Ministry bylaws are an important component of ministry governance. They constitute a binding agreement between the members of the ministry and the board of trustees. Effective bylaws provide clarity of purpose and explicit structures for managing the business of the organization. It is also advisable for the ministry bylaws to define the ministry’s relationship to Unity Worldwide Ministries (UWM).
To serve our ministries, UWM has created a bylaws template for ministries to use in creating bylaws. It was created by our Bylaws Ministry Team which is made up of individuals with extensive knowledge and experience regarding bylaws. This template contains their wisdom and expertise, and constitutes a highly effective tool for our ministries to use in designing their bylaws. We encourage all ministries to make use of this valuable tool. The Member Support Team is available to review ministry bylaws and coach ministries in developing bylaws that support them in the spiritual business of ministry.
Bylaws Template for a Unity Ministry
Holding Membership Meetings Virtually
Following the extensive use of online meeting applications during the coronavirus pandemic, many spiritual communities are looking at the continued use of virtual technology for board, committee, and membership meetings. Before making that change, you should ask three questions:
- Do our bylaws provide for electronic meetings?
- Do our bylaws give all authority to the board between meetings of the membership?
- Does our state nonprofit code provide for electronic meetings?
Bylaws FAQs
Unity Worldwide Ministries Bylaws
Unity Worldwide Ministries is governed by its own set of bylaws. They establish the standards by which we operate and also define our relationship with our members. Unity Worldwide Ministries bylaws
Bylaws Video Training
Effective Board Meetings: How to Get Home Before Midnight
Presented by: Dr. Leonard Young, Professional Registered Parliamentarian, the Parliamentarian for Unity Worldwide Ministries for more than 20 years.
This video contains content for all ministers who work with boards. Many carry board meetings around like a burden, and this does not have to be this way. You can learn how to organize a helpful agenda, how to handle basic motions and some special rules that relate to small boards. If you want to hold efficient meetings that really are a blessing to your ministry, this webinar is for you.
- Overview of parlimentary procedure
- Technical Responsibilities of Boards
- Duties of Board Members
- Board Membership
- Duites & Responisibilities of the Board
- Handling Motions
- Keeping Order
- Developing an Agenda
Annual Meetings: A Blessing or a Curse?
Presented by: Dr. Leonard Young, Professional Registered Parliamentarian, the Parliamentarian for Unity Worldwide Ministries for more than 20 years.
This video contains content for all ministries that hold annual meetings.
Topics Include:
- Do you worry each year when your annual meeting comes around?
- Would you like to lead the meeting effectively and with a sense of assurance?
- Leading an annual meeting can be done in a fair and efficient manner.
- This video will give you the tools to hold a successful annual meeting include tips for presiding officers, the best way to organize the agenda, how to use motions effectively, and how to help members participate without fear or favor.
