Board Handbook
Welcome to the Board of Trustees! We are so grateful for your willingness to give your talents, time and leadership to our church and congregation.
This handbook provides you with practical information to support your role as an effective Board member. This is a living, working document that is updated to keep it current and relevant - if you think of something that should be added or revised, please suggest it as a Board item for discussion.
Your solid understanding and compliance with these key resources will assure you have a successful, rewarding Board experience: 1) Board Policies; 2) By-Laws; and 3) Board Handbook (this document).
1. Introduction to Policy Governance
The structure and responsibilities of our Policy Governance model are stated in Board Policy 1.2 ...
2. Board Structure
Board Membership
The Board has seven members elected to three year terms by the Congregation, and the Senior Minis...
Board Committees
There are three standing Board committees: Nominating, Linkage, and Policy Committees which help ...
Board Ad Hoc Committees
As high-level issues arise, the Board has the authority to create ad hoc committees. In creating...
3. Responsibilities of Board Members
Primary Board Responsibilities
Per the bylaws, The Board of Trustees shall govern the business, property, and affairs of the con...
Board Fiduciary Responsibility
The Board has fiduciary and legal responsibility to oversee the church (including care for people...
Board Member Responsibilities
Provide vision and leadership to guide the church in the pursuit of its mission and long-term v...
Responsibilities for the President
The President has the following added responsibilities: Assure the integrity of the Board’s pro...
Responsibilities for Vice President / President-Elect
The Vice President/President-Elect has the following added responsibilities: Assume the duties ...
Responsibilities for Secretary
The Secretary has the following added responsibilities: Take accurate and clear minutes at all ...
Responsibilities for Treasurer
The Treasurer plays no direct role in financial management, which is delegated to the Senior Mini...
4. Visioning Work
One of the primary responsibilities of the Board is visioning. Board discussion and actions consi...
5. Monitoring
The Board is responsible for ongoing monitoring of compliance with Board policies throughout the ...
Monthly Monitoring
The Senior Minister provides reports and other updates at each official board meeting on policy...
Quarterly Monitoring
The Senior Minister provides quarterly financial updates to the Board.
Annual Monitoring
Each year prior to annual congregational meetings, the Senior Minister provides a ministry report...
Board Self-Monitoring
Board Policy includes how the Board will act in accordance with their roles and responsibilities ...
6. Board Meetings
The Board year runs from July 1- June 30, with new members elected at the annual congregational m...
Monthly Meetings
Each year with input from current members, the Board President determines the day and time for th...
Official Meetings
Any official business and/or voting takes place Minutes are taken and published to the congre...
Working Meetings
Provides additional time for projects, discussion, learning and attention to special topics or...
Year-end Review
At the end of the Board year, typically at the June official meeting, the Board reviews monitorin...
Annual Board Retreat
The Board year kicks off with a summer retreat. The retreat is typically 1½ days and is planned ...
Congregational Meetings
The By-laws require at least one annual congregational meeting. The current practice is to hold t...
Town Halls
Occur throughout the year - typically 2-3 per year Led by Ministers and staff Board membe...
7. Communications
Within the Board
Between meetings, Board business is conducted primarily on Basecamp through Messages (that go to...
With the Senior Minister
As an ex-officio member of the Board, the Senior Minister attends all board meetings and retreats...
With the Congregation
Board members are expected to be a regular presence on Sundays and at church gatherings, and to m...
8. Evaluations
Section 4.3 of the Policy Book contains policies on evaluations conducted by the Board.
Ministry Evaluation
The Board has an evaluation conversation with the Senior Minister on how well the church is colle...
Board and Senior Minister Partnership Evaluation
The Board asks itself and the Senior Minister how well they are working together. This discussion...
Senior Minister Evaluation
Every third year, the Board collaborates with the Senior Minister to create an ad hoc committee o...
Board and Committee Evaluation
Annually the Board reviews its effectiveness and compliance with Board policies as Board Self-Mon...
Policy Review and Revision Procedure
The Board will review all Board Policies at a minimum of once per year. Revision to a current pol...
By-Laws Review and Revision Procedure
The Board will review the By-laws at a minimum of once per year Any revisions to the By-laws are ...
Senior Minister Salary Review
The Board is responsible for an annual review of the Senior Minister’s salary. In September, th...
9. Fiduciary and Legal Responsibilities
The Board has fiduciary and legal responsibility to oversee the church (including care for people...
Fiduciary Responsibilities
The Board delegates financial management to the Senior Minister in Board Policy 2.4 Care for Mate...
Legal Responsibilities
The Church has an attorney who can be engaged, through the Board President and Senior Minister, t...
Misconduct
We believe it is important to speak openly about misconduct. Board members should review the misc...
Appendix A: Glossary of Terms
Appendix B: HOW TO EMBRACE BOARD LEADERSHIP
Appendix C: Digital Platforms
Appendix D: Board Transition Procedures
New/Departing Board Member Updates
Nominated Board members submit bios and photos to staff in charge for inclusion in the Congregat...
Training and Orientation
New Board members are invited to Board Orientation and year-end Board meetings (optional) U...
Board Orientation
Board as Fiduciary Role of Ministry and relationship to the Board Defining Means and Ends ...
Transitional Meetings
June Board Meeting Potluck dinner Reflections from outgoing members Board monitoring F...