PRINCE OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

GOVERNANCE POLICY MANUAL

 

1. STRATEGIC FOCUS

 

1.1.     VALUES

 

Serving the world through missions, Preaching the Word of God, Christian education, Caring for and nurturing each other, Celebrating the Gospel in worship, Community outreach and Spiritual Growth.

 

1.2.     MISSION

 

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  (Matthew 28: 19-20)

 

1.3.     VISION

 

A dynamic Christian community called to creatively Celebrate the love of God; Gathering, Nurturing, Discipling and Serving all people transformed to live and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

1.4.     CRITICAL TARGETS

 

·         Spiritual Growth in Christ

 

Desired Outcome:  Prince of Peace (PoP) disciples are Biblically literate, in worship each week, sharing faith and telling stories of answered prayer, committed to managing their resources to accomplish the missional purpose given by Christ, and responding to opportunities to serve their Lord and His people.

 

·         Spiritual Outreach with Christ

 

Desired Outcome:  PoP disciples are intentional in reaching out and sharing Christ with their Anglo, ethnic, and postmodern friends who do not know the saving grace of Christ, and a growing, vibrant Christian community is emerging.

 

1.5.     STEWARDS

 

Stewards are those who are the Body of Christ at PoP and who, in faith, consciously invest themselves and their resources in order to expand and enhance the growth of the Kingdom through the congregation’s Mission and ministry.  An important responsibility of the Board of Servant Leaders (BoSL) is to lead and represent the Stewards of the congregation.


 

The BoSL recognizes that no individual or group is the sole steward of the congregation.

 

1.5.1.  Listening to the Stewards:  The BoSL shall listen to the ideas, the concerns and values of the Stewards.  It shall use a variety of appropriate methodologies (such as mail, phone and internet surveys, focus groups, open forums, town meetings and BoSL dialogue) to seek out the desires of the Stewards.

 

1.5.2.  Reporting to the Stewards:  The BoSL shall keep the Stewards informed of its progress toward the Desired Outcomes.  It shall use a variety of methods for this reporting (e.g. annual reports, videos, web page, magazine, newspaper articles, survey reports, TV spots, meetings, etc.).

 

1.6.     THE SERVED

 

The Served are members, active participants, visitors and others who utilize and benefit from the primary ministries offered by the congregation to fulfill its Mission.

 

1.6.1.  The congregation shall provide the highest quality ministries with honesty, integrity and sensitivity to the Served.

 

1.7.     COST OF DESIRED OUTCOMES TO THE COMMUNITY

 

1.7.1.  Costs for such ministries shall not endanger the development and maintenance of superior capability.  The budget for the BoSL shall include but not be limited to the following considerations.

 

1.7.1.1.    As part of the annual POP budget cycle, the BoSL will develop and submit a budget for BoSL activities which will be processed via the POP budget procedure. Such activities may include but are not limited to attorney fees, interviews, surveys, focus groups, training, conferences, workshops and consulting services.

 

1.8.     STRATEGIC ALLIANCES

 

Strategic Alliances are mutually beneficial relationships with other organizations (such as SED, Wheatridge, sister congregations, mission congregations) or individuals built upon a common vision or goal, which allows all parties to honor their core values, enhance the pursuit of their missions, and maintain operational autonomy.

 

1.8.1.  The congregation shall pursue strategic alliances as appropriate.

 


 

2. BOSL SELF-GOVERNANCE

 

2.1.     BOSL RESPONSIBILITIES

 

2.1.1.  The BoSL shall be accountable to the Lord and the Stewards. The overall responsibility of the BoSL is to provide a clear, strong, powerful, and ethical pursuit of the congregation’s Mission.  To that end, the BoSL shall:

 

2.1.1.1.    Ensure that the Strategic Focus (Values, Mission, Vision, Critical Targets and Desired Outcomes) of the congregation is the driving force for all activities and related ministries.

 

2.1.1.2.    Annually review and update the Strategic Focus.

 

2.1.1.3.    Establish Governing Policies for the BoSL.

 

2.1.1.4.    Provide oversight of all congregational activities by establishing and monitoring appropriateness of and adherence to policies that guide the efforts of the Senior Pastor.

