The Christian Ear is a forum for discussing and listening to the voice of today's church. The Lord spoke to churches,“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Rev 2&3
September 20, 2006
Update or Re-make?
Our elders are telling us that our Bylaws are not only outdated, but that they are in violation of new state requirements and statutes. “We’ve got to get the Bylaws updated because we do not meet current state requirements for the new tax laws that are now in place.” I’m a little confused by that comment. Now I’m not sure, but I think we’re mixing apples and oranges. Wouldn’t you think if we were in non-compliance with some state requirements that we’d hop right to it and fix the problem? Apparently not, because our leaders are working to ‘update’ the Bylaws. They’ve explained, “We’re looking at the Bylaws of other churches and searching out what will work best for us.” Hmm…This sounds suspiciously more like creating new Bylaws rather than just updating. Anyone want to take bets that they’re looking at Bylaws from Saddleback and Willow Creek for inspiration? Who knows, maybe those churches can also offer us advice on current Colorado tax laws.
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1 comment:
Gail;
----Jesus said that you would know a tree by its fruit. I have read the bylaws that your church elders are crying out to amend. I think they do need amendment, they need it badly. Knowing what bylaws are - an agreement between any number of people to operate as a common entity through specified procedures for specified purposes for a specified period of time that is bonafied by registration with the government - one would expect a church's bylaws to reflect the Word of God. This is only logical. If the Lord expects the church to obey His Word, then its operation is going to be in obedience to the Word.
----I know the basic philosophy of the elders at that church quite well. I know how they make their decisions. I know their reactions when the Word of God is presented to them concerning matters of weakness. I would suggest the folks at that church begin studying their Bibles carefully and prayerfully, then scrutinize any suggested change to bylaws thoroughly. If those bylaws depart from close reflection of the Word, what chance will the church have to bear good fruit. I hope the Heroine will step forward and make Herself heard. If She doesn't do that now, She may be saddly leaving later.
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