In this episode, Erika interviews attorney Sarah Merkle, one of only five lawyers in the world to have earned the credentials of Certified Professional Parliamentarian-Teacher and Professional Registered Parliamentarian. Together they discuss why tense moments can arise during church meetings—especially ones that include a vote on important issues. In addition, they review the importance of up-to-date bylaws and other important church documents. In addition to her certification, Sarah is the blog editor and primary contributor for The Law of Order: A Resource on Parliamentary Procedure & the Law. Sarah is also a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s Church Law & Tax. Show Notes: Downloadable PDF on church bylaws. Visit Sarah Merkle’s blog at Civility.co Questions? We welcome them! Please email Erika Cole at [email protected] The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, a not-for-profit publishing ministry. Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is one of only a handful of attorneys in the nation who practices exclusively in the area of church law. She currently serves as a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com. Headshot of Erika by Eagle Lens Media | Podcast Editing by Brian A. Brown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices