Three elements to consider
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constitution
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bylaws
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Policies and procedures
Constitution is broad and covers governing values and principles.
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The overarching thought is " who we are?"
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Relates to a person
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changes on rare occasions in big moments when married, or become a parent... or experience a tragedy.
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for a church big moments can cause a shift and need to re-identify a church.
Bylaws are the specific governing properties that arise from the constitution.
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The overarching thought is "how do we do this? "
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Relates to the skeletal system
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Should be reviewed often and amended or changed every few years.
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Have laws changed?
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Has culture shifted? - ex. fewer business meetings
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Has leadership changed?
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Is the structure effective?
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Was something not addressed that should be addressed?
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Are you following them, which is technically a legal requirement.
Policies and procedures
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The over-arching thought is "what is important to us?"
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Cover the ever-changing details of church operations
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Relates to the skin and organs
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should be examined yearly for effectiveness
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should be maintained by church leadership
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should be available and affirmed by leadership
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protect people within the church and the church itself
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define roles and responsibilities within the church
Remember:
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Organizational structures are not forever - one reason the Bible doesn't give us an exact structure.
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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.
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Use a team to evaluate, don't just trust yourself
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Remember you are legally responsible to follow your constitution and bylaws.