 

2.1.1.5.    Ensure that the policy and financial decisions are executed in accordance with PoP’s Constitution and By-laws.

 

2.1.1.6.    Communicate regularly to the Stewards the pertinent activities of the BoSL and remain open to communication from the stewards.

 

2.1.1.7.    Exercise particular concern for the spiritual and physical welfare of the Senior Pastor and other called workers, supporting them with prayer and appropriate counsel.

 

2.2.     ACCEPTING MEMBERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

1.0                                            

2.2.1.  Operational Covenant:  Each member of the BoSL pledges to serve the Lord, the congregation and each other through efficient and effective service.  These pledges include the following methods of operation:

 

2.2.1.1.    Each BoSL meeting will begin with spiritual centering under the leadership of the Senior Pastor, and include group prayer time seeking God’s direction for our congregation, guidance in our ministries, strength to overcome our challenges, and lifting up the specific needs of our members and the congregation.

 

2.2.1.2.    The BoSL will normally meet two times per month on a mutually agreed upon day and with each meeting starting and ending at the agreed upon times.

 

2.2.1.3.    Unless excused, each BoSL member will attend each meeting of the BoSL, all meetings of the congregation and each meeting the BoSL schedules with any other group(s) or individual(s).  The Chair or Vice-Chair, in the Chair’s absence, may excuse a member from attendance.


 

2.2.1.4.    The BoSL will determine at the end of each meeting what information and/or actions need to be shared with the congregation as a whole, and post a summary of our minutes and upcoming agenda through the Communicator or some other appropriate medium.

 

2.2.1.5.    The Chair, or Vice-Chair in the Chair’s absence, shall establish the meeting agenda after receiving input from the other BoSL members, the Senior Pastor and the Ministry Administrator and serve as facilitator and time keeper of the meeting.

 

2.2.1.6.    The BoSL will elect annually its Chair and Vice-Chair at its first meeting in July.

 

2.2.1.7.    Should it be necessary to miss a meeting, members shall make contact with the BoSL Chair or Vice Chair, in the Chair’s absence, for dialogue both before and after said meeting.

 

2.2.1.8.    If a BoSL member misses more than 10% of all anticipated BoSL attended meetings in any given year, the Chair and Senior Pastor will meet with the member to discuss BoSL responsibilities.

 

2.2.1.9.    The BoSL will elect a BoSL Secretary whose duties will include (1) recording of the minutes of the BoSL and all congregational meetings and (2) distribution of the minutes as directed by the BoSL.

 

2.2.1.10.  Each BoSL member will be prepared for the BoSL meetings.

 

2.2.1.11.  In the case of a Conflict of Interest (See Conflict of Interest Policy, Appendices X), a BoSL member may recuse her/himself from the BoSL session or may be excused from the session by the BoSL with a 60% vote of the BoSL, not including the member in question.

 

2.2.1.12.  Each BoSL member will gain a working knowledge of the BoSL’s policy manual.

 

2.2.1.13.  Each BoSL member will actively participate in BoSL meetings, special briefings and policy decision-making.

 

2.2.1.14.  Each BoSL member will make informed decisions by insisting on complete and accurate information.

 

2.2.1.15.  Each BoSL member will support all decisions once they have been fully discussed and resolved by the BoSL.

 

2.2.1.16.  Each BoSL member will actively discipline themselves and other members of the BoSL by identifying BoSL actions and conditions that run counter to these policies.

 

2.2.1.17.  Each BoSL member will bring to the BoSL Chair’s immediate attention any condition or action that they believe exceeds a Senior Pastor Limitation Policy. (See 3.1.)


 

2.2.1.18.  Each BoSL member will keep BoSL documents and discussions confidential, unless given permission by the BoSL acting as a whole.  However, the BoSL Policy Manual, BoSL approved minutes (excepting those of executive sessions) and audited financial statements do not require permission as long as any BoSL discussion or information related to these documents remains confidential.

