Executive Committee Policy

Empty Chairs around a board meeting table
Huskies pulling a dog sled in the snow

Congregations often have unexpected issues that arise between board meetings that need immediate attention.

If your congregation has built a system of trust and transparency, you might consider empowering an "executive committee" to respond to situations that may arise between scheduled meetings of the full board of trustees.

Typical Executive Committees include the President/Moderator, Vice President/Vice Moderator, Secretary, the elected offer(s) with ultimate financial fiduciary responsibility (e.g Treasurer and/or Finance Committee chairs) and the senior minister as an ex-officio member (voting or non-voting according to your bylaws).

An Executive Committee typically conducts the current and ordinary business of the congregation between meetings of the Board of Trustees.

Sample Policy

  • If between meetings of the Board of Trustees, matters arise which, in the opinion of the Executive Committee,
    are not current and ordinary business but in the best interests of the congregation must nevertheless be acted upon,
    or the Executive Committee has been authorized by the Board to be acted upon, then the Executive Committee may act thereon for the Board of Trustees, but only if four or more members vote the action.