New Bylaws = New Soul?

Bylaws: A law or rule governing the internal affairs of an organization.

Tonight, the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions, of which I am a member (due to my position as president and CEO of a member Mission) voted to adopt a new set of Bylaws. This was a very difficult process for the current board and representatives who were called upon to deliberate this task with legal counsel. As this association is rather established and having bylaws that could be considered by some to be archaic – and not meeting current regulations – there was understandably some consternation toward this change.

For some, an intimate connection is made with founding documents; feelings are that they represent who the organization is – perhaps, even its soul – and by correlation, who they are as members. This is especially true of religious organizations, which AGRM is. Their operating procedures have been for the most part very similar to a church denomination, rather than a member association. Today’s laws regulating nonprofits require up to date bylaws and governing procedures. Updating the legal rules by which it governs itself does not necessarily change the heart and soul of the organization – that is, if the membership has chosen good leaders who believe in the mission of the organization.

For most nonprofits – unlike a church – having the full membership choose every board member, elect the officers, and rule on details of procedure and management is not appropriate. Given proper member representation on the board, the majority of issues of the general membership will be addressed. Rather than decreasing responsibility of the members, removing majority rule actually increases the responsibility of the individual members to be active, making one’s voice heard, and participating where needed to provide leadership and support on every level.

A more important element, I believe, is the matter of trust within the overall organization and toward its leaders. This relates to any body of polity with representative leadership. We as members of organizations must trust that those elected as leaders (or appointed by those elected) will provide due diligence, build consensus, and lead with integrity. The leadership deserves our trust, support and prayer.

“It is a trustworthy statement: if any (person) aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.” 1 Timothy 3:1