How well the church runs and how well we use the time of our paid and volunteer staff is crucial to the quality of life at First Parish. Our governance model aims at roles and strategic and operational effectiveness for the church. This three-tiered governance model includes:
- A Parish Board to meet monthly on policy, long-term planning, and finance.
- A Leadership Team headed by the senior minister to meet monthly to act on the day-to-day level decisions and church operations.
- A Parish Council of committee chairs to meet quarterly to support committee work and coordinate programs.
The focus of the Parish Board is to deal with all matters having to do with strategy, policy, and the stewardship of church assets. The Leadership Team focuses on operational matters germane to the successful, day-to-day running of the church. The Parish Council supports the successful functioning of committees and provides a forum for coordination and communications.
Leadership Team
Purpose
To provide operational management of First Parish in accordance with the annual plan and budget (membership approved), policies (board approved) and long-range plan (membership approved).
Members
- Senior Minister, Chair
- Minister of Faith Development
- Director of Faith Development for Children
- President of Parish Board
- Chair of Parish Council (appointed by the Parish Board)
- Treasurer
- Church administrator
- Other staff at the Senior Minister’s discretion
Meetings
A minimum of once a month during the church year.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Coordinate work of staff and volunteers to ensure optimal performance in all areas of church operations and ensure the successful fulfillment of projects, programs and initiatives.
- Manage the church calendar.
- Establish agendas for Parish Council meetings.
- Approve any use of the contingency line item (annual budget) to cover unanticipated expenditures.
- Provide the Board with a quarterly review of performance to budget.
- Request Board action on any significant changes in the operating budget due to unforeseen emergencies or opportunities.
- Lead and coordinate the preparation of the annual plan and budget.
- Form and oversee task forces of volunteers and staff, as needed, to address particular operational issues or needs.
A record of items discussed and actions taken will be provided to the Clerk for the permanent records.
Parish Council
Purpose
Council promotes communication and coordination between Church Committees regarding church programs, scheduling, and the development of the annual operating plan and budget and supports the committees in carrying out their work.
Members
- Council Chair (appointed by the Parish Board)
- Senior Minister
- Minister of Faith Development
- Director of Faith Development for Children
- Committee Chairs (or their delegate)
Meetings
Council shall meet at least three times during the church program year. Meetings are open to all church members and friends.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Council Chair: Develops agenda in coordination with the Leadership Team. Schedules and orchestrates Council meetings.
- Committee Chairs & Staff: Submit requests for the annual budget during the budget shaping process. During the year, budget requests for items not covered by the approved budget should be submitted to the Treasurer for approval consideration by the appropriate authority.