 

2.2.1.19.  Each BoSL member will be familiar with and put into practice any specific policies developed to guide the behavior of members of the BoSL, including the Conflict of Interest Policy.  (Appendices X)

 

2.2.1.20.  Not hinder the BoSL process due to individual proclivities or disruptive behavior.

 

2.2.1.21.  A Member of the BoSL who violates any policy shall be counseled by the Chair.  Should violations continue, the BoSL member shall be counseled by the Executive Committee and then the BoSL as a whole.  Decisions concerning a call for resignation from the BoSL by any member who continues to violate policy after such counseling shall be made by the BoSL and shall require a unanimous vote of the remaining members of the BoSL.  If the BoSL calls for a member to resign and the member declines, the call for resignation will be presented to the congregation.

 

2.2.1.21.1. Should the Chair of the BoSL violate policy, it shall be the responsibility of the Vice-Chair to initiate such counsel.

 

2.2.2.  Fellowship Covenant:  Each member of the BoSL pledges to serve the Lord, the congregation and each other by loving one another in the following ways:

 

2.2.2.1.    Pray regularly for the mental, spiritual and physical health of each BoSL member and their families.

 

2.2.2.2.    Pray regularly that the BoSL will become one in discerning the Lord’s will for POP.

 

2.2.2.3.    Honor each BoSL member.

 

2.2.2.4.    Respect each BoSL member’s views, listening to what they have to say.

 

2.2.2.5.    Trust each BoSL member will handle confidential matters and information with discretion.

 

2.2.2.6.    Evaluate and support each BoSL member’s service on an ongoing basis.

 

2.2.2.7.    Undertake personal spiritual disciplines for the development of their own faith lives.

 

2.2.2.8.    Relate to other individuals with integrity, honesty and straightforwardness.


 

2.2.3.  Leadership Covenant:  Each member of the BoSL pledges to serve the Lord, the congregation and each other by exemplifying leadership characteristics in the following ways:

 

2.2.3.1.    Regularly participate in the worship, Sacraments, educational and service life of the congregation.

 

2.2.3.2.    Work to expand their leadership abilities and increase their understanding of the Mission and ministry of the congregation.

 

2.2.3.3.    Invest personal energy and skills in the Mission and ministries of the congregation, seeking opportunities where individual skills and abilities can be applied other than the role of BoSL member.

 

2.2.3.3.1. Members of the BoSL shall not serve as a Core or Support Ministry Leader or on the Core or Support Leadership Teams.

 

2.3.     ENUNCIATING GOVERNING POLICIES AND VALUES

 

The BoSL shall maintain written policies of four types:

 

2.3.1.  Policies with respect to the Strategic Focus

 

Affirmative statements setting forth the purposes, effects and acceptable costs of operations.

 

2.3.2.  Policies with respect to BoSL Self-Governance

 

Statements setting forth the style and rules with respect to the BoSL’s own tasks and processes.

 

2.3.3.  Policies with respect to Senior Pastor Limitations

 

Limiting statements that bind or restrict activity of the operational staff.

 

2.3.4.  Policies with respect to BoSL and Senior Pastor Relationship

 

Clarifying statements about delegation to and monitoring of ministry implementation.

 

2.4.     GOVERNING PROCESS

 

2.4.1.  Governing Philosophy

 

The BoSL shall govern with an emphasis on:

•   spiritual vision rather than internal preoccupation,

•   encouragement of diversity of viewpoints,

•   strategic leadership more than administrative detail,

•   clear distinction of BoSL and Senior Pastor roles,

•   collective rather than individual decisions,

•   future rather than past or present, and

•   being proactive rather than reactive.


 

2.4.2.  Scope of Activities

 

All activities of the BoSL, its officers, committee(s) or members shall relate to the specific responsibilities of the BoSL as formally adopted at BoSL meetings.  BoSL members are disciplined by this principle.

 

2.4.3.  The BoSL shall act on behalf of the congregation in all matters delegated to it by the Constitution and By-laws or by action of the congregation.  However, the BoSL shall not:

 

2.4.3.1.    Call or remove called workers.

 

2.4.3.2.    Elect or remove members of the BoSL.

 

2.4.3.3     Deviate substantially (more than 10%) from the congregation-approved budget.

 

2.4.3.4.    Undertake capital campaigns (any amount greater than 10% of the annual unrestricted revenue projection).

 

2.4.3.5.    Incur long-term debt (more than 10 months in a given year).

 

2.4.3.6.    Buy, sell, mortgage or transfer real estate.

 

2.4.3.7.  Excommunicate a member of the congregation.

 

2.4.3.8.  Execute a merger or dissolution of the congregation.

 

2.4.3.9.  Execute a merger or dissolution of the School Ministry.

 

2.4.3.10.  Amend the church’s Constitution or the By-Laws.

 

2.4.4.  Group Action

 

The BoSL commits itself and its members to ethical, businesslike and lawful conduct.  This includes proper use of authority and appropriate decorum when acting as BoSL members.

