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Understanding Your Church’s Constitution and Bylaws

The constitution of a church contains the fundamental principles that govern its operation. The bylaws establish the specific rules of guidance by which the church is to function.

Why have a constitution?

A church is a body of believers organized for worshiping God, evangelizing the lost, and discipling believers. When a church develops a constitution, it helps clarify its purpose, provides the foundation for building an effective church, and defines its structure. It also gives members and potential members a better understanding of what the church is about and how it functions. Understanding the value of a written document that clearly describes the basic framework of your church makes drafting the constitution a much easier and more rewarding experience.

What should be covered in a constitution?

The church constitution should be concise, yet contain the important framework of an organization. It should be between two and four pages in length, leaving the detailed procedures of a group’s daily functions to the bylaws. The following is an outline of standard information that is included in a constitution. The constitution covers these topics in a clear, simple, and concise manner.

Article I. Name

Article II. Prerogatives

Article III. Affiliation and Relationship

Article IV. Tenets of Faith

Article V. Membership

Article VI. Officers

Article VII. Meetings

Article VIII. Departments and Committees

Article IX. Finances

Article X. Property

Article XI. Amendments

What are bylaws?

While the constitution covers the fundamental principles of a church, it does not provide specific procedures for operating the church. Bylaws set forth in detail the procedures to conduct the church’s business. Bylaws are usually easier to change—requiring only a simple majority—than the constitution that normally requires a 2/3 vote. Below is an outline of the kinds of information normally covered in the bylaws.

What should be included in the bylaws?

Bylaws must not contradict provisions in the constitution. Bylaws generally contain specific information on the following topics:

Article I. Duties of Officers

Article II. Elections and Vacancies

Article III. Membership

Article IV. Departments

Article V. Property Rights

Article VI. Order of Business

Article VII. Parliamentary Order

Article VIII. Amendments

Article IX. Arbitration of Disputes

What do we do with them?

A constitution and bylaws articulate the purpose of a church and provide the procedures for its orderly functioning. Constitutions usually require a 2/3 vote of the membership for adoption and are very seldom changed. Any changes made to the constitution must be provided to the membership 60 days before the scheduled business meeting. Bylaws require only a simple majority for passage and can be changed or amended at any church business meeting.

The needs of a church will change over time, and it is important that the constitution and bylaws are kept up to date to reflect the changes in your church. (See sidebar "Navigating Treacherous Waters.").

Make sure each member of the church has a copy of the church’s constitution and bylaws. This will help unify and educate your members by informing them about the opportunities that exist for participation in the church and the procedures that they need to follow to be active, contributing members. A thorough study and review of the constitution and bylaws should be a part of leadership training.

—Adapted from Mercer University Center for Student Involvement & Leadership Web site. Used with permission.