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:

Organizational structures are not forever - one reason the Bible doesn't give us an exact structure.

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.

Use a team to evaluate, don't just trust yourself

Remember you are legally responsible to follow your constitution and bylaws.