Our Church Governance

About Policy Governance

In 2007 FUCSJ adopted the Policy-based governance model, which separated governing decisions into "ends" and "means." Ends relate to the difference we intend to make in people’s lives. Means, on the other hand, include practices, methods, conduct, and other activities done as we try to achieve the ends. The Board decides the ends based on the congregation's values and vision. The Program and Operations Council is charged with the means: the on-going operations of the Church that implement the ends. The Board tells the POC what means are not acceptable. That is, the Board does not tell the POC how to do its job, but what limits must be observed as the POC determines the best way to get the job done. These limits on means primarily relate to what the Board feels would be an improper use of people or assets. The Board does not exist to look over everyone's shoulders about small management issues. Instead, the church Board's first and most compelling challenge is to pull together an unbiased aggregate of congregational ideas, intentions, and aspirations.

By laws (pdf)

Policies:

Ends (pdf)

Limitations (pdf)

Linkage (pdf)

About Policy Governance (pdf)