What changes are needed in your current church by-laws because of what we have learned during the last year and a half of the Covid-19 pandemic? The following are some suggestions for you to consider:
Consider what church looks like when people who used to be regular attendees worship and fellowship online, if they do church at all. Regular attendance has shifted for many to their own living rooms. For some, there will be a continued reluctance to gather together to do church. How will this change what you expect of those who are members?
Along with that, the concept of membership has shifted and seems to be on the decline. It is now much more difficult to state expectations of church members. We now live in a day when many will consider that their church experience is made up of multiple internet URLs, and that there is little need to devote Sundays to gathering behind four walls.
Government regulations have restricted much or all of our church worship, meetings, and fellowship to digital input. How has that affected the idea of a quorum for business meetings? Do you now need to have more church business meetings online?
When it comes to staffing, do you need to add IT and video staff, even in smaller churches? Ask, how has the pandemic permanently affected the staffing needs of your church?
How has working from home affected church staff and the expectation of church offices in a building. Working as a team and collegial processing now look very different, as do regular office hours.
There is now a greater need and expectations for more communication using a strong online presence. Social media presence and a dynamic website for the church are necessities.
Church leadership training is taking on a coaching, mentoring, and guided study look. Add to that the idea that leadership training has become much more important for elders, deacons, and ministry team leaders.
A clear and contagious statement of a church's mission, values, and vision has become much more important. People who identify with a church need to know and use these guiding statements for life and ministry.
These and other observations point to the need to review and revise your current by-laws and other guiding documents. They might even be an indication that you need to develop a whole new set of by-laws that will be more simple, flexible, and functional for a post-Covid world and church.
[Photo by Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona on Unsplash]
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