From the 2016 Book of Discipline – Alternative Structure ¶ 247.2
The charge conference, the district superintendent, and the pastor, when a pastor has been appointed, shall organize and administer the pastoral charge and churches according to the policies and plans herein set forth. When the membership size, program scope, mission resources, or other circumstances so require, the church conference may, in consultation with and upon the approval of the district superintendent, modify the organizational plans, provided that the provisions of ¶ 243 are observed.
Churches are encouraged to develop a church management structure that best serves the mission and ministry of the congregation in accordance with the Book of Discipline and in conversation with the people of the church and your district superintendent. Many of our churches have been in this process and are seeing the rewards of a streamlined structure.
Approved Single Board Structure Process in the Great Plains
September – December
Express interest in exploring Single Board process to the District Superintendent
Processes begin with a DS. DS approved exploring the model. Yes/No List
Yes - DS asks church to be trained.
No - In the middle of conflict, appointment changes, capital campaign
DS gives permission to pastor, lay leader and church council chair explore single board.
January –February – Discerning – What is the Single Board Model?
Live Trainings In-Person or Zoom (Training 1)
Standard Sample Charter for this review give it up front
Option to watch videos for the beginning of discernment
Entire church knows why the change of leadership structure
Written Statement of why want to change to a single board model to DS
April – November
Implementation Training for Structure & Nominations (Training 2)
Template for Single Board Model to be sent out
For churches worshiping more than 50, district coaches join in implementation training can be available to help contextualize. Coaching money comes from district and determines the duration the coaching relationship.
DS calls and attend Special Charge Conference to vote to adopt towards Single Board – Template on Resolution
October – November
Nominations are ready to be voted during regular Charge Conference
Beginning new leadership structure on January 1
*Special Training – newly appointed pastors who are going into a Single Board Model in April – September.
Join any of the trainings in your area:
More information & registration forms coming soon
January 11 at 11:30am – 1:30pm CST – Shelton UMC
January 10 at 9:00am – 12:00pm MT – Gering UMC
January 11 at 3:00pm – 5:00pm CST – Grand Island First–Faith UMC
