Part 5 of 5 Running a Virtual Church Business Meeting A quick guide to conducting church business virtually. Sarah E. Merkle
Part 4 of 5 Taking Minutes at a Church Business Meeting How to properly document the official actions taken at a meeting. Sarah E. Merkle
Part 3 of 5 Voting at a Church Business Meeting Four primary methods of voting that members and leaders should understand. Sarah E. Merkle
Part 2 of 5 Making Motions at a Church Business Meeting Four questions to help ensure your motions follow proper parliamentary procedure. Sarah E. Merkle
Part 1 of 5 Preparing for a Church Business Meeting How to structure effective, legally sound meetings—and set their agendas. Sarah E. Merkle
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. Erika E. Cole
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. Attorneys Richard R. Hammar and Sarah E. Merkle
17 Changes Relevant to Churches in Newest Robert’s Rules of Order Leaders should note these changes before their next official church business meeting. Richard R. Hammar
Recommended Reading Church Mergers: When, Why, and How From consideration to final steps, let the experts guide you each step of the way. The Editors
Part 1 of 4 Is a Merger the Right Next Step for Your Church? A primer on how to do it right. Erika E. Cole
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. Erika E. Cole
Part 3 of 4 Deciding Factors for a Sound Merger Picking the right leaders to decide vision, name, location, staffing—and more. Erika E. Cole
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. Erika E. Cole
Best Practices for Recording Church Events and Activities From worship services to children's programs and business meetings, a sound policy ensures legal compliance. Sally Wagenmaker and Micah Chetta
Adding Emergency Provisions to Your Bylaws How adopting these provisions allows for legally sound virtual meetings. Frank Sommerville
Board Member Checklist Nine questions to help you understand your role and responsibilities. James Cobble and Tyler Charles
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. Sarah E. Merkle
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. Sarah E. Merkle
Online Worship and Meetings Ideas, insights, and advice on how to proceed as you shift more ministry online. The Editors
15 Things Richard Hammar Wants Pastors to Know Governing Documents Understand the importance of church constitution and bylaws. Richard R. Hammar