Bylaws Updates for 2025
By America Kimlinger
Recently, we’ve seen an increasing number of pastors seeking guidance on navigating the complex challenges facing their churches today—issues such as bathroom policies, gun regulations, and gender identity. These sensitive topics are central to many church discussions. Unfortunately, many leaders are uncertain about how to address them in a way that aligns with biblical principles while also ensuring legal compliance. I encountered this firsthand last year when I met a pastor at a Ministers Conference in Colorado. He shared his concerns about updating his church's bylaws to address same-sex marriage, revealing his desire to ensure that his church's governance was both legally compliant and rooted in its biblical beliefs.
At StartCHURCH, we recognize that every church is unique, with its own values, mission, and vision. No two churches are the same, and each should be free to make decisions about governance and leadership that reflect its specific calling. Whether your church is addressing sensitive cultural issues or updating outdated practices, it’s crucial that your governing documents accurately reflect your distinct mission and commitment to biblical principles.
To support churches in this essential process, we’ve developed a comprehensive list of 9 bylaws updates that will help your church stay legally protected while ensuring your bylaws reflect your theological stance, operational structure, and unique needs. Outdated bylaws can expose your church to significant risks, so if you didn’t update them in 2024, now is the time. Let’s look at these 9 crucial updates your church should consider.
1. Government-Mandated Lockdowns and Church Operation
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many churches were uncertain about their legal rights during lockdowns. The pandemic taught us that emergencies can occur anytime, and your church needs to be prepared. By adding a clause addressing government-mandated lockdowns, your bylaws will provide a clear plan for how your church will operate in future crises. This update offers several versions, allowing you to tailor the language to your church’s unique stance during such events.
2. Clear Policy on Weapons in Church
With changing state laws regarding the right to carry weapons, many churches are revisiting their stance on firearms within their facilities. Your updated bylaws should include a clear policy on whether or not weapons are allowed and under what conditions. This provides clarity for both the congregation and church staff and helps avoid potential issues in the future.
3. Addressing Bathroom Usage and Gender Identity
Gender identity issues are at the forefront of many legal and social debates. As these issues continue to evolve in society, churches are facing challenges regarding bathroom usage. Updating your bylaws to reflect your church’s stance on gender—particularly from a religious perspective—can help avoid misunderstandings or legal complications. Churches are adding clear language to express their belief in gender as determined by biological sex, providing clarity for church policies.
4. Digital Currencies: New Financial Opportunities and Requirements
The rise of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies has introduced new financial possibilities for churches, and they are starting to receive donations in these new forms. However, there are specific tax reporting and accounting requirements for digital currencies, which the IRS treats as property. Including a clause in your bylaws that covers guidelines for accepting, managing, and reporting digital currency donations will help ensure compliance and transparency.
5. Forming a Subsidiary LLC for Asset Protection
More churches are turning to Single-Member LLCs to protect their assets and reduce liability. By adding a clause that authorizes the formation of Single-Member LLCs, your church can establish tax-exempt LLCs under its 501(c)(3) status. This allows churches to manage assets, property, or specific ministries with greater legal protection and flexibility.
6. Incorporation by Reference for Easier Policy Updates
Your church board may need to update policies from time to time without going through the tedious process of amending your entire set of bylaws. The "Incorporation by Reference" clause lets you quickly and efficiently update your policies, ensuring that your bylaws stay current without requiring a lengthy process for each change.
7. Meetings by Remote Technology
Video conferencing tools like Zoom and Google Meet have become essential for churches, especially when in-person meetings aren’t feasible. Adding a remote meetings clause to your bylaws ensures your leadership and members can continue to meet and make important decisions, even when gathered remotely. This flexibility helps maintain church governance and involvement, regardless of the circumstances.
8. Media and Communications Policy
In today’s world, where public perception can shift rapidly, having a clear media and communications policy is vital. By adding this to your bylaws, your church can manage its public messaging with consistency and professionalism. This update also outlines how to handle interactions with the media, manage social media accounts, and communicate effectively during potential crises, ensuring that your church’s values are consistently reflected in all public statements.
9. Enhanced Indemnification Coverage
Protecting your leadership from legal liability is more crucial than ever. Updating the indemnification clause in your bylaws ensures that church leaders and staff are protected against legal claims related to their roles. This includes providing legal defense and covering costs, offering your leadership the security and confidence they need to carry out their duties.
The Time to Act is Now
These 9 essential bylaw updates are more than just a matter of compliance—they are about protecting your church’s future. As the world continues to change, your church needs bylaws that are clear, up-to-date, and fully aligned with your mission.
At StartCHURCH, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Through our StartRIGHT and GetRIGHT programs, you’ll gain access to the most current bylaw templates, expert compliance guides, and dedicated support to protect your ministry. Call us today at 770-638-3444, and let’s take the next step toward securing your church’s future.
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