Leadership Council Description Purpose of the Council The Leadership Council (Council) is the Church Council described in the Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church. The Council shall have general governance and oversight of the administration and programs of Mt. Auburn United Methodist Church. Oversight shall include, but not be limited to the areas of facilities, finances, staff, planning and visioning. The Council effectively functions as the Trustees, the Finance Committee, the Staff Parish Relations Committee, or the Nominating Committee when addressing issues within these functional areas. The Council should take care to provide governance and oversight without becoming bogged down in details best left to task-oriented functional teams for which they provide supervision and guidance. Composition of the Council It is made up of at least nine and no more than thirteen elected lay members of Mt. Auburn United Methodist Church and the Senior Pastor. The Council organization must include, but not be limited to the following positions: Officers - Chairperson (Chair), Vice Chairperson and Secretary Functional Members Lay Leader, Trustees President, Trustees Vice President, Trustees Secretary, Staff Parish Relations Committee Chairperson (SPRC Chair), Finance Chairperson, Treasurer, UMM Representative (UMM Rep), UMW Representative (UMW Rep), Young Adult Representative (YA Rep), Member-at-Large, and the Senior Pastor. Each member, with the exception of the Chair and Senior Pastor, may represent more than one position. Selection of the Council The Council members are elected annually at a Charge Conference for a three year term. The Council is divided into three classes so that approximately one-third of the members roll off of the committee annually. Members may be re-elected to one additional consecutive three year term and may only serve additionally after at least a one year absence. New members added to replace an open position will complete the term of the previous member. Only one person from an immediate family residing in the same household shall serve on the Council. Any family member of a pastor or staff member serving on the Council must be excused in any discussions or decisions relating to Staff Parish Relations issues. Mt. Auburn UMC Page 1 of 17 August 2015
Each Council member is a spiritual leader for the congregation and as such adheres to Mt. Auburn s expectations of its leaders as described in the Expectations for Leadership statement. When nominating and electing Council members, special attention shall be given to the inclusion of women and men, young adults and persons over age sixty-five, persons with disabilities, persons attending satellite campuses, and racial and ethnic persons. The Chair should have served on the Council for at least one year before his or her election to a two year term and the Vice Chair must be from a separately elected class. Working Guidelines of the Council The Council meets on a monthly schedule, or more often as needed. Regular attendance by the full council is important to accomplish the work of the council. Functional members not able to attend a regularly scheduled meeting should advise the Chair, Secretary and Senior Pastor of their absence as soon as possible and determine if any action or discussion in their area of responsibility should be tabled until the next meeting or to designate the Senior Pastor to represent the function at the meeting. Action must be tabled if it would present any conflict of interest for the Senior Pastor. Each lay member, including the Chair, has only one vote, regardless of the number of positions held. Members have the privilege to, and are encouraged to attend Functional/Operational Team meetings. The Council does not manage the staff. The Senior Pastor shall be the administrative officer with responsibility for management of the staff. The Council, guided by the Mission, Vision, Values and Process, and in consultation with the Senior Pastor, sets the goals and operational boundaries for pastors and staff. The Council holds the Senior Pastor accountable to fulfill the goals. The Council is the spiritual heart of Mt. Auburn UMC. As such, one of the Council s primary purposes and objectives should be the spiritual formation of themselves as individuals and collectively as a leadership team. Toward this end, the Council s agenda should include significant time set aside for teaching/spiritual formation. A suggested agenda would include: 1/3 teaching/spiritual formation; 1/3 tracking progress toward goals; and, 1/3 issues needing decisions by the Council. Mt. Auburn UMC Page 2 of 17 August 2015
Leadership Council Sample Make-up and Class Structure 20xx Class of 20xx John/Jane Doe - Finance Chairperson, Treasurer John/Jane Doe - Member-at-Large, Trafalgar Representative John/Jane Doe - Trustee Secretary, Council Vice Chairperson Class of 20xx+1 John/Jane Doe - Trustee President John/Jane Doe - Young Adult Representative John/Jane Doe - Council Chairperson John/Jane Doe Daycare Chairperson, UMW/UMM Representative Class of 20xx+2 John/Jane Doe - Trustee Vice President John/Jane Doe - SPRC Chairperson, Council Secretary John/Jane Doe - Lay Leader, UMW/UMM Representative Pastor Senior Pastor Note: The combinations of roles shown in this sample are examples for illustrative purposes only. The actual Council make-up will be different from year to year depending on the gifts and interests of the people elected to the Council. Mt. Auburn UMC Page 3 of 17 August 2015
