Updating Your Documents

All documents should include your ministry’s beliefs and the policies and procedures you have in place according to those beliefs. Consider updating all your governing and operational documents to maintain consistency and keep your ministry protected.

Governing documents defend the church’s stance backed with supporting Scripture and may include:

• Bylaws
• Statement of beliefs
• Purpose statement

Operational documents outline behavioral expectations for their members and staff and may include:

• Policies and procedures
• Member agreements
• Employee handbook
• Handouts
• Safety protocols
• Child and youth safety policies
• Applications (staff and volunteer)

Digital forms of communication represent your ministry to the public and may include:

• Social media platforms (Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, etc.)
• Website
• Emails

Once you review and adjust your policies and documents for consistency, implement those policies across your organization without exceptions. Ultimately, this consistency will help create a defense for your ministry should you ever face any legal accusations.

We designed these resources to empower your ministry and its people to stay protected. If you have any further questions about how to protect your ministry, feel free to reach out to a GuideStone^® team member today at (214) 720-2868, and they'll be glad to help. With GuideStone on your side, your ministry can manage risks while focusing on spreading the good news.

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