 

2.4.4.1.    BoSL members may not attempt to exercise individual authority over the congregation except as explicitly set forth in BoSL policies.

 

2.4.4.1.1. BoSL members’ interactions with the Senior Pastor or other operational staff must recognize the lack of authority vested in individuals except when explicitly BoSL-authorized.

 

2.4.4.1.2. BoSL members’ interactions with public, press or other entities must recognize the same limitation and inability of any BoSL member to speak for the BoSL.

 

2.4.4.1.3. BoSL members will respect the confidentiality appropriate to issues of a sensitive nature.

 

2.4.4.2.    Should the sensitivity of an issue not be clear to a BoSL member, s/he shall consult with the BoSL Chair before sharing information with another person. The BoSL Chair would consult with the Vice Chair.


 

2.4.5.  Governance Policy Development

 

The BoSL’s Governance Policies are to be active and dynamic.  They are meant to be changed and refined regularly, based on the intent of each section, the values of the BoSL, and the changing context within which the congregation functions.

 

2.4.5.1.    Resolutions

 

The BoSL will pass resolutions for specific actions only when those actions are consistent with the law, the Constitution and By-laws.

 

2.4.5.2.    Senior Pastor Actions

 

All BoSL decisions governing actions of the Senior Pastor shall be done through policy.

 

Any actions taken or contemplated by the Senior Pastor or any which may be or have been approved through the Senior Pastor, will only be considered in light of the appropriate governing policies.  The BoSL will only review the policies for their soundness as a test of ethical and prudent behavior, and will not dictate what are appropriate actions except for compliance with policies.  The BoSL shall rewrite policies when appropriate.

 

2.4.5.3.    Governance Policy Review

 

Any BoSL member, the Senior Pastor or Congregational Assembly may ask for a review of specific policies.  However, never does the ultimate responsibility for effective and appropriate policies rest with anyone other than the BoSL.

 

2.4.5.4.    Governance Policy Review Schedule

 

The BoSL shall establish an annual policy review calendar to coordinate the review of every policy on a periodic basis (no less than once every two years) (See Policy 2.12.2.).  They will make every effort to coordinate the calendar with the business cycles of the congregation, reviewing appropriate policies just prior to management actions for decisions.

 

2.4.6.  Fiscal Responsibility

 

The BoSL’s fiscal responsibility shall be discharged by:

 

2.4.6.1.    Establishing policies limiting Senior Pastor financial authority, budget development and control of assets.

 

2.4.6.2.    Monitoring the fiscal soundness of the congregation.

 

2.4.6.3.    Affirming an annual fiscal plan/budget prior to presentation to the congregation.


 

2.4.6.4.    Appointing one BoSL member to serve with the Finance Support Ministry Leader when appointing a financial auditor/reviewer.

 

2.4.6.5.    Receiving directly from the auditor/reviewer and review and accept the report of the financial audit/review.

 

2.4.6.6.    Determining the compensation and benefits for the Senior Pastor, with advice from the Personnel Support Ministry.

 

2.4.7.  Senior Pastor Vacancy / Calling of a Senior Pastor

 

In the case of a vacancy in the office of the Senior Pastor, the BoSL shall nominate members for a Call Committee to be approved by the congregation.  The Committee shall consist of at least one and no more than two members of the BoSL, and at least four members at large from the congregation, elected by the congregation and who have not served on the BoSL for the preceding two years.