Chairperson - Officer The Chairperson (Chair): Is the ranking lay position in the church and an important spiritual leader at Mt. Auburn UMC; Calls and conducts all meetings of the Council; Prepares, with the Senior Pastor, agendas for distribution along with the previous meeting's minutes to all Council members at least seven days before scheduled meetings; Leads and participates as an active member in the discussions, deliberations and decisions of the Council; Leads the Council in a spirit of teamwork and has the privilege to attend any and all functional meetings; Is a voting member of the Council, having one vote in all Council decisions; Interacts primarily with the Senior Pastor, Secretary and Finance Chair; and, The Chair must be a member of Mt. Auburn UMC and the Council for at least one year prior to being elected to the Chairperson position, have a broad understanding of the work of the church and believe in and conduct his or her life to embrace and support the Mission, Vision, Values, and Process of Mt. Auburn UMC and the Expectations of Leadership statement. The Chair may not occupy any other Council position. The Chair should have demonstrated leadership skills, relevant decision making experience and a passion for developing future leaders and a bright future for Mt. Auburn UMC. One year with the option of re-election for up to four (4) consecutive years. Mt. Auburn UMC Page 4 of 17 August 2015
Vice Chairperson - Officer The Vice Chairperson (Vice Chair): Assists the Chair in carrying out that position's responsibilities and calls and conducts all meetings of the Council and any other activities in the absence of the Chair; number of Council positions held; Interacts primarily with the Chair, Senior Pastor, and Secretary; and, The Vice Chairperson must be a member of Mt. Auburn UMC, have the capacity to assume the position of the Chairperson in the event of the position becoming vacant, have a broad understanding of the work of the church and believe in and conduct his or her life to embrace and support the Mission, Vision, The Vice Chairperson may also hold a functional Council position. The Vice Chairperson should have demonstrated leadership skills, relevant decision making experience and a passion for developing future leaders and a bright future for Mt. Auburn UMC. Mt. Auburn UMC Page 5 of 17 August 2015
Secretary Officer The Secretary: Keeps, distributes and maintains the minutes and other documents from all Council meetings; Maintains all other records (all media) of the Council; Manages and maintains the Council calendar; Develops and/or oversees development Council correspondence to others; Works closely with the Chair, Vice Chair, and Senior Pastor, in communicating all Council decisions; The Secretary must be a member of Mt. Auburn UMC and have a broad understanding of the work of the church and believe in and conduct his or her life to embrace and support the Mission, Vision, While not a requirement, the Lay Leader is urged to become a certified lay speaker. The Secretary may also hold a functional Council position. Mt. Auburn UMC Page 6 of 17 August 2015
Lay Leader Functional Member The Lay Leader: Is the primary lay representative of the entire body of Mt. Auburn UMC laity; Fosters awareness, among the laity, of the role of laity both within the congregation and through ministries in the home, workplace, community and world; Advises the Council of opportunities for a more effective ministry of the church in the community through its laity; Works closely with the Chair, Vice Chair, Senior Pastor, Finance Chair, and SPRC Chair and with others, as required; The Lay Leader must be a member of Mt. Auburn UMC and have a broad understanding of the work of the church and believe in and conduct his or her life to embrace and support the Mission, Vision, While not a requirement, the Lay Leader is urged to become a certified lay speaker. The Lay Leader may also hold a second functional Council position. Mt. Auburn UMC Page 7 of 17 August 2015
