Overview of Models for
Local Church GovernanceNOTE: The files presented here are in .html format for viewing online. Click here to download all these documents in both their original .doc format and .PDF format.
As of the 1st of January 2003, local congregations in Metropolitan Community Churches have been granted considerable flexibility with regard to creating an appropriate structure for local church governance. The Board of Elders has prepared an initial model that churches can use when reviewing their current Bylaws for compatibility with the new UFMCC Bylaws.
The initial model incorporates the responsibilities of local churches as stated in the UFMCC Bylaws, and strong recommendations from the Board of Elders that are based upon the “best practices” that many of our congregations already have in place. The Board of Elders has also prepared a separate table that gives a quick view of the Requirements and Options for Local Church Governance. It is a tool to be used in conjunction with the models. Additional models will be developed at a later stage.
Recognising that governance needs change as churches grow, the initial model of local church governance has been adapted to be suitable for churches at four different sizes:
- Less than 50 Members (in English)
Less than 50 Members (en espaňol)- Less than 150 Members
- Between 100 and 400 Members
- More than 300 Members
In the spirit of granting greater flexibility to each local church, the model is to be used as a guideline; if a local church can develop language this is more culturally-appropriate language to convey the desired intention, it is free to do so. If the model uses language that is inconsistent with the laws of any nation or jurisdiction in which a local church body is organized, the local church may modify the model language so that it is appropriate for the legal context.
Once the local Bylaws have been approved by the congregation, the church should then send a copy to the Regional Elder for approval.
For additional information, please contact Rev. Elder Don Eastman at doneastman@aol.com [or you can use Rev. Elder Darlene Garner at revdarlenegarner@MCCchurch.org]
Printed copies of the model and of the requirements and options for local church governance are also available. To request that a copy be mailed to you, please contact:
Charles Tigard
MCC World Center
8704 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Phone: +310-360-8640 Fax: +310-360-8680
Email: charlestigard@mccchurch.org