Details, Details!

By Renee Ruchotzke

Businessman Filing Information

Businessman Filing Information

Imagine that your congregational leaders are talking to the bank loan officer in anticipation of a major capital campaign project. The loan officer asks who has the authority in your congregation to sign for the loan. "Why, our president!"

The loan officer then asks to see your bylaws to make sure that the president indeed has that authority, Then they ask to see the minutes from the congregational meeting to make sure that the president was duly elected.

But, wait! The minutes are a little fuzzy on the election of the slate of officers. The slate was accepted by acclamation, but the minutes did not actually mention that there was a vote according to parliamentary procedure.

Suddenly, your ability to get a loan is in danger!

I spend a lot of time in this blog talking about allowing space for creativity, and creating a permission-giving environment for the ministry of the congregation. But there are also areas of congregational leadership where you run a tight ship, especially when it comes to bylaws, minutes, voting procedures and financial records.

About the Author

Renee Ruchotzke

Rev. Renee Ruchotzke (ruh-HUT-skee) is a Congregational Life Consultant and program manager for Leadership Development.

For more information contact .