The church’s operating manual needs to be in writing, consistently followed and widely understood.
Policies and procedures put church bylaws into practice. Whereas bylaws operate at 30,000 feet, polices and procedures work at the ground level and are a reflection of the bylaws. Policies and procedures are the written manual for day-to-day operations. Some churches fail to create written policies, and that can lead to inconsistency. This off-and-on application of the rules can lead to intra-church conflict and the appearance of preferential treatment. It can also open the church to litigation based on perceived discrimination within the church body.
Churches with written policies and procedures need to ensure they coincide with local, state and federal laws. They also need to make sense for their particular environment so they can realistically be followed.
Policies and procedures may include:
Money handling and financial transactions
An employee handbook
Facilities use permissions and requirements
The budgeting process
Adult and volunteer background screening
Congregational and child safety
Protocols for weddings and funerals
Use of church vehicles
And many more topics
This webinar will provide insights for churches whether they have or have not created written policies as well as ideas for reviewing existing policies.
OUR EXPERT
Max Herr is president of Church & Ministry Compliance Consulting. He has more than 25 years of experience in insurance, financial services, compliance and governance, including more than 10 years as a church treasurer. Max served as a church compliance specialist for the California Southern Baptist Convention for six years.
