Pastor, Church & Law

Members—In General

§ 6.09

It is often important to determine which persons comprise the membership of a church since the church’s charter and bylaws, and in some cases state nonprofit corporation law, generally vest considerable authority in the members. In congregational churches, the members typically elect and depose directors and ministers, authorize the purchase and sale of property, adopt and amend the charter or bylaws, and approve budgets. Church members in hierarchical churches typically possess some or all of these powers.

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