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Governance Dynamics

Authority, Responsibility, Accountability

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Session 1 – What We Heard

Congregation wants to retain, and slightly expand, authority over certain issues.
Strong support for a governing board as the church’s primary oversight body.
Board authority should be clearly defined, accountable, and strategic—not operational.
Trust depends on strong systems, transparency, and clear accountability.
Key concerns include poor communication, unclear roles, and weak accountability.
Desire for clearer processes, stronger conflict resolution, and regular communication.

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Input – Not Decisions

Today is about hearing how we want to structure the authority, responsibility, and accountability for Century Baptist Church.

The input today will help the Transition Team develop changes to the Constitution and Bylaws for consideration by the congregation.

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Input – Focus on Function

We have intentionally stayed away from labeling the structure, instead we are focused on the how the structure should function.

We are using examples from a more detailed list to lead the session today. There will be opportunities for you to provide input on a broader list of items.

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Authority

Where does the decision reside?

Who may approve, direct, set boundaries, or make the final call?

Responsibility

Who does the work?

Who plans, implements, supervises, manages, communicates, or executes?

Accountability

How is faithfulness, