Join now to access this member-only content
Become a Member
Already a member? Log in for full access.
Most churches, whether incorporated or unincorporated, have a governing document that addresses several issues of governance and administration. While the name for this document varies from church to church, it often is called bylaws, and it is this name that will be used in this article as a matter of convenience. There are several legal issues that are associated with church bylaws. This article will address 15 of them.
What are bylaws?
What are church bylaws? The Model Nonprofit Corporations Act (3rd ed. 2008), which has been adopted by several states, defines bylaws as "the code or codes of rules (other than the articles of incorporation) adopted for the regulation and governance of the internal affairs of the nonprofit corporation, regardless of the name or names used to refer to those rules."
One court defined bylaws as follows:
The bylaws of a corporation are the rules of law ...
Related ResourcesVisit Store
2020 Human Resource Bundle
Your one-stop-shop for Human Resource knowledge.
50-State Religious Freedom Laws Report
A review of state laws and court decisions affecting church leaders
Church IT
Learn how to find the best solutions when choosing software and hardware for your church.
Church Governance
What leaders must know to conduct legally sound church business.
