Responsibilities of the Board
The responsibilities of the board should be set out in the bylaws. They should include the extent of the board's authority to act, those areas where committees may have authority to act, and those actions or decisions that the congregation reserves for itself. Many of these provisions are standard, but some particularities of congregational life can be spelled out in this section.Sample Provisions
Example 1: A Church Board shall administer and manage the business of the church. At each annual business meeting, the Church Board shall submit an operating budget for the coming fiscal year. The budgeted expenses may not exceed the anticipated income. Once a budget is approved, the Board may authorize and expend the funds as budgeted. The Board may reallocate funds, as long as the reallocation does not exceed ten percent (10%) of the approved budget. The membership must approve any expenditure or obligation for indebtedness that exceeds $5,000.00. The membership must also approve the purchase, sale, or mortgage of real property.
Example 2: The Board, subject to the prime authority of the congregation, is the principal policy forming and administrative body of the church. The Board has full authority and responsibility, except as limited by these bylaws, to act on the business and programs of the church.
Example 3: The Board of Trustees shall be the governing body of the Church. It shall: (a) establish and maintain short/long range goals, procedures and policies to govern the operating practices of the Church consistent with these bylaws; (b) have general charge of properties of the church; (c) employ staff as necessary; (d) appoint interim minister(s) in accordance with the Unitarian Universalist Association guidelines in the event that a called minister(s) leaves employment; (e) approve the appointment of community ministers or intern ministers in accordance with Church policies and procedures; (f) provide facilitation and liaison services as needed to Committees and Councils; (g) insure that prior notice is given on changes of policies or procedures to the affected membership. The Trustees shall not sell or otherwise dispose of or encumber the real estate of the Church without prior approval of the membership of the Church, nor shall they authorize aggregate expenditures or incur a total indebtedness in excess of five percent (5%) of the approved annual budget without approval by the membership of the Church. The disposal of bequests, devises or contributions within one year of acquisition shall not be considered as disposition of Church property or as expenditures subject to the limitations above. The Board of Trustees shall recognize the moral principle that all of its powers are subordinate to the will of the membership of the Church.
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Last updated on Monday, June 20, 2011.
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