Simplified Board Structure

Single Board Governance

Simplified board structure moves churches from four administrative committees (trustees, finance, staff-parish relations, and church council) to one leadership board encapsulating all responsibilities and authority of the previous four separate administrative committees in compliance with the UMC Book of Discipline in Paragraph 247.2. 
 

Below is a compilation of resources to help churches discern and transition to the single board model. 
 

  • Basics of Single Board Governance Rev. Ashley Davis, Assistant to the Resident Bishop and Director of Connectional Ministries, explains the basics of the simplified board structure model- the what, when, why, and how. This video is a recording of a previous training for lay leadership in the AWFUMC. The PowerPoint Presentation used in this training may be found here.
     
  • “Ministry Leadership Models: N.O.W. and Single Governance Board Structure.” This one-hour webinar recording (2018) was led by Jacqui King, Director of Leadership for Congregational Vitality with Discipleship Ministries of the UMC. The video explores how leaders can build a ministry team that addresses the concerns/conditions of their congregation and community so people can grow in their spiritual life and discipleship. 
     
  • Simplified Accountable Structure This PDF workbook is made available by the United Methodists of Arkansas Center for Vitality. Based on the L3 Model of Loving, Learning, and Leading, this workbook gives an overview of implementing the simplified structure within a local congregation. 
     

  • United Methodist Local Church Committee and Officer Structures and Guidelines This PDF outlines the structure and job qualifications/descriptions as laid out in the Book of Discipline and General Board of Discipleship.

     

If your congregation has questions about a simplified board structure, please reach out to your District Superintendent.