 

The Call Committee shall:

•   Establish a set of criteria for the position, with special attention to the leadership needs under Policy-Based Governance,

•   Seek appropriate assistance from the President of the District and Circuit Counselor or the appointed representative for the Circuit Counselor,

•   Call for nominations from the congregation,

·         Associate Pastors currently serving on the POP staff may be included on the call list,

·         The Interim Senior Pastor or Vacancy Senior Pastor will not be included on the call list,

•   Establish an effective interview and evaluation process which includes telephone and, as needed, personal interviews,

•   Provide a list of recommended, qualified candidates to the BoSL,

•   Establish and facilitate the interview process for the list of candidates approved by the BoSL,

•   Present to the BoSL a summary of the interviews of each candidate, and

•   Assist the BoSL in bringing its recommendations to the congregation in accordance with By-Law X.X.

 

2.4.8   In the case of a vacancy in the office of Senior Pastor, the BoSL shall appoint a full-time Interim Senior Pastor for a period of not less than six months.  This appointment shall be affirmed by the congregation.  The Interim Senior Pastor shall not be currently serving on the POP staff or have served on the POP staff in the five years prior.

 

2.4.8.1.    In the case that an intentional Interim Pastor is not available, a part-time Vacancy Pastor will be appointed.

 

2.5.     ELECTION OF BOSL MEMBERS

 

2.5.1.  BoSL membership:  The number of BoSL members shall not exceed six.  Members shall be elected on a rotation basis with one third of the BoSL being elected each year.  The Senior Pastor shall serve as an ex officio member, without vote, of the BoSL.


 

2.5.2.  Nominating Committee

 

2.5.2.1.    A Nominating Committee shall be chartered each year in January.  The nominating committee will consist of one BoSL member not eligible for reelection (appointed by the BoSL), one member of the Personnel Support Ministry Team (appointed by the Personnel Support Ministry Team), and two members-at-large from the Congregation (solicited from the congregation and appointed by the BoSL).  The solicitation process shall be open to the congregation for at least two weeks.  The Senior Pastor shall serve as an ex officio member, without vote, of this committee.

 

2.5.2.2.    The Nominating Committee shall be chaired by the BoSL member.

 

2.5.2.3.    The Nominating Committee shall solicit, and receive, the names of prospective candidates from the BoSL or any member of the Congregation.

 

2.5.2.3.1. When calling for nominations, the Nominating Committee shall inform the congregation of the nominating process and provide to anyone wishing to nominate someone, the appropriate information which shall include  “Qualifications and Other Considerations” (See 2.5.3.), “BoSL Responsibilities” (See 2.1.), “Accepting Membership Responsibilities” (See 2.2.), the “BoSL Nomination Form” (See Appendices X) and a cover letter explaining the nominating process, the schedule and the election procedures.

 

2.5.2.3.2. Anyone who chooses to nominate an individual must acquire that person’s permission to be nominated and must submit a nomination form for that person to the Nominating Committee.

 

2.5.2.4.    The Nominating Committee shall develop a recommended slate of qualified candidates (see 2.5.3.) to fill the upcoming vacancies (one third of the BoSL).  The Nominating Committee will present a slate to the congregation at least two weeks prior to the Congregational Assembly in June.[1]

 

2.5.2.4.1. When presenting a slate to the Congregation, the Nominating Committee shall include:

•   The list of criteria used to qualify nominees.

•   Information regarding each nominee which addresses the qualifying criteria.

•   Guidelines for offering further nominees for consideration.

•   Procedures for the election process.

 

2.5.2.4.2. The Nominating committee shall present a slate that includes one qualified candidate for each position to be filled.


 

2.5.3.  Qualifications and Other Considerations

 

2.5.3.1.    The BoSL is responsible to be the “keepers of the Vision” for the congregation.  They provide the organization and policies that ensure that our ministry can make decisions at every level that help to accomplish the Mission and Vision of POP.

 

Leaders of POP are leaders because they are first servants of Christ and his people.  For that reason, identified servant behaviors should be observed in every leadership position.  In preparing its recommended slate of candidates for BoSL service, the Nominating Committee must seek candidates who:

 

•   Meet the requirements of BoSL membership as stipulated in the Constitution and By-laws.

•   Undertake personal spiritual disciplines for the development of their own faith lives.

·         Regularly participate in the worship, Sacraments, educational and service life of the congregation.

·         Are a member of a small group or Bible Study.

