Administrative Assistance

We have helped hundreds of churches write (and rewrite) their By-Laws since this ministry began in  1988. Most Church's By-Laws originated from a disinterested Lawyers archive,  and written from democratic perspective, to give church members authority over the pastor.  Good Church By-Laws are the cornerstone of church administration, and supersede any and all Church Policies.

In this Manual, we have provided Biblical Church By-Laws which allow the pastor, and church leaders, to lead with provisions for accountability to other Ordained Ministry.  If you are just starting your church, [or rewriting your Church By-Laws ], and want to structure them Biblically, this manual will be of great help to you.

This manual will give you simple, and easy to follow guidance:

• A step by step explanation of what each section of the By-Laws means.
  
• The step by step process [there are nine steps] of creating the non-profit corporation. Includes sample letters to the Secretary of State for name reservation, and for filing the organizational documents with the state.
• Understanding God's order of church government is imperative, so that we can write Biblical By-Laws, and govern with His patterns and principals in mind.
• Sample articles of incorporation.  The sample Articles of Incorporation in this Manual contain the four clauses required by the IRS .
• An excellent set of by-laws. Written by knowledgeable Ministers, and a spirit filled Attorney who have an understanding of biblical principles of Church government, they have been used by more than 1,000 Churches.   See the On-Line Article we wrote about Church By-Laws
• These By-Laws contain 40 points under the Statement of Faith section.  For you see, if we 'load' our Church By-Laws with the Word of God, we will then have the ability to use the Bible in our defense the courtroom. These By-Laws address the many relevant "Hot issues" of the day. eg: Family, Homosexuality, the altering of ones sexuality.  Everything from Elders, Five Fold Ministry, Discipline to Deliverance.  These are the things that we would likely have lawsuits over - that is why we have put them in the By-Laws.  This is by far more effective than developing Church Policies on these issues.  
• These By-Laws provide the authority to Ordain or Commission Ministry to do the work of the ministry, and they would have the authority to marry and bury.
• Authority conferred vs authority delegated, is explained.  This will help you to understand  the difference.  There is provisions for accountability to the Church, by those whom we Credential - thereby minimizing potential liability issues .
  
• Certificates of "Ordained Ministry," and  "Commissioned Ministry," and "Ministry Credentials."  An explanation of the difference between the ordained and commissioned, and Samples of both the "Certificate," and the "Wallet Credential."
• Accountability standards agreement. The Corporation is legally responsible for those they Credential, therefore they should require accountability, and relationship.
• Annual application of Credentials [The Wallet Card].  Issuing a new card annually is the only means of implementing accountability standards, and limiting the corporation's liability.
• Includes a sample "Excerpt for the Bank." This excerpt, taken from your Minutes, will authorize, and enable you to open a new church bank account. If you already have a Bank Account, it will need to be closed, and a new one opened for this new legal  "Entity."
  
• Membership application package: Vision statement; information gathering questionnaire; Membership Application and a copy of an Overhead Transparency for the induction service containing scripture regarding covenant relationship.
• A sample FYI letter to the IRS. If you have an IRS  "Determination letter," you are required to inform them of any changes made to your By-Laws or Articles of Incorporation

The greatest value and benefit in developing your own By-Laws, and forming your own corporation, is that you will fully know what you have when you have when the process is completed.  As opposed to paying an Attorney to do your work for you, and discover to late that he gave you By-Laws you absolutely do not agree to.  By-Laws that allow the sheep to rule the Shepard.