Pastor Lacked Authority to Appoint Board Members
The appointments were rescinded because they violated the church’s bylaws.
Corporation
Part 4 of 4
Finalizing a Merger
Moving through the final stages of merging churches—and other options if a merger is not right for you.
Part 3 of 4
Deciding Factors for a Sound Merger
Picking the right leaders to decide vision, name, location, staffing—and more.
Part 2 of 4
The Documents Needed for a Successful Church Merger
Be sure you collect all the needed paperwork to keep the process moving forward.
Transferring Church Property
Key point 7-05. An incorporated church generally can transfer title to church property, following authorization
Authority
Key point 6-09.02. Church members have such legal authority as is vested in them by
Effect of Procedural Irregularities
Key point 6-12.04. Most courts refuse to intervene in church disputes concerning the validity of
Judicial Supervision of Church Elections
Key point 6-12.05. Some courts will supervise church elections to ensure compliance with the procedural
Minutes
Key point 6-12.02. Written minutes should be maintained for every church membership meeting. Minutes should
Procedural Requirements
Key point 6-12.01. Church membership meetings must be conducted in accordance with the procedural requirements
Parliamentary Procedure
Editor’s note: This section of Pastor, Church & Law refers to the 11th edition of
Violation of Trust Terms
Key point 6-07.05. Church board members may be personally liable for diverting designated funds or
Breach of the Fiduciary Duty of Loyalty
Key point 6-07.04. Church board members have a fiduciary duty of loyalty to their church,
Breach of the Fiduciary Duty of Care
Key point 6-07.03. Church board members have a fiduciary duty to use reasonable care in
Tort Liability
Key point 6-07.01. Church board members may be personally liable for their own torts (conduct
Meetings
Key point 6-06.03. Church boards generally can act only in a meeting that is duly
Authority
Key point 6-06.02. Officers and directors must be legally authorized to act on behalf of
State Law
Key point 6-04.01. Churches may have a number of reporting requirements under state law. One
Charters, Constitutions, Bylaws, and Resolutions
Key point 6-02.02. Churches are subject to the provisions of their governing documents, which generally