Ripe for Harvest

410 • R IPE FOR H ARVEST

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

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)

See a sample constitution in

Planting Churches among the City’s Poor: An Anthology of Urban Church Planting Resources, Volume 2 .

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.

Context Values/Vision

Prepare Launch Assemble Nurture Transition Schedule/Charter