·         Are in regular personal prayer and Bible Study.

·         Are joyful managers of their God given resources as tithers or working towards that goal.

•   Are good communicators.

•   Are visionary.

•   Can effectively represent the interests and concerns of the “Stewards” of the congregation.

•   Agree to support the basic concepts of Policy Based Governance as it relates to the structure and function of POP Lutheran Church.

•   Are willing and able to support the Core Values of the congregation.

•   Are willing and able to accept the responsibilities of membership on the BoSL as delineated in “Accepting Membership Responsibilities” (See 2.2.).

•   Are not on the payroll of the congregation currently or anytime within the immediate preceding three years.

·         Are supportive of the Mission and Vision and direction of POP.

·         Are supportive of the leadership of POP.

·         Are involved in ongoing learning as a spiritual leader.

 

2.5.3.2.    In preparing a slate, the Nominating Committee shall also not nominate:

•   The spouse of a Core or Support Ministry Leader.

•   The spouse of any Pastor or other operational staff.

•   More than one individual from any given family with less than two degrees of separation (parents, children, siblings, aunts/uncles, nieces/nephews or in-laws of same, grandparents) shall serve on the BoSL at the same time.

·         Anyone who is in their second consecutive term on the BoSL (See 2.5.5.2.).


 

2.5.3.3.    The Nominating Committee shall take into consideration diversity issues (age, race, ethnicity, gender, small group membership) in determining its recommended slate.

 

2.5.3.4.    The Nominating Committee shall take into consideration the current composition of the BoSL in determining its recommended slate.

 

2.5.4.  Election

 

2.5.4.1.    Election of BoSL members shall take place each year at the regular meeting of the Congregational Assembly in June.

 

2.5.4.2.    The Congregational Assembly shall elect only individuals who have been nominated in accordance with the By-laws.

 

2.5.5.  Terms of Service[2]

 

2.5.5.1.    A term of service for a BoSL member shall be three years.

 

2.5.5.2.    BoSL members may not serve more than two consecutive elected terms and if appointed to fill a vacancy, may not stand for re-election if another term would extend their service to more than seven years.

 

2.5.5.3.    One third of the BoSL shall be elected each year to assure continuity of service and experience on the BoSL.

 

2.5.5.3.1. In keeping with Policy 2.5.1. (the number of BoSL members shall not exceed 6), no more than two BoSL members shall be elected in any given year.

 

2.5.5.3.2. Should the number of BoSL members or their terms of service fall out of alignment with Policy 2.5.1., no process other than that contained in Policy 2.5.6. shall be used for realignment.

 

2.5.6.  Vacancies

 

2.5.6.1.    Vacancies that occur on the BoSL shall be filled in accordance with applicable provisions of the Bylaws.

 

2.5.6.2.    Appointment to fill a vacancy on the BoSL shall always be to complete an unexpired term and in no case shall such an appointment work in contradiction to the election of one third of the BoSL each year.

 

2.5.6.3.    Every effort shall be made to fill vacancies within three months of their occurrence.  However, if there is less than one year of service left in the term the position may remain vacant until it is filled through the election process.


 

2.6.     BOSL SELF-REVIEW

 

2.6.1.  The annual self-review of the BoSL shall focus on:

 

2.6.1.1.    The BoSL’s openness and communication among its members.

 

2.6.1.2.    The BoSL’s openness and communication with the Senior Pastor.

 

2.6.1.3.    The BoSL’s ability and skill in developing and monitoring policy.

 

2.6.1.4.    The BoSL’s adherence to policy.

 

2.6.2.  The BoSL shall create its own self-review process.

 

2.7.     OFFICERS OF THE BOSL

 

2.7.1.  Officers of the BoSL shall be a Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary and these shall be the officers of the congregation.

 

2.7.2.  The BoSL shall elect its own officers at the first meeting of the new BoSL.

 

2.7.2.1.    CHAIR

 

The Chair shall:

 

2.7.2.1.1. Serve on the Executive Committee of the BoSL.

 

2.7.2.1.2. Work with the Executive Committee and Senior Pastor to establish the agenda for all meetings of the BoSL, Congregational Assemblies, Town Meetings, Open Forums, and any other official meetings of the congregations.

