What should church bylaws include?

Church bylaws should include: the church name and purpose, membership requirements and process, governance structure (who leads and how decisions are made), officer roles and responsibilities, meeting requirements, financial controls, church discipline process, amendment process, and dissolution clause.

How long should church bylaws be?

Church bylaws for a small church should be 5-15 pages. Long enough to cover the essential governance questions, short enough that leaders will actually read and follow them. Avoid copying large church bylaws — small churches need simpler governance structures.

How do you adopt church bylaws?

To adopt church bylaws: draft the bylaws with input from church leadership, present them to the congregation for review, allow time for questions and suggested changes, and vote to adopt at a properly called congregational meeting. Most churches require a two-thirds vote to adopt or amend bylaws.

How often should a church update its bylaws?

A church should review its bylaws every 3-5 years, or whenever a significant governance question arises that the current bylaws do not address. Many small churches are operating under bylaws written 20-30 years ago that no longer reflect how the church actually functions.

Free Church Bylaws Template for Small Churches

A simple, customizable church bylaws template with sample language. Download and adapt for your congregation.

Before You Use This Template

This template provides sample language for common church bylaws provisions. Every church is different. Review this template with your church board, adapt it to your specific context and denominational requirements, and have a qualified attorney review it before adoption. This is not legal advice.

Church Bylaws Template

Article I: Name and Purpose

Section 1.1 Name. The name of this organization shall be [CHURCH NAME], hereinafter referred to as “the Church.”

Section 1.2 Purpose. The purpose of the Church is to glorify God by making disciples of Jesus Christ through worship, teaching, fellowship, service, and evangelism, in accordance with the Holy Scriptures.

Article II: Membership

Section 2.1 Qualifications. Membership in the Church is open to any person who: (a) has made a personal profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior; (b) has been baptized by [immersion/sprinkling/any mode]; and (c) agrees to abide by the Church’s statement of faith and covenant.

Section 2.2 Admission. Persons seeking membership shall [describe your process: meet with the pastor, attend a membership class, be presented to the congregation, etc.].

Section 2.3 Removal. Members may be removed from membership by: (a) their own request; (b) transfer to another church; (c) death; or (d) church discipline as provided in Article VI.

Article III: Governance

Section 3.1 Authority. The Church is governed by its members, acting through congregational meetings, and by its elected officers and boards.

Section 3.2 Officers. The officers of the Church shall be: Pastor, [Deacons/Elders], Treasurer, and Secretary. [Add or remove as appropriate for your church.]

Section 3.3 Pastor. The Pastor shall be the spiritual leader of the Church, responsible for preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and administration. The Pastor shall be called by a [two-thirds/three-fourths] vote of the members present at a properly called congregational meeting.

Article IV: Meetings

Section 4.1 Annual Meeting. The Church shall hold an annual business meeting in [month] for the purpose of receiving reports, electing officers, and approving the budget.

Section 4.2 Special Meetings. Special congregational meetings may be called by the Pastor, the Board of Deacons/Elders, or by written petition of [10%/25 members] of the active membership.

Section 4.3 Notice. Notice of all congregational meetings shall be given at least [two/three] Sundays prior to the meeting.

Section 4.4 Quorum. A quorum for the transaction of business shall be [number or percentage] of the active membership.

Article V: Finances

Section 5.1 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Church shall be [January 1 through December 31 / other].

Section 5.2 Budget. An annual budget shall be prepared by the [Treasurer/Finance Committee] and approved by the congregation at the annual meeting.

Section 5.3 Financial Controls. All checks over $[amount] shall require two signatures. The Treasurer shall provide a financial report to the congregation [monthly/quarterly]. An annual financial review shall be conducted by [an outside accountant/a finance committee].

Article VI: Church Discipline

Section 6.1 Purpose. Church discipline is exercised for the restoration of the offending member and the protection of the Church’s witness, following the principles of Matthew 18:15-17.

Section 6.2 Process. [Describe your church’s discipline process, consistent with your denominational requirements and Matthew 18.]

Article VII: Amendments

Section 7.1 Amendment Process. These bylaws may be amended by a [two-thirds] vote of the members present at a properly called congregational meeting, provided that the proposed amendment has been presented in writing at the previous regular congregational meeting or has been distributed to all members at least [30] days prior to the vote.

Article VIII: Dissolution

Section 8.1 Dissolution. In the event of dissolution of the Church, all assets remaining after payment of debts shall be distributed to [a named organization or type of organization consistent with the Church’s mission].

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Related MinistryPlace Resources

How to Write Church Bylaws for a Small Church — complete guide
Church Leadership Resources — practical guides for pastors and lay leaders
Rescue Gospel Framework — free evangelism tool for your congregation
Rescue Gospel Small Church Starter Bundle — $24.99

Need a membership covenant too? Church Membership Covenant for Small Churches — sample covenant with all key commitments.

Related Resources

How to Write Church Bylaws for a Small Church — complete guide
Church Membership Covenant — sample covenant with all key commitments
Rescue Gospel Framework — free evangelism tool for your congregation
Rescue Gospel Small Church Starter Bundle — $24.99

Bylaws help prevent conflict. Church Conflict Resolution for Small Churches — a biblical, practical guide for when conflict does arise.

Need a complete administration guide? Church Administration for Small Churches — five essential systems including financial management and legal compliance.