Property & Legal Resources
Property & Legal Resources
While the United Methodist Book of Discipline allows a church quite a bit of latitude, there are specific requirements that need to be followed relating to property. This section will facilitate discernment, create awareness, and assist in education around church property. The office of administration strives to enable, empower, and support churches and individuals by identifying and providing property and legal information for present and future needs of churches within the Conference.
Navigating Church Governance and Structure
Did you know the United Methodist Book of Discipline allows a church quite a bit of latitude in how its leadership is structured? This flexibility allows a church to customize its structure in order to best carry out its vision and ministries.
Furthermore, the Discipline permits a streamlined “single-council” structure for churches, which can help expedite decision making and allow more church members to be in ministry rather than doing administrative work.
Churches interested in exploring such a structure are encouraged to contact the Church Development staff. Churches must contact their Conference Superintendents when considering any actual change to their structures.
Get Connected
Church Incorporation
Incorporation can be a great benefit to churches, but there are a specific requirements.
Single Board Structure
Could a single board structure work for your congregation?
Church Property
Is your church considering a selling, leasing, transfering, or obtaining a mortgage?
Resources
| Title | Ministry Category | Resource Type | hf:tax:resource_types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cell Phone Towers in Church Steeples | Admin & Financial Services | Tools & Assessments | tools-assessments |
| Discontinuation or Abandonment of Local Church Property Checklist | Admin & Financial Services | Systems & Structures | systems-structures |
| Incorporation Checklist | Admin & Financial Services | Tools & Assessments | tools-assessments |
| Incorporation of a Local Church | Admin & Financial Services | Tools & Assessments | tools-assessments |
| Local Church Property Sale, Transfer, Lease, and Mortgage Checklist | Admin & Financial Services | Tools & Assessments | tools-assessments |
| Local Church Purchase of Real Property Checklist | Admin & Financial Services | Tools & Assessments | tools-assessments |
| Minimum Insurance Requirements | Admin & Financial Services | Tools & Assessments | tools-assessments |
| Quick Facility Assessment | Admin & Financial Services | Tools & Assessments | tools-assessments |
| Quick Financial Estimate Worksheet | Admin & Financial Services | Tools & Assessments | tools-assessments |
| Space-Sharing Checklist | Admin & Financial Services | Tools & Assessments | tools-assessments |