 

2.7.2.1.3. Preside at all meetings of the BoSL and Congregational Assemblies.

 

2.7.2.1.4. Initiate counsel with any member of the BoSL who violates policy insuring that policy 2.2.4. is followed.

 

2.7.2.1.5. Take appropriate actions, which may not be stipulated, but essential for the thorough management of the BoSL’s work so long as those actions are not in violation of other BoSL policies.

 

2.7.2.1.6. Assume responsibility for overseeing the work of the Executive Committee.

 

2.7.2.1.7. Sign official documents as required.

 

2.7.2.1.8. Conduct all official correspondence of the BoSL and the Congregational Assemblies.


 

2.7.2.2.    VICE-CHAIR

 

The Vice-Chair shall:

 

2.7.2.2.1. In the absence of the Chair or by request of the Chair perform functions of the Chair.

 

2.7.2.2.2. Serve on the Executive Committee of the BoSL.

 

2.7.2.2.3. Initiate counsel with the Chair of the BoSL should the Chair violate policy insuring that Policy 2.2.4. is followed.

 

2.7.2.2.4. Accompany Chair in counseling any member who continues to violate policies after being counseled by the Chair.  See Policy 2.2.4.

 

2.7.2.2.5. Be thoroughly familiar with the congregation’s Constitution and By-laws and serve as the primary resource to the BoSL and Congregational Assembly for questions concerning the same.

 

2.7.2.2.6. Sign official documents as required.

 

2.7.2.3.    SECRETARY

 

The Secretary shall:

 

2.7.2.3.1. Maintain the minutes of all meetings of the BoSL and Congregational Assembly.

 

2.7.2.3.2. Ensure that proper minutes of meetings are maintained in the church office in hard and soft copy form.

 

2.7.2.3.3. Draft and publish approved communications from the BoSL as directed.

 

2.8.     EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE BOSL

 

2.8.1.  The Chair and the Vice-Chair of the BoSL shall constitute the Executive Committee of the BoSL.  The Senior Pastor shall be an ex officio member, without vote, of the Executive Committee.

 

2.8.2.  The Executive Committee may act on behalf of the BoSL in all matters delegated to it by specific action or by policy of the BoSL.  Actions of the Executive Committee shall be reported to the BoSL at the next meeting of the BoSL for ratification.

 

2.8.2.1.    Subject to the following limitations, the Executive Committee shall possess and exercise all powers of the BoSL during the intervals between meetings.


 

The Executive Committee shall not:

 

2.8.2.1.1. Recommend to congregational members any action requiring congregational approval.  Such recommendations shall come only from the BoSL.

 

2.8.2.1.2. Establish or modify governing policies.

 

2.8.2.1.3. Change the membership of any committee at any time or fill vacancies therein.

 

2.8.2.1.4. Discharge any committee either with or without cause at any time.

 

2.8.2.1.5. Liquidate restricted stock or assets.

 

2.8.2.1.6. Discharge any BoSL fiscal responsibilities as detailed in Policy 2.4.6.

 

2.8.3.  The responsibility of the Executive Committee is to plan the program and agenda for BOSL meetings.

 

2.8.3.1.    The Executive Committee shall consistently advise the Senior Pastor of his performance, shall conduct the Senior Pastor’s annual performance appraisal and report to the BoSL when it has been completed seeking the BoSL’s reaction and approval, prior to or in June of each year.

 

2.8.3.1.1. The Executive Committee shall meet with the Senior Pastor prior to the beginning of each budget year to offer counsel and affirm the Senior Pastor’s intended operational goals for the next year.  These operational goals shall form the basis for the Senior Pastor’s annual performance appraisal.

 

2.8.3.1.2. The Executive Committee shall also seek input from the BoSL individually and/or corporately regarding the Senior Pastor’s performance.  These interviews will focus on adherence to policy only.  The Executive Committee shall guarantee anonymity when reporting this information to the Senior Pastor or to the BoSL.

 

2.8.3.1.3. The Executive Committee shall share the information gathered through these interviews (guaranteeing anonymity) with the Senior Pastor and allow him to respond as he feels the need.

