Episode 129: When It‘s Time to Restructure

Three elements to consider

• constitution
• bylaws
• Policies and procedures

 

Constitution is broad and covers governing values and principles.

• The overarching thought is " who we are?"
• Relates to a person
• changes on rare occasions in big moments when married, or become a parent... or experience a tragedy.
• for a church big moments can cause a shift and need to re-identify a church.
  • time after a scandal
  • years of conflict
  • merger
  • a season of explosive growth

 

Bylaws are the specific governing properties that arise from the constitution.

• The overarching thought is "how do we do this? "
• Relates to the skeletal system
• Should be reviewed often and amended or changed every few years.
  • Have laws changed?
  • Has culture shifted? - ex. fewer business meetings
  • Has leadership changed?
  • Is the structure effective?
  • Was something not addressed that should be addressed?
  • Are you following them, which is technically a legal requirement.

 

Policies and procedures

• The over-arching thought is "what is important to us?"
• Cover the ever-changing details of church operations
• Relates to the skin and organs
• should be examined yearly for effectiveness
  • should be maintained by church leadership
  • should be available and affirmed by leadership
  • protect people within the church and the church itself
  • define roles and responsibilities within the church

 

Remember:

1. Organizational structures are not forever - one reason the Bible doesn't give us an exact structure.
2. Don't over complicate our documents: Constitution is like a page or two, bylaws a few pages; policies and procedures are much more comprehensive, but also most easily changed.
3. Use a team to evaluate, don't just trust yourself
4. Remember you are legally responsible to follow your constitution and bylaws.