Who do I need to file the complaints if the bylaws were not followed by my nonprofit place of worship?

Question

My local place of workship has abandoned their existing bylaws and practices their own ways. We are in the State of Missouri. Should I contact the secretary of State office or the IRS? For example, the place allows any walk-ins or group of people to vote for the board of directors, instead of its members. There are a lot of practices that violated the original charter. The bylaws specify that we should have the members and applications. In the current practice, there is no membership information. I do appreciate all comments. Thank you.

Answer 1

First, get a copy of the bylaws.

Second, keep a record of specific violations of the bylaws.

Third, when you have a bunch of violations, call a congregational meeting. (How to do that should also be in the bylaws.) At the meeting you can bring up the violations and demand that the bylaws be followed. If the congregation agrees, you can move that someone be appointed as Parliamentarian at the board meetings to ensure the bylaws are followed.

Fourth, if they close you out and do not let you call a congregational meeting, then go to the denomination leadership that is over your church.

DO NOT go to the state. Remember the "separation of church and state" doctrine. You do not want the state to be getting into church business.

Answer 2

Most bylaws (along with their more formal Articles of Incorporation) are routinely ignored by many organizations - some never read them. They are filed with the state as a matter of record, not to have them enforced when violated.

Civil Court would be the place where violations could be heard and adjudicated. The more people involved in the complaint, the greater the degree the court will validate their suit. You've discovered how new sects and organizations are formed - rather than hassle with the old one, many just go out and form their own new one and begin the entire process anew.

Answer 3

Might I suggest that unhappy members should and can leave the congregation in favor of another? Either that or dig into the bylaws and determine what can be done and by whom. Without knowing even your congregation, there is no way to help you. The State of Missouri has no jurisdiction due to the separation of church and state.

Answer 4

Because of the fact that the government has no control over religious institutions there is no remedy there.
You would have to first speak with the board of directors unless they are involved. But as a religious person myself I believe in any place of worship being an open place. Can do the paperwork later maybe someone needs to organize and collect information.
JMHO

Answer 5

If your church has a governing agency over them, like a synod that oversees what a church is doing, contact them..

If not, I'd start looking for a new church. The state won't touch it. Has to be done by a religious overseer. An independant congregation will do things the way they want to.

Answer 6

I think you'll take this to your elders or aldermen or church council or whoever runs the joint.

Unless they're violating IRS regs by mixing politics or business with church activities, I don't think the Feds will be interested in a minor in-house dispute over internal functions.

Best of luck to you.

Answer 7

You r bylaws has a dispute resolution clause or section; that will answer your question.

Answer 8

There is no state or federal oversight on churches until they break a civil or criminal law. It has to be dealt with internally.

.