 

2.8.3.2.    If the Senior Pastor’s performance appraisal is less than acceptable, the Executive Committee shall counsel the Senior Pastor and assist him in establishing a plan to enhance his performance.


 

2.9.     COMMITTEES OF THE BOSL

 

The BoSL may from time to time use committees, but always consistent with the following principles.

 

2.9.1.  Committee responsibilities shall flow directly from the BoSL’s description of its job, shall be set forth in a formal written charge with an appropriate period for existence and shall not impinge upon responsibilities delegated to the Senior Pastor.

 

2.9.2.  Committees shall not manage any part of the congregation, nor do staff work, except when working on a topic that is fully within the province of the BoSL and has not been delegated in any way to the Senior Pastor.

 

2.9.3.  Except when empowered by the BoSL, committees shall have no executive or deciding authority.  At all other times they will strive to develop policy only.

 

2.10.   RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE STEWARDS OF THE CONGREGATION

 

The BoSL’s responsibilities to the Stewards are:

 

2.10.1. Conduct Congregational Assemblies such as Town Meetings, Open Forums, congregational Assemblies.

 

2.10.2. Solicit input annually on the appropriateness of the Desired Outcomes.

 

2.10.3. Inform the Stewards of the degree of success in meeting the Desired Outcomes of the congregation.

 

2.10.4. Identify and establish relationships with groups that have the potential to have a felt ownership in the congregation (e.g.; preschool families, SED, LCMS Associations).

 

2.11.   DIALOGUE WITH STEWARDS

 

2.11.1. The BoSL will annually identify the congregation’s key Steward segments.

 

2.11.2. The BoSL will include periodic Steward Dialogue Sessions with Steward segment representatives.

 

2.11.3. The dialogue sessions will center on the following central questions.

 

2.11.3.1.  Who are we serving?

 

2.11.3.2.  Are there others we should be serving?

 

2.11.3.3.  What are the preferred futures for the served?

 

2.11.3.4.  What resources are needed to effectively purse the preferred futures?

 

2.11.3.5.  How do the steward segments achieve these preferred futures and positively affect the Mission and Vision?


 

2.12.   BOSL CALENDAR, AGENDA AND MEETING STRUCTURE

 

2.12.1. The BoSL shall establish a basic structure for its meetings to assist the BoSL and Senior Pastor in processing information in a way that allows them to maintain a policy based orientation.

 

2.12.2. This BoSL agenda shall work in tandem with the calendar.  Additional items may be added as needed.

 

2.12.2.1. The BoSL calendar shall be:

 

January

·         Form BoSL Nominating Committee

·         Core Ministry Leaders and staff conversations

·         Review Senior Pastor’s personal ministry plan

·         Review Senior Pastor’s semi-annual report regarding the roster of Leadership Teams

·         Review Senior Pastor’s semi-annual report regarding programmatic ministry directory and training

February

·         Conduct steward Dialogue session

March

·         Conduct BoSL Performance appraisal

·         Prepare BoSL budget

April

·         Review preliminary Ministry plan and budget

·         Conduct BoSL education

·         Discuss / review strategic partners

·         Review Finance Report

May

·         Affirm Ministry plan and proposed budget

·         Prepare for Town Meeting

June

·         Review State of the Congregation Report on Desired Outcomes

·         Prepare for Congregation Meeting

·         Review Long Range Outlook Study

·         Conduct Senior Pastor performance evaluation

July

·         Conduct new BoSL member orientation and education

·         Elect officers

·         Review BoSL self governance

·         Appoint a BoSL member to work with the Finance Support Ministry Leader for financial audit or review

·         Review Senior Pastor’s personal ministry plan

·         Review Senior Pastor’s semi-annual report regarding the roster of Leadership Teams

·         Review Senior Pastor’s semi-annual report regarding programmatic ministry directory and training

August

·         Conduct steward Dialogue session

·         Develop policy review calendar

·         Identify key steward segments

September

·         Conduct steward Dialogue session

·         Review strategic focus

October

·         Discuss strategic partners

·         Review Finance Report

November

·         Review Policy Manual

·         Conduct BoSL education

December

 


 

2.12.2.2. The BoSL agenda shall consist of the following sections.

·       &nbs