Governance Clarifications (Download)
No Ongoing Committees Are Used:
• There are no ongoing committees of any kind. All of these functions are handled either by the board, the pastor, or the staff as outlined on this guide.
• Someone needs to be responsible for member care. This is a staff position. The task is to organize members to care for one another.
• The board will set policy for finances. The pastor will see that the staff manages the finances in line with the board’s policies.
• Missions are also handled as a staff position, in order for the pastor to have leadership over it. This person can get anyone they want to, to help them.
• There is no need for an education committee since those areas are all covered by staff positions, including youth, which includes youth Sunday School.
The Board Governs, But Does not Lead or Manage:
• The board holds the pastor accountable for implementation of the vision. This means that its accomplishment is discussed at every board meeting. As the pastor keeps them informed about his goals and those of his staff, the report should demonstrate how the vision is being carried out.
• The finances are managed by a staff person who reports to the pastor. This is also true for the management of the building and grounds. However, the board sets some basic policy standards for these areas. The pastor directs the finance and facilities staff person/s to work within the board’s policies. The pastor keeps the board informed so that compliance is evident.
• The board spends time under the senior pastors leadership learning about the nature and mission of the church. They submit to leadership development (reading and discussing ideas related to church growth and effectiveness). This also means that they set up criteria and orientation procedures for new board members in order to have new ones come on that are committed to the vision and mission of the church.
• Personnel issues concerning the senior pastor are dealt with by the board. All other staff issues are dealt with by the senior pastor within any policy guidelines set by the board. The goal is to assure that people are put in place by the pastor that will promote the vision.
• The board actively supports and defends the freedom and authority of the pastor and the pastor’s staff to lead and manage all the ministries and operations of the church. The board holds the pastor accountable by gathering evidence on two questions:
1. Is the mission and vision of the church being accomplished?
2. Are the policy boundaries of the church being respected in the process?
As long as the board is satisfied by measurable evidence that the answer to both questions is yes, the board defends the pastor against any criticism as to the means used by the staff to accomplish the mission. If not, the board gives the pastor ample support to make corrections within a reasonable amount of time. If the pastor proves that he cannot lead the church to healthy growth, the board assists the pastor with a graceful transition to another position. This is based on a commitment by the pastor to step aside if he cannot lead the church to grow.
• The board spends time in prayer for the staff and the accomplishment of the vision. The goal is for the board to set the policies that will be carried out by the staff since the board members are providing governance, while the pastor provides leadership, and the staff provides management.
