Less Time in Meetings, More Time for Ministry

What if our governance structure made it easier to say “yes” to new ministry ideas? That’s the question before our church as we consider moving from a multi-committee model to a streamlined leadership structure—the goal: less duplication, stronger communication, and more energy for living out our mission.

Currently, general oversight of the church resides in the Board of Stewards, as specified in the Book of Discipline. The board has 15 members, most of whom chair other operational governance groups(e.g., Finance, SPRC, Trustees, and Lay Leadership). While this structure has enabled lay governance for decades, it also presents some barriers to communication, efficiency, and ministry.

In 2016, the Book of Discipline added a provision that permits churches to adjust their organizational structure to meet mission and ministry goals. Since then, an alternate structure—the Simplified Accountable Structure—has emerged as a streamlined but representative alternative to the traditional multi-committee model. It features a unified Leadership Council of nine members and synthesizes the functions of the Board of Stewards, SPRC, Finance, and Trustees. A separate Committee on Nominations and Leadership Development operates independently and serves as a governing check-and-balance. Features of the structure include a strategic, holistic approach, rapid response to emerging needs, support of ministry-focused work groups, and robust communication and transparency.

The Board of Stewards began research and conversations about this structure in 2022, and this year is considering it with intentionality. Thought, prayer, and discernment are vital to the process. In May, the board approved the formation of a new task force to lead the congregation in the discernment process. Board chair Ginny McMurray appointed Kelly Jackson, Stuart Mackey, Phil Reemes, Liz Russell, and Eric Zenor.

Over the next two months, we want to share our findings and get feedback from you. We will be visiting small groups as well as holding two churchwide listening sessions in the chapel at 10:00 a.m.September 21 and October 12. If you would like for a member of the task force to visit your group or visit with you one-on-one, contact any of us at news@fumclr.org.

Liz Russell
Kelly Jackson
Stuart Mackey
Phil Reemes
Eric Zenor