Planting Churches Among the City's Poor - Volume 2

334 • P LANTING C HURCHES AMONG THE C ITY ’ S P OOR : V OLUME 2

Drafting a Constitution (Bylaws) Key Tool for Nurturing Community Rev. Dr. Don L. Davis

(See a sample constitution on the following page.)

Identity and Purpose: Vision and Mission Statement Our Aspirations: What do we covenant to be and do? Our Convictions: What do we believe? Membership: How does someone become one of us, and thrive as one of us? Leadership: How do we govern ourselves, choose our leaders, disperse our resources? Our Processes and Policies: How do we make decisions and resolve conflict? I. What is a constitution? A. A Constitution is an internal document that explains how the church will be governed. B. Possible points to include: 1. Vision 2. Doctrine 3. Leadership structure (pastors, elders, deacons, ordination)

4. How decisions are made 5. How finances are managed 6. How discipline is handled 7. Membership requirements

II. Does having a constitution mean the church must incorporate? No. The constitution is not designed for submission to governmental agencies. It is meant to guide the church so everyone knows the guidelines under which the church will carry out its mission.