Asked, Answered: The Importance of Governing Documents
Matt Branaugh reminds church leaders what they need to be looking for when it comes to church governing documents.
Bylaws
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.
Advantage Member Exclusive
Should My Church Consider a Merger Right Now?
On-Demand Webinar: The critical information church leaders should know if they are thinking about a merger.
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 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.
Part 3 of 4
Deciding Factors for a Sound Merger
Picking the right leaders to decide vision, name, location, staffing—and more.
Recommended Reading
Getting Meetings Right
Online or in-person, understand what churches need to know to conduct legally sound meetings.
Adding Emergency Provisions to Your Bylaws
How adopting these provisions allows for legally sound virtual meetings.
Q&A: Adopting a New Budget During Extraordinary Times
If your fiscal year begins July 1, budgeting during the pandemic presents unique challenges—but there is a way forward.
Advantage Member Exclusive
15 Things Richard Hammar Wants Pastors to Know
On-Demand Webinar: Attorney Richard R. Hammar identifies 15 topics that frequently trip up pastors and church administrators.
15 Things Richard Hammar Wants Pastors to Know
Governing Documents
Understand the importance of church constitution and bylaws.
Inspection of Church Records
Know when to say "yes" to a request to view confidential information.
Q&A: Should Policies and Procedures Be Separate Documents?
A church business manager shares best practices learned through the process.
6 Common Problems with Church Bylaws
Why bylaws can often hurt churches.
Q&A: Was It ‘Legal’ to Cast Lots Rather Than Vote for a New Deacon?
Our church bylaws state that members of our board of deacons are to be elected
Q&A: Is It Ever Okay to Break Our Church’s Bylaw Notification Requirement?
What if a proposed bylaw change is adopted and impacts another provision in the bylaws?
What Are Church Bylaws?
One of the most important documents for churches