Ambiguous language can lead to misunderstandings...or a lawsuit. If it’s been a while since you’ve reviewed your written statements for biblical and creedal foundations, purpose, and core beliefs, a second look may reveal some gaps. The language you create can be misconstrued if you are not defining, or inaccurately define, terms for gender, marriage, or sexuality. For example, some Statement of Faith documents the Legal Assist team has reviewed use the term sex and gender interchangeably. These two terms have different meanings, leaving your ministry’s use vulnerable to legal interpretation, especially in employment matters. Some states have enacted narrow definitions of these terms.
Biblical support for your beliefs and values provides clarity for people who engage with your organization. These documents also help safeguard your ministry in the event of legal challenges to your decisions, communications, and activities. A locally licensed attorney can instruct you about changes to state laws. Also consider requiring all board members to sign your statements of faith and purpose to ensure alignment with your beliefs.
Ministry Purpose
Biblical Foundation and Creedal Foundation
The purpose of this policy is to state the spiritual beliefs of the ministry. You are strongly encouraged to modify these sample policies in accordance with the standards set by your organization.
One key to any personal conduct policy of a Christian ministry is referencing Scripture as a basis for any behavior that’s prohibited or discouraged. From a legal standpoint, citing supporting Scripture will strengthen your ministry’s First Amendment (freedom of religion) position in the event of litigation.
SAMPLE PURPOSE STATEMENT FOR MINISTRY BYLAWS: BIBLICAL FOUNDATION
Ministry Purpose
[Name of Ministry] exists to support and equip Christ’s followers, to reach the lost, to serve those in need, and to display the love of Christ to others, both individually and as a body of believers.
Everything that [Name of Ministry] does is founded upon the Truth set forth in the Bible, which is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12).
Because these beliefs serve as the bedrock of our ministry (Matthew 7:24), everyone involved in our ministry is expected to act in a manner that promotes and supports these beliefs.
SAMPLE PURPOSE STATEMENT FOR MINISTRY BYLAWS: CREEDAL FOUNDATION
Ministry Purpose
[Name of Ministry] operates in accordance with the following beliefs:
We believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
We believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
We believe in the inerrancy of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16), the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in those who believe, and the abundant life found only through Jesus Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6).
Because these beliefs are foundational to our ministry (Matthew 7:24), everyone involved in our ministry is expected to act in a manner that promotes and supports these beliefs.
Note: These sample policies should be carefully reviewed and fine-tuned, expanded, or otherwise revised so that they accurately reflect the beliefs of your ministry. Including appropriate scripture references is strongly encouraged. When reviewing and revising organizational documents, it’s always advisable to involve a local attorney.
Posted 2017. Updated 2024.
The information provided in this article and sample statements are intended to be helpful, but it does not constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for the advice from a licensed attorney in your area. These are sample documents only. Your organization is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. Accordingly, these samples should not be used or adopted by your organization without first being reviewed and approved by an attorney. Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company assumes no liability in connection with the use or distribution of these samples.
