Special congregational meetings are generally of two different types: (1) meetings called by the governing body to take action on unusual or occasional items of business and (2) meetings called by the governing body at the request of members of the congregation. Often the agenda at special meetings is more specific (call of minister, purchase of real estate, or other such momentous issues), and with the second type, the agenda often is limited to those matters specifically addressed in the petition to call the meeting.

When determining the number of members (or percentage of membership) that must sign a request to the governing body for a special meeting, carefully consider growth or decline in membership. A fixed number may prove to be too burdensome or too easy to attain if the congregation suffers a major decline or substantial growth in membership. A number expressed as a percentage of voting membership will keep the intent constant, regardless of the size of the congregation at any given time.

Sample provisions:

Example 1: Special Congregational Meetings may be called by the Board or by the receipt of a written petition requesting such a meeting signed by at least fifteen percent (15%) of all voting members. The Secretary of the Board shall call such a meeting. A call for a Special Congregational Meeting, either by the Board or by petition, shall state the purpose of the meeting. No other business may be transacted at such a meeting.

Example 2: Special meetings of the corporation may be called by the Board of Trustees. If a written request to the Board of Trustees by any fifty (50) voting members of the corporation for a special meeting is denied by the Board of Trustees, said meeting may be called by those fifty (50) voting members.

Example 3: Special business meetings of the church may be called by the Board, the minister, or at the written request to the Board of any five (5) members.

Additional examples of special congregational meeting provisions