Part 1 of 5
Preparing for a Church Business Meeting
How to structure effective, legally sound meetings—and set their agendas.
The Dangers of a Quiet Governance Change
Subtly shifting who has authority to make key decisions in your church may make sense—but may also erode congregational trust.
On-Demand Webinar
The Basics of Running a Legally Sound Church Business Meeting
Attorneys Richard Hammar and Sarah E. Merkle discuss best practices for implementing and following parliamentary procedures.
17 Changes Relevant to Churches in Newest Robert’s Rules of Order
Leaders should note these changes before their next official church business meeting.
Recommended Reading
Church Mergers: When, Why, and How
From consideration to final steps, let the experts guide you each step of the way.
Part 4 of 4
Finalizing a Merger
Moving through the final stages of merging churches—and other options if a merger is not right for you.
Part 3 of 4
Deciding Factors for a Sound Merger
Picking the right leaders to decide vision, name, location, staffing—and more.
Part 2 of 4
The Documents Needed for a Successful Church Merger
Be sure you collect all the needed paperwork to keep the process moving forward.
Best Practices for Recording Church Events and Activities
From worship services to children's programs and business meetings, a sound policy ensures legal compliance.
Adding Emergency Provisions to Your Bylaws
How adopting these provisions allows for legally sound virtual meetings.
Board Member Checklist
Nine questions to help you understand your role and responsibilities.
Advantage Member Exclusive
Do Your Church’s Governing Documents Allow Virtual Business Meetings?
Answering this crucial question can help legally validate decisions made during the coronavirus outbreak—and beyond.
5 Questions Churches Should Ask Before Holding a Virtual Business Meeting
How church leaders can ensure their decisions are valid if an in-person meeting isn’t possible.
Online Worship and Meetings
Ideas, insights, and advice on how to proceed as you shift more ministry online.
15 Things Richard Hammar Wants Pastors to Know
Governing Documents
Understand the importance of church constitution and bylaws.