A New Model of Governance for Aldersgate United Methodist Church

Transcription

1 A New Model of Governance for Aldersgate United Methodist Church

2 From the Book of Discipline 247.2: The charge conference, the district superintendent, and the pastor shall organize and administer the pastoral charge and churches according to the policies and plans herein set forth. When the membership size, program scope, mission resources, or other circumstances so require, the charge conference may, in consultation with and upon the approval of the district superintendent, modify the organizational plans, provided that the provisions of 243 are observed.

3 From the Book of Discipline 243. The local church shall be organized so that it can pursue its primary task and mission in the context of its own community. In carrying out its primary task, it shall be organized so that adequate provision is made for these basic responsibilities: (1) planning and implementing a program of nurture, outreach, and witness for the persons and families within and without the congregation; (2) providing for effective pastoral and lay leadership; (3) providing for financial support, physical facilities, and the legal obligations of the church; (4) utilizing the appropriate relationships and resources of the district and annual conference; (providing for the proper creation, maintenance, and disposition of documentary record material of the local church; and (6) seeking inclusiveness in all aspects of its life.

4 Other Churches in Our District Who Have Adopted Similar Models of Governance Fairfax UMC Christ UMC Old Bridge UMC Washington Street UMC

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7 Problems with the Current Structure Redundant meetings that are based on reports rather than outcomes Multiple meetings required to make a decision Not good stewardship of our volunteer leaders time

8 How the Proposed Structure Helps Makes leadership and our structure more nimble Focused on outcomes rather than reports Wide-angle view of the congregation s activities for all leaders More efficient and effective to address all business areas by the same decision-making body Giving our leaders fewer meetings but more valuable work

9 Proposed Eliminating Finance, Trustees, Staff-Parish Relations (SPRC), and Coordinating Council as separate, standalone entities Concentrating the work of these entities into one church council The other members of the church council will serve the purposes of the Finance, Trustees, Staff-Parish, etc. depending on the issues it is addressing

10 Who Is Affected? Reducing 23 committee positions by eliminating the Trustees, Finance, and SPRC committees. Because of normal turnover and people moving, only 5 people are effected. A smaller leadership model will require task groups, which will open new opportunities for people to serve in meaningful and time-limited ways, with clear outcomes.

11 Who Is Not Affected? Almost everyone. The endowment committee will continue to operate as it has. The music, education, and mission groups will continue to operate as they have. However, More opportunities to serve as part of task groups. Continued opportunities to serve as part of our ongoing mission and ministry groups There are still lots of way to participate and lead!

12 Benefits has clear lines of authority, so that everyone knows who is in charge of what prioritizes decision-making above simple reporting, so that God's people can move forward in ministry empowers laity to do the work of making disciples rather than sitting in incessant meetings empowers the pastors to attend to the work of Word, Order, Sacrament, and Service. consistent with our focus to have people participate in the ministries of the church. streamlined leadership structure consistent with best practices in both business and congregational development.

13 Benefits 2 Representation to: youth (junior and senior high school) young adults (18-35) there are 250 in our congregation The Kingstowne Communion Task groups will be a better way for the church to identify and develop new leaders than slotting people onto committees. This change is seen by our present and past leaders as one that will make Aldersgate more effective and responsive.

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18 Additional Responsibilities of Selected Church Council Members Annual Conference and District Conference Representatives Lay Leader Staff-Parish Relations Lead Annual Conference and District Conference Alternates Connections Lead Finance Lead District Steward Trustees Lead

19 Member of Aldersgate Leadership Attributes of Church Council Members Participate regularly in the worship of the congregation Active in the church s ministries Possess previous leadership experience in the church Financially committed to Aldersgate

20 Financial Oversight in the New Model Annual Budget developed by staff and council members Monthly financials tracked and compiled by Bookkeeper, Business Administrator, and Executive Pastor Monthly financials monitored by church council members Quarterly snapshots shared with congregation Third-party audit conducted annually

21 Frequently Asked Questions 1. If there are designated youth and young adults, why not designated representatives for other specific groups, seniors, retirees, LGTB, young women, etc.? The Book of Discipline requires representation from UMW, UMM, youth, and young adults. The nominating process can insure that the church council is representative of the congregation. 2. Does the nominating committee choose the representatives from, e.g., UMW and UMM, rather than the leadership or members of those groups choosing their representatives? Will the council be making decisions for UMM and UMW, rather than those groups choosing their activities and subordinate leaders? The nominating committee will select all members of the church council, including those representing the UMW and UMM. Church council seats have a three-year term, while offices in UMW and UMM do not. The nominating committee will seek input from the groups when selecting members for the seats. This governance structure will not affect the leadership or activities of any other group active in Aldersgate, although the presence of the representative on the church council can insure alignment with Aldersgate s priorities.

22 Frequently Asked Questions 2 3. Will there no longer be a finance committee which reviews the budget and provides input and finance recommendations on financial goals and activities? There will no longer be a finance committee. The church council as a whole will serve as the finance committee. It will also serve as the Staff-Parish Relations Committee and Trustees. See Financial Oversight in the New Model above. 4. Are existing committees being disbanded or will they continue to operate in a support role but without regular meetings? The Staff-Parish Relations Committee, Finance Committee, and Trustees are being disbanded. All other ministry and support groups, which have never had a formal position on the governing board, will continue. This is a change in governance, not in the overall function of the church. 5. Are leadership roles too concentrated in too few people? Will members feel as if they are left out of the process of determining the activities and direction of the church? Because many of the strategic decisions about the church have been worked out in recent years by the Coordinating Council, we believe that the proposed model, which also include SPRC, Finance, and Trustees, as well as the representative positions, will expand the leadership that participates in decisions and provide all with a broader view of all church activities.

23 Frequently Asked Questions 3 6. How will people get involved in leadership with fewer positions? Church Council is not the only place for members to exercise leadership at Aldersgate. Many gifted leaders find that the focus and time commitments of council membership do not fit their interests or schedules. There are many leadership opportunities in our ministries and in the task groups that will be established to support council work that will both allow them to provide leadership to the congregation and allow the council to identify future leaders for the church, including a place on the council. For those who prefer a time-limited project with clear outcomes, the new model will encourage their participation. 7. Will the new model have an impact on Aldersgate s membership or finances? It is our hope that having a more strategic church council with a broad view of all of Aldersgate s operations and ministries will lead to more creative and imaginative ways of engaging the church s constituencies in the life and support of the church. 8. Who is on the nominating committee and how are they selected? The nominating committee is made up of nine members (three year rotating terms) plus the senior pastor, who chairs the committee. Members are nominated by the committee and elected at charge conference.