Recently, a question coincidentally arose with several church clients. The issue focused on whether an individual can belong to more than one church at the same time.
The question of dual membership may be a novel issue for some churches. It may be helpful for church leaders to discuss its policy on this matter before a situation arises.
It is often assumed new members have severed their affiliation with a previous church. Some churches request a letter or documentation from the former church to document the membership transfer.
For new members who were formerly a part of a nonaffiliated church, there may be no coordination in the membership transfer. Consequently, exclusive memberships may be accepted at face value.
For churches that are formally affiliated through a denomination or hierarchical structure, membership transfers may be scripted. For these institutions, specific procedures may govern how members move from one church to another.
Some churches observe a type of provisional membership often called “watch care.” This membership type applies to a person when they are traveling from their home church for an extensive period. Such persons may be college students, persons whose jobs require extensive assignments away from home, or members of the military.
Let’s look at this question from a legal point of view. To our knowledge, there is no government mandated prohibition to dual church memberships. A person can belong to as many churches as he/she wishes.
On the other hand, churches may limit membership to individuals who are loyal only to that ministry. The reason often given is to promote singularity among the congregation by having members who are committed to that church institution.
An important legal consideration may depend on the type of church structure. Some churches are considered unincorporated associations. In such instances, the law regards these members as being engaged in a joint enterprise.
When a church has been incorporated, members’ participation in the governance of the ministry could vary. The governing documents should outline what roles members and other officers play in the church. Some church officers have fiduciary duties to the ministry. This means, these officials must be loyal to the church.
In some instances, a church could find itself as a counter party to another church in a contract negotiation. If the deal requires the approval of the churches’ congregations, dual memberships could present conflicts of interests. Conflicting interests may complicate or negate the transaction.
To carry out its wishes for loyal membership, church leadership should publicize its policy. The policy may be included in the church bylaws or constitution.
If the bylaws are silent on membership matters, the church governing officials may develop policies that specify the rules. It is most important that the existing and future members understand this important rule making issue.
If dual membership is allowed, the church may decide what membership rights apply to such persons. For instance, a dual member may have limited privileges and voting rights. Rights include inspection of corporate records, holding church office, and/or invitation to participate in business meetings.
In summary, a church may allow dual membership if it so wishes. Whatever rule church leadership and the congregation agrees upon, the policy should be published and well-reasoned.