BOARD of directors

how does a policy-based governance work?

ABOUT THE BOD

Overview

Royal Redeemer’s Board of Directors is under policy-based governance that sets the long-term vision, goals, and boundaries for Royal Redeemer’s ministry, while the Senior Pastor manages the day-to-day operations. The board's main functions include setting "ends" policies (desired outcomes), "executive limitations" policies (boundaries for the staff), and governing process policies (the board's own job). They are accountable to the congregation's members, represent them as stewards, and oversee the Senior Pastor's performance. The Board is made up of 9 congregants plus the Senior Pastor, with 3-year terms and a 2-term consecutive-limit with board members being voted in at the annual Congregation Voter’s Meeting in June. 

Key Responsibilities:



  • Strategic Direction: Sets the overall vision, mission, and goals for the congregation's ministry.
  • Policy Setting: Creates written policies that define the church's desired outcomes (ends) and the boundaries (executive limitations) within which the Senior Pastor and staff must operate.
  • Delegation & Accountability: Delegates the management of the ministry to the Senior Pastor, who is then accountable to the board.
  • Oversight & Monitoring: Monitors progress toward the defined goals and ensures the ministry operates within the established policies.
  • Financial & Legal Management: Supervises the congregation's legal and general business, including approving a yearly budget.
  • Congregational Representation: Listens to and represents the congregation, who are the ultimate stewards, by creating policies and monitoring progress that meet the Church’s mission.

How Policy-based Governance Changes the Role:


  • Shift from micromanagement to leadership: The board focuses on "what" should be accomplished rather than "how" it should be done, leaving the "how" to the church and school staff.
  • Clearer roles: This structure creates clear lines of accountability, with the board governing, the Senior Pastor leading the staff, and the staff carrying out the ministry.
  • Focus on outcomes: The board's success is measured by the achievement of the "ends" policies, not by the staff's direct management of every detail.