Frequently Asked Questions 

(The Simplified Accountable Structure explained)

The First United Methodist Church is exploring a new leadership model. Here are some questions and answers about that model.

  1. Which positions can be combined for one person on the Board to hold?
    Most positions can be combined as long as the minimum number is elected. The Lay Leader; Lay Member to Annual Conference, S/PRR Chair and Trustee Chair must be designated but could all be the same person.
  1. Is there an absolute minimum number for the board?
    Nine is the standard and recommended minimum. Very small congregations may be able to have a Leadership Board of six, composed of two individuals in each three-year class at the discretion of their district superintendent.
  1. Does the pastor have a vote?
    No. Because the Leadership Board’s work switches role quickly from Disciplinary committee to committee, we recommend that the pastor not vote in order to preserve clarity and unity in the Board.
  1. Can family members serve together on the Board?
    Per the Book of Discipline, family members cannot serve on the Board together. If it cannot be avoided, the family members may need to excuse themselves from the room or not vote on issues with potential conflict of interest. Staff and family of staff cannot serve on the Board.
  1. Should staff (paid or unpaid) serve on the Board?
    No
  2. Who should take notes at the meeting?
    Someone can be assigned or elected to take notes – who is not on the Board. That person could also be selected from the existing members of the Board; a person recruited outside the Board to take notes (needs to be excluded from S/PPR conversations).
  3. Are the Financial Secretary and Treasurer required to be on the Board?
    No, but they can be. The recommendation and best practice are for them not to be on the Board.
  4. Which position on the Board serves as the liaison to the district superintendent for Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committee purposes?
    It is recommended that the Board Chair serve as the S/PPRC liaison to the DS.
  1. Are there still three year terms and classes?
     One third of the Board will roll off each year. The first three classes, if/when the new Board is formed, will be staggered (i.e. class “A” will serve for one year, class “B” for two years, and class “C” for three years).
  2. Is the Board self-nominated?
     There is still a requirement that there be a separate Committee on Nominations and Leadership Development to nominate the Board members.
  3. How long can a person serve on the Board?
    Board members serve a three-year term. All members are serving as S/PPR, Trustees and Finance. It is recommended that they roll off after every three-year term. After being off the Board for a year, the person can roll back onto the Board if elected.
  4. Are United Methodist Men, United Women in Faith, and Youth Representatives required to be on the Board?
    If the church has these groups, a member of that group may serve if requested on the Board as a leader of the local congregation.
  5. How many must be present to take an official vote?
    What requires an official vote? A quorum is whoever is present. In most cases, a simple majority of Leadership Board members attending approves a motion.
  6. How is the Trustee Chair elected or appointed as required by the corporate resolution?
    At the first meeting of the new year, the Board will elect as Trustee Chair to satisfy the corporate resolution requirement.
  7. If a church moves to the simplified, accountable structure, how does ministry happen?
    Even though the restructuring occurs, ministry teams are still needed and in place. Fewer people on the Board means more people are available to do ministry.
  8. Do I need approval from my DS to move to the simplified structure?
     A letter from the pastor and Council Chair requesting to move to simplified structure to the DS is the first step.
  9. Where can I find information on simplified structure in the Book of Discipline?
    247.2 in the 2020/2024 edition.
  10. Who can attend meetings?
    Congregation members are always invited to attend the meetings, but do not have a voice or vote. When the Board needs to move to an executive session to address S/PPRC matters or to consider legal negotiations, these church members will need to be excused.
  11. How often will the Leadership Board meet?
    It is recommended they meet once a quarter but could meet more often as needed.
  12. Does the Leadership Board replace Church Council?
    Yes, the Leadership Team is a nine-member team who serves as the Church Council + Trustees + S/PPRC + Finance. Church governance would consist of the Leadership Team and the Nominations Committee.
  13. Is there a Lay Leader on the Leadership Board?
    Yes, a Lay Leader still serves as well as the Lay Member to Annual Conference; SPPRC Chair, and Trustee Chair must be designated, but could be a member who serves as more than one of these roles.
  14. Does the Church Conference or the Charge Conference approve of the members of the Leadership Board?
    Members of the Leadership Board are nominated by the Nominations Committee and approved by either a Church Conference or the Charge Conference, which is our current approval process. The approval process of elected leaders does not change under the SAS model.
  15. Who sets up a work team for a special mission?
    The Leadership Board has the responsibility to approve work teams for both long and short-term missions. The Leadership Board approves mission work and approves any associated budget needed.
  16. What is the process for going forward with the implementation of a SAS model of governance?
    On June 18th, the Exploration Team will present to the Church Council and explain the SAS model. They may also at that time make a recommendation to the council about what was learned from previous presentations and if they think the congregation is open to adopting this leadership model. If the Church Council votes to move forward with this model, our District Superintendent Tom Long will be contacted, and a Church Conference would be called (potentially) in late August 2026 for a church-wide vote. All members of the congregation would have a vote.
  17. Have other churches adopted the SAS?
    Yes, this is not a new alternative structure, just new to us.
  18. What if someone is unable to complete their obligation to the Leadership Board?
    The Nominating Committee will be responsible for filling that position.
  19. What about our homebound members?
    We are available to present this information to them.