BYLAWS OF [CHURCH NAME] A [STATE] Nonprofit Religious Corporation EIN: [XX-XXXXXXX] Adopted [Month Day, Year] =============================================================================== HOW TO USE THIS TEMPLATE - This is a CHURCH bylaws template. It includes the standard 501(c)(3) articles every nonprofit needs AND the church-specific ones a generic nonprofit template leaves out: a Statement of Faith, membership and discipline, church government (polity), pastoral leadership and ordination, elders and deacons, and the ordinances (baptism and the Lord's Supper). - Fill in every [BRACKETED] placeholder with your church's details. - Where the template says [CHOOSE ONE], pick the option that matches your polity and delete the others. Article V (Church Government) drives much of the rest of the document, so decide that first. - Keep Article III (Purpose) and Article XV (Dissolution) close to the wording here — the IRS looks for both a 501(c)(3) religious-purpose clause and a dissolution clause when it reviews tax-exempt status. A church is a 501(c)(3). - Have the finished bylaws reviewed by an attorney in your state before you adopt them. This is a general template, not legal advice (see footer). - Running a non-religious nonprofit instead? Use the general nonprofit bylaws template at /templates/nonprofit-bylaws-template. =============================================================================== ARTICLE I — NAME AND AFFILIATION Section 1. Name. The name of this church is [CHURCH NAME] (the "Church"), a nonprofit religious corporation organized under the laws of the State of [STATE]. The Church may also be known as [any DBA / common name, or delete]. Section 2. Denominational Affiliation. [CHOOSE ONE AND DELETE THE OTHERS.] OPTION A — Affiliated: The Church is affiliated with [DENOMINATION / NETWORK / ASSOCIATION, e.g., the Southern Baptist Convention, the Presbyterian Church in America, the Assemblies of God]. The Church voluntarily cooperates with [that body] and recognizes its [statement of faith / book of order / governing documents] as [advisory / binding] to the extent stated in these Bylaws. Affiliation does not transfer ownership of Church property, which remains with the Church. OPTION B — Independent / non-denominational: The Church is an independent, non-denominational congregation and is not under the authority of any outside denomination or association, though it may cooperate freely with other churches and ministries. ARTICLE II — STATEMENT OF FAITH / DOCTRINE Section 1. Statement of Faith. The Church holds to the following essential beliefs [state your doctrinal statement here, or adopt one by reference — for example: the inspiration and authority of the Bible; one God in three persons; the deity, virgin birth, atoning death, bodily resurrection, and return of Jesus Christ; salvation by grace through faith; the work of the Holy Spirit; and the [church's confession, e.g., the Baptist Faith & Message, the Westminster Confession, the Nicene Creed, or your own statement]]. Section 2. Authority and Amendment. The Bible is the final authority for the Church's faith and practice. This Statement of Faith may be amended only as provided in Article XIV, and no amendment may be adopted that conflicts with [the denomination's statement of faith / the essentials named above]. Section 3. Doctrinal Disputes. Membership, leadership, and employment may be conditioned on agreement with this Statement of Faith. The [Elders / Board / governing body] shall interpret it and resolve doctrinal questions consistent with these Bylaws. ARTICLE III — PURPOSE The Church is organized exclusively for religious, charitable, and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code). Specifically, the purpose of the Church is to worship God; to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ; to make and mature disciples through teaching, baptism, and the Lord's Supper; to equip its members for ministry; and to serve the community of [City / Region] in the name of Christ. No part of the net earnings of the Church shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its members, officers, elders, deacons, ministers, or other private persons, except that the Church is authorized to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth above. No substantial part of the activities of the Church shall be the carrying on of propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the Church shall not participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. ARTICLE IV — MEMBERSHIP Section 1. Admission. A person may be received into membership who [CHOOSE / EDIT — e.g., professes faith in Jesus Christ, has been baptized, completes the membership class, and is received by [profession of faith / baptism / transfer of letter / vote of the congregation / approval of the Elders]]. The Church keeps a current roll of members. Section 2. Baptism. [STATE YOUR PRACTICE — e.g., "Believer's baptism by immersion is normally required for membership," or "Members may be received who were baptized as infants in another church." See Article X for the ordinance of baptism.] Section 3. Expectations of