ALCS Governance Concept of Operation

Outline Why policy-based governance? The Carver governance model. Functional relationships and duties. “Ends Policies.”

Why policy-based governance? Two governance models are common in the church: Board and Policy-based Board governance requires church members to take direct responsibility for all operational decisions. OK for small organizations and expenditures Inefficient for large operations (> 500 members; > $500k) Policy-based governance shifts day-to-day operational decisions to the paid staff overseen by a governing board (MMG) elected by Voters to act in their stead.

ALCS Governance follows the “Carver Model” Principle 1: The Trust in Trusteeship. The board of a nonprofit or public organization represents the ownership of the organization. It governs on behalf of all the affected persons who are not seated at the board table. It must therefore establish, maintain, clarify, and protect its relationship with the organization's “owners.” Principle 3: Board Decisions Should Predominantly Be Policy Decisions. Board policies should be the expression of a board’s soul. They should embody the board’s beliefs, commitments, values and vision. The board must address the largest or broadest values in four categories: Ends. The board defines which customer results are to be achieved, for whom, and at what cost. Executive limitations. The board establishes the boundaries of acceptability within which methods and activities can responsibly be left to staff. These limiting policies apply to staff means rather than to ends. Board-staff linkage. The board clarifies the manner in which it delegates authority to staff as well as how it evaluates staff performance on achievement of the ends and executive limitations policies. Governance process. The board determines its philosophy, its accountability, and the specifics of its own job.

ALCS Constitutional Purpose for the MMG The Mission and Ministry Group, as the chief governing Council of the congregation, shall act in all matters pertaining to the legal and general welfare of the congregation, except those reserved for the Voters’ Assembly which are: 1. Call or remove a called worker. 2. Purchase or sell church property or buildings valued over 5% of the annual expense budget. 3. Incur a non-budgeted emergency expense valued over 5% of the annual expense budget. 4. Adopt the Annual Financial Plan. 5. Election of Officers and Mission & Ministry Team members. 6. Approval of amendments to Constitution and ByLaws.

Powers of the MMG The Mission and Ministry Group's responsibility is generally confined to establishing topmost policies, leaving implementation and subsidiary policy development to the Senior Pastor. All board authority delegated to staff is delegated through the Senior Pastor. The Senior Pastor is to provide regular reports to the Mission and Ministry Group on the status of all operations. As authorized by the Mission and Ministry Group, the ministry staff shall conduct the day-to-day business of the congregation.

ALCS Relationships are defined by the Constitution… Voters Status Reporting Election Election, Mission, & Budget Policy, Mission, & Budget Call Supervise & Support Sr Pastor (CEO) MMG Elders Policy, Mission, & Budget Appoint & Oversee Supervise & Direct Execute & Support Boards & Teams Staff

Exec Committee formed for internal coordination SP/CEO, Head Elder, President Meets regularly to coordinate activities in a small group discussion. Carry recommendations back to Boards/Staff for further work, discussion, and action. Used to improve communication among leaders

16 “Ends Policies” have been developed to guide our ministry Describe the mission, and outcomes or results to be achieved by the ministry of ALCS through the Chief Executive Officer/Senior Pastor (CEO/SP) under the direction of the Mission and Ministry Group (MMG). Allows the MMG to balance & prioritize plans and resources in accordance with considerations of “what benefits, for what people, at what cost.” These policies will be evaluated and adjusted over time.

ALCS Ends Policies Tree: SP/CEO reports progress monthly

Questions and Discussion Email the church president at church.president@ascensiontucson.org