Church Board Member Questions

MEMBER • TRUSTEE • CHAIRMAN • CHAIRPERSON • DIRECTOR

Whatever your title, you are a leader and have a fiduciary responsibility to the organization.

As an experienced member of a board, you should be able to answer the following questions.

As a new member of a board, you should ask the following questions.

  1. Is the organization incorporated?

    • This eases business operations and protects church leaders legally

    • If not, why not?

  2. Are we following our bylaws?

    • New members should receive a copy upon joining.

    • Bylaws should be reviewed annually.

  3. Do the bylaws include indemnification provisions?

    • This could protect the members from becoming personally responsible for group decisions

  4. Does the church provide insurance coverage for those serving?

    • Board members are usually included in Director & Officer policies

    • If not, consider a policy for yourself

  5. Am I receiving a personal benefit from serving?

    • Personal benefits received by serving could result in a breach of fiduciary responsibility (i.e. church is a customer of your business)

  6. Do any activities compromise our tax-exempt status?

    • Is unrelated business income earned?

    • Is unrelated business income being properly reported?


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