Members. Members agree to [worship regularly, support the Church financially as the Lord enables, serve according to their gifts, live consistently with Scripture, submit to the Church's leadership and discipline, and seek the peace and unity of the Church]. Section 4. Voting. Members in good standing who are at least [18] years old are entitled to vote on matters reserved to the congregation by these Bylaws (see Article IX). Each member has one vote; voting is non-transferable and may not be by proxy unless these Bylaws expressly allow it. Section 5. Good Standing, Inactive Status, and Withdrawal. A member is in good standing unless under discipline or placed on inactive status for [prolonged absence / non-participation]. A member may withdraw at any time by written or verbal notice to the [Elders / Secretary]. Section 6. Discipline and Restoration. The Church practices loving, redemptive discipline following the pattern of Matthew 18:15-17 and Galatians 6:1. A member who persists in serious unrepentant sin, in conduct contrary to Scripture, or in divisiveness may, after private and then witnessed appeals, be brought before the [Elders / congregation]. Discipline may include admonition, suspension from the Lord's Supper or office, or removal from membership, decided by [the Elders / a [majority/two-thirds] vote of the members present]. The goal of all discipline is repentance, reconciliation, and restoration; a disciplined person who repents shall be restored to fellowship and, where appropriate, to membership. ARTICLE V — CHURCH GOVERNMENT (POLITY) [CHOOSE ONE FORM OF GOVERNMENT AND DELETE THE OTHERS. This choice shapes who holds final authority and how Articles VI-IX read. Make sure the rest of the Bylaws match the option you keep.] OPTION A — Elder-led / Elder-rule: The Church is governed by a plurality of Elders who hold final authority over the Church's spiritual and corporate affairs, except for matters reserved to the congregation by these Bylaws (such as calling or removing a Senior Pastor or Elder, buying or selling real property, amending the Bylaws, approving the annual budget, and dissolving the Church). Deacons serve under the Elders. OPTION B — Elder-led / Congregational (elders lead, congregation decides): The Church is led by a plurality of Elders who shepherd, teach, and direct the day-to-day ministry, but final authority on major matters rests with the congregation, which acts by vote of the members (see Article IX). The Elders present recommendations to the members for action. OPTION C — Congregational: Final authority in all matters rests with the congregation, acting by vote of the members in duly called meetings. The congregation elects its officers, deacons, and any Elders, and calls and dismisses its Pastor. Between meetings, a [Board of Deacons / Church Council] administers the Church's affairs. OPTION D — Denominational / connectional: The Church is governed in accordance with the [book of order / discipline / constitution] of [DENOMINATION], which is incorporated by reference. Local authority is exercised by the [Session / Board / Council], subject to the oversight of [the presbytery / diocese / conference / district]. For purposes of state nonprofit corporation law, the governing body chosen above (the "Elders," "Board," "Council," or "Session") serves as the board of directors of the corporation. ARTICLE VI — PASTORAL LEADERSHIP Section 1. The Senior / Lead Pastor. The Senior Pastor is responsible for preaching and teaching the Word, administering the ordinances, leading worship and ministry, and giving spiritual oversight to the Church together with the [Elders / Deacons / Council]. Section 2. Qualifications. A Pastor must meet the biblical qualifications for overseers in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9, affirm the Statement of Faith in Article II, and meet any requirements of [the denomination]. Section 3. Calling and Installation. A Pastor is called by [CHOOSE — a [three-fourths / two-thirds] vote of the members present at a meeting called for that purpose, on the recommendation of a search/pulpit committee / the Elders / the [denominational body]]. The call states the terms of compensation and any housing allowance designated under Section 107 of the Internal Revenue Code. Section 4. Ordination. The Church [ordains / recognizes the ordination of] its ministers. Ordination requires [examination of doctrine and character by the Elders / a council of ministers / the [denominational] body] and is conferred by [the laying on of hands / vote of the congregation]. Ordained ministers may perform weddings, baptisms, the Lord's Supper, and other ministerial acts on behalf of the Church. Section 5. Other Ministers. The Church may call or hire associate or assistant pastors and ministry staff under the same doctrinal standards, with terms set by the [Elders / Board]. Section 6. Resignation and Removal. A Pastor may resign on [30 / 60] days' written notice. A Pastor may be removed for [doctrinal error, moral disqualification, neglect of duties, or other cause] by [CHOOSE — a [two-thirds] vote of the members at a meeting called for that