Trustees (3) Functional Member The Trustees President, or in his or her absence, the Trustees Vice President, leads the discussion of property and facility issues with the Council. In general, the Trustees have the supervision, oversight, and care of all real property owned by the local church. The Trustees explicit responsibilities, powers, and limitations are described in the Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church (Section VI Local Church Property and other applicable sections). The Trustees: Are important spiritual leaders at Mt. Auburn UMC; Familiarize themselves and assist the Council in becoming familiar with the requirements of The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church; Participate as active members in the discussions, deliberations and decisions of the Council; Work closely with the Chair, Vice Chair, Senior Pastor, Secretary, Finance Chair, and with others, as required; Interact with all Council members in a spirit of teamwork and have the privilege to attend any Are responsible for complying with the current edition of The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church and all applicable Federal and Indiana State Laws; Are voting members of the Council, each having one vote in all Council decisions, regardless of the Interact with and rely upon the Parish Administrator for necessary support. Each Trustee must be a member of Mt. Auburn UMC and have a broad understanding of the work of the church and believe in and conduct his or her life to embrace and support the Mission, Vision, A Trustee may also hold a second functional Council position. The three Trustees are elected to be Trustees President, Trustees Vice President, and Trustees Secretary. They are in different classes and during their tenure may occupy any of the named positions. Each serves a three year term and may be re-elected. Mt. Auburn UMC Page 8 of 17 August 2015
Staff Parish Relationship Chairperson Functional Member The Staff Parish Relationship Chairperson (SPRC Chair): Leads the Council in reflecting biblically and theologically on the role and work of the pastor(s) and staff as they carry out their leadership responsibilities; Assists the pastor(s) and staff in assessing their gifts and setting priorities for leadership and service; Communicates with the Lay Leader and/or the whole Council (as appropriate) when there is the need for other leaders, employed staff, or volunteers to assume areas of responsibility in order to maximize the gifts of the pastor(s) and staff or to supplement them in non-gifted areas; Act as the designated liaison to the District Superintendent, as required and appropriate, Works closely with the Chair, Vice Chair, Senior Pastor, and with others, as required; The SPRC Chair must be a member of Mt. Auburn UMC and have a broad understanding of the work of the church and believe in and conduct his or her life to embrace and support the Mission, Vision, No staff member or immediate family member of a pastor or staff member may serve as the SPRC Chair. The SPRC Chair may also hold a second functional Council position. Mt. Auburn UMC Page 9 of 17 August 2015
Financial Chairperson Functional Member The Financial Chairperson: Leads the Council in managing and reporting on all financial matters to inside and outside organizations, including Federal and State agencies; Compiles (annually) a complete budget for the church for review and adoption by the Council; Develops and implements plans that will raise sufficient income to meet the budget; Administers the funds received according to the Council s instructions; Works closely with the Chair, Vice Chair, Senior Pastor and SPRC Chair and will also work closely, as required, with other lay financial team members; The Finance Chair must be a member of Mt. Auburn UMC and have a broad understanding of the work of the church and believe in and conduct his or her life to embrace and support the Mission, Vision, The Finance Chair may also hold a second functional Council position. The Finance Chair shall have a sound understanding of Finance and Financial Reporting. One year with the option of re-election for up to four (4) consecutive years Mt. Auburn UMC Page 10 of 17 August 2015
Treasurer Functional Member The Treasurer: Works closely with the Chair, Vice Chair, Senior Pastor and Financial Chair and will also work closely, as required, with other lay financial team members; The Treasurer must be a member of Mt. Auburn UMC and have a broad understanding of the work of the church and believe in and conduct his or her life to embrace and support the Mission, Vision, The Treasurer may also hold a second functional Council position. The Treasurer shall have a sound understanding of Finance and Financial Reporting. Mt. Auburn UMC Page 11 of 17 August 2015
Daycare Chairperson Functional Member The Daycare Chairperson (DC Chair): Leads the Council in managing and reporting on childcare and Christian education issues; Acts as the designated liaison to the Mt. Auburn Daycare and Preschool Program Staff; Interfaces regularly with the Director of Weekday Children s Ministry in order to understand the successes and challenges of the program; Stays informed on community needs and trends on the subject of child care and Christian education in order to provide subject matter expertise to the Council on these topics; Works closely with the Chair, Vice Chair, Senior Pastor, and with others, as required; The DC Chair must be a member of Mt. Auburn UMC and have a broad understanding of the work of the church and believe in and conduct his or her life to embrace and support the Mission, Vision, The DC Chair may also hold a second functional Council position. Mt. Auburn UMC Page 12 of 17 August 2015
