Church governing documents typically confer significant authority in the members. Church members may exercise this authority only when acting at a meeting convened according to procedural requirements in the church's charter and bylaws or in applicable state law. Actions taken at irregularly called meetings generally are considered invalid unless subsequently ratified at a duly convened meeting.
Church bylaws typically call for annual general meetings of the church membership, and for such special meetings as the congregation or board of directors deems necessary.
The pastor of the church, or the senior pastor of a church having more than one pastor on its staff, is legally authorized to preside at membership meetings if authorized by (1) the church charter or bylaws, (2) established church custom, (3) applicable state nonprofit corporation law, or (4) the doctrine of inherent authority. ...
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