purpose, on the recommendation of the Elders / action of the Elders / the [denominational body]], following a fair process consistent with Article IV, Section 6. ARTICLE VII — ELDERS AND/OR DEACONS [Keep the offices your polity uses; delete the rest.] Section 1. Elders. The Church shall be led by a plurality of Elders (also called overseers or pastors) who shepherd, teach, and govern the Church as provided in Article V. Elders must meet the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 and affirm the Statement of Faith. Elders are [nominated by the existing Elders / the congregation] and affirmed by a [majority / two-thirds] vote of the members. Each Elder serves a term of [3 years / an indefinite term subject to review] and may be removed for cause as provided in Article IV, Section 6. Section 2. Deacons. Deacons serve the Church in works of mercy, administration, and care, freeing the Elders/Pastors to focus on the Word and prayer (Acts 6:1-6; 1 Timothy 3:8-13). Deacons must meet the biblical qualifications and affirm the Statement of Faith. Deacons are [nominated and elected by the members / appointed by the Elders] and serve a term of [3] years. Deacons act under the direction of the [Elders / congregation] and do not hold final governing authority unless the congregational option in Article V is chosen. Section 3. Selection Process. Nominations, examination of qualifications, and installation of Elders and Deacons shall follow the process the [Elders / congregation] adopts, consistent with these Bylaws. ARTICLE VIII — OFFICERS Section 1. Officers. The corporate officers of the Church shall be a [President / Moderator] (often the Senior Pastor or chair of the Elders), a Secretary (Clerk), and a Treasurer. The governing body may create additional offices. One person may hold more than one office, except that the offices of [President/Moderator] and Secretary shall not be held by the same person. Section 2. Secretary (Clerk). The Secretary shall keep the minutes of members' and governing-body meetings, maintain the membership roll and corporate records and these Bylaws, give required notices of meetings, and certify documents on behalf of the Church. Section 3. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall oversee the funds and financial records of the Church, ensure accurate books of account are kept (including proper handling of designated and restricted gifts), present financial reports to the [Elders / Board / congregation], and ensure all required filings and contribution statements are issued on time. The Treasurer shall follow the internal-control and counting procedures the governing body adopts. Section 4. Term and Removal. Officers are elected by [the members / the governing body] for a term of [1] year or until a successor is chosen, and may be removed by [a majority vote of the governing body / the members] whenever the best interests of the Church will be served. ARTICLE IX — MEETINGS Section 1. Worship. The Church shall gather regularly for public worship at times set by the [Pastor / Elders]. Section 2. Annual Members' Meeting. The Church shall hold an annual members' meeting to receive reports, approve the budget, elect officers and [Deacons / Elders], and conduct other business. Section 3. Regular and Special Meetings. Regular business meetings shall be held [quarterly / as scheduled]. Special members' meetings may be called by the [Pastor / Elders / Board], or on the written request of [10%] of the members. Section 4. Notice. Notice of any members' meeting, stating the date, time, place, and (for special meetings) the purpose, shall be given [from the pulpit and in writing/electronically] at least [two Sundays / 10 days] in advance. Only business stated in the notice may be acted on at a special meeting. Section 5. Quorum. A quorum for a members' meeting is [the members present / [25%] of the members / [____] members], and a quorum for the governing body is a majority of its members. Section 6. Congregational Votes. Except where these Bylaws require a larger vote, the act of a majority of members present and voting at a meeting with a quorum is the act of the Church. Decisions reserved to the congregation include [calling or removing a Pastor or Elder, buying/selling/mortgaging real property, adopting the annual budget, amending the Bylaws, and dissolving the Church]. The following require a [two-thirds / three-fourths] vote: [calling/removing a Pastor, amending the Bylaws, dissolution, and real-property transactions]. Section 7. Governing-Body Meetings. The [Elders / Board] shall meet at least [monthly / quarterly]; the act of a majority present at a meeting with a quorum is the act of the body. Members of the governing body may participate by phone or video where all can hear one another, and may act without a meeting by unanimous written consent. ARTICLE X — ORDINANCES Section 1. Baptism. The Church observes the ordinance of baptism. [STATE YOUR PRACTICE — e.g., "Baptism is administered to those who profess faith in Christ, by immersion, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit," or "The Church baptizes both believers and the infant children of believing parents."] Baptism is administered by an ordained minister or as the Elders direct. Section 2. The Lord's Supper (Communion). The Church observes the Lord's Supper [weekly / monthly / quarterly / as scheduled]. The Supper is [open to all baptized believers in good standing with a gospel-believing church / reserved to members], and is administered under the oversight of the [Pastor / Elders]. Section 3. Administration. The ordinances are administered by ordained ministers or others authorized by the [Elders / congregation], consistent with the Church's doctrine and these Bylaws. ARTICLE XI — COMMITTEES The governing body may establish standing or special committees and delegate authority to them as permitted by law and these Bylaws. Committees may include a [Finance/Audit Committee, a Personnel Committee, a Missions Committee, a Nominating Committee, and a Pastor/Pulpit Search Committee]. Committees report to the [Elders / Board / congregation], and advisory committees may not exercise the authority of the governing body. ARTICLE XII — CONFLICT OF INTEREST The Church shall adopt and follow a written Conflict of Interest Policy. Any Elder, officer, Deacon, minister, or committee member who has a direct or indirect financial interest in a proposed transaction shall disclose that interest, shall not participate in the discussion or vote (except to answer questions), and shall not be counted in the quorum for that vote. The governing body shall determine that the transaction is fair to the Church and in its best interest before approving it, and shall record the disclosure, deliberations, and decision in the minutes. This protects the Church and its leaders and supports its tax-exempt standing. ARTICLE XIII — FINANCES AND FISCAL YEAR Section 1. Stewardship and Records. The Church shall keep correct and complete books and records of account, minutes of members' and governing-body meetings, the membership roll, and all required corporate and tax records. Designated and restricted gifts shall be tracked and used in accordance with the donor's intent and the Church's policies. Section 2. Budget and Reporting. The [Elders / Board] shall prepare an annual budget for approval as provided in Article IX, and shall report regularly to the congregation on the Church's finances. Section 3. Internal Controls. Offerings shall be counted by [two unrelated people], deposited promptly, and reconciled to the records. No single person shall control a transaction from beginning to end. Section 4. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Church shall [end on December 31 / be set by the governing body]. ARTICLE XIV — AMENDMENTS These Bylaws may be amended, repealed, or replaced by a [two-thirds / three-fourths] vote of the members present at a meeting called for that purpose, written notice of the proposed change having been given at least [two Sundays / 10 days] in advance [or, under a denominational or elder-rule polity, by action of the [Elders / governing body] consistent with the denomination's documents]. No amendment may be adopted that would cause the Church to lose its tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) or that conflicts with the Statement of Faith except as Article II allows. ARTICLE XV — DISSOLUTION Upon the dissolution of the Church, the [Elders / Board / congregation] shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all of the Church's liabilities, distribute all remaining assets exclusively for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, by distributing them to one or more organizations that are themselves organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, or educational purposes and that qualify as exempt under Section 501(c)(3) — for example, [the affiliated denomination or association, a sister church, or a Christian mission] (or to a federal, state, or local government for a public purpose). No assets shall be distributed to any Elder, officer, Deacon, minister, member, or private individual. Any assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by a court of competent jurisdiction in the county in which the principal office of the Church is located, exclusively for such exempt purposes. =============================================================================== ADOPTION / CERTIFICATION These Bylaws were adopted by [the congregation / the Elders] of [CHURCH NAME] on [Month Day, Year] and supersede any prior bylaws. _______________________________ _______________________________ [Name], [President / Moderator] [Name], Secretary (Clerk) Date: ____________________ Date: ____________________ =============================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is a general template, not legal advice. Church polity and state law vary, so have these bylaws reviewed by an attorney before adopting them — the right structure depends on your tradition, your governing documents, and your state's nonprofit corporation law. Article III (Purpose) and Article XV (Dissolution) reflect language the IRS expects from 501(c)(3) organizations; do not weaken them without advice from a qualified professional.