United Methodist Men Representative Functional Member The United Methodist Men Representative (UMM Rep): Leads the Council in establishing and supporting ministries for men s 1) spiritual growth and effective discipleship, 2) call to model the servant leadership of Jesus Christ, 3) development of a creative supportive fellowship, and 4) expansion of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church; The UMM Rep must be a member of Mt. Auburn UMC and have a broad understanding of the work of the church and believe in and conduct his or her life to embrace and support the Mission, Vision, It is recommended, but not essential, that the UMM Representative be a member of the UMM. The UMM Rep may also hold a second functional Council position. Mt. Auburn UMC Page 13 of 17 August 2015
United Methodist Women Representative Functional Member The United Methodist Women Representative (UMW Rep): Leads the Council in establishing and supporting ministries for women s 1) spiritual growth and effective discipleship, 2) call to model the servant leadership of Jesus Christ, 3) development of a creative supportive fellowship, and 4) expansion of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church; The UMW Rep must be a member of Mt. Auburn UMC and have a broad understanding of the work of the church and believe in and conduct his or her life to embrace and support the Mission, Vision, It is recommended, but not essential, that the UMW Representative be a member of the UMW. The UMW Rep may also hold a second functional Council position. Mt. Auburn UMC Page 14 of 17 August 2015
Young Adult Representative Functional Member The Young Adult Representative (Rep): Leads the discussion with the Council encompassing all aspects of the Church s ministries by, with, and for young adults age 18-30, including all persons who are currently or potentially associated with the church or any of its activities and ministries; The Young Adult Rep must be a member of Mt. Auburn UMC and have a broad understanding of the work of the church and believe in and conduct his or her life to embrace and support the Mission, Vision, It is recommended, but not essential, that the Young Adult Representative be a part of the represented age group. The Young Adult Rep may also hold a second functional Council position. Mt. Auburn UMC Page 15 of 17 August 2015
Member-at-Large Functional Member The Member-at-Large: Attempts to bring input from the general congregation (like the Lay Leader) as a whole; Provides fresh perspective on all issues before the Council; The Member-at-Large must be a member of Mt. Auburn UMC and have a broad understanding of the work of the church and believe in and conduct his or her life to embrace and support the Mission, Vision, The Member-at-Large may also hold a second functional Council position. Mt. Auburn UMC Page 16 of 17 August 2015
Senior Pastor The responsibilities of elders are derived from the authority given in ordination and they have a fourfold ministry of Word, Sacrament, Order and Service within the connection and thus serve in the church and the world. Specifically for this position, the Senior Pastor shall: 1. Be the administrative officer of the local church and to assure that the organizational concerns of the congregation are adequately provided for. a. To give pastoral support, guidance, and training to the lay leadership, equipping them to fulfill the ministry to which they are called. b. To give oversight to the educational program of the church and encourage the use of United Methodist literature and media. c. To be responsible for organizational faithfulness, goal setting planning and evaluation. d. To search out and counsel men and women for the ministry of deacons, elders, local pastors and other church related ministries. 2. To administer the temporal affairs of the church in their appointment, the annual conference, and the general church. a. To administer the provisions of the Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church. b. To give an account of their pastoral ministries to the charge and annual conference according to the prescribed forms. c. To provide leadership for funding ministry of the congregation. d. To promote faithful financial stewardship and to encourage giving as a spiritual discipline. e. To lead the congregation in the fulfillment of its mission through full and faithful payment of all apportioned ministerial support, administrative and benevolent funds. f. To care for all church records and local church financial obligations, and certify the accuracy of all financial, membership and any other reports submitted by the local church to the annual conference for use in apportioning costs back to the church. 3. To participate in denominational and conference programs and training opportunities. a. To seek out opportunities for cooperative ministries with other United Methodist pastors and churches. b. To be willing to assume supervisory responsibilities within the connection. 4. To lead the congregation in racial and ethnic inclusiveness. Mt. Auburn UMC Page 17 of 17 August 2015