Foothills Governance System & Documentation

Our church operates with a multi-layered governance system that ensures clarity, accountability, and consistency in how our community is organized and managed. This system reflects the various levels of decision-making and responsibility within the church, providing a structured yet flexible framework for how we operate. Each layer plays a distinct role in guiding our actions and aligning them with our shared values and mission. Below is an overview of the key layers within our governance system:

Bylaws

Purpose: The Bylaws are the foundational governing documents of our church. They establish the core principles and structures that define how our community is organized and how it operates.
Authority: The Bylaws are set and can only be amended by a vote of the entire congregation, ensuring that the most fundamental rules and principles are reflective of the collective will of the community.

Policy

Purpose: Policies serve as the rules and directives that guide the church’s operations in alignment with our Bylaws. They cover areas such as finance, personnel, and safety, and provide a framework for decision-making at a strategic level.
Authority: Policies are established by the Board of Trustees through a voting process, reflecting the board's role in providing strategic oversight and ensuring that the church operates in a manner consistent with its mission and values.

Procedures

Purpose: Procedures are detailed processes developed to implement and fulfill the policies set by the board. They translate broader policy directives into specific actions, ensuring that the day-to-day operations of the church are consistent with the strategic goals and policies established by the board.
Authority: These are created and managed by the church staff, who are responsible for carrying out the daily activities of the church in a manner that aligns with the established policies.

Guides

Purpose: Guides are practical, step-by-step instructions that help staff, volunteers, and members to enact the procedures. They are designed to ensure that specific tasks and processes are carried out effectively and consistently across the church.
Authority: Developed and maintained by staff or designated teams, these guides provide the necessary detail to support the implementation of procedures and, by extension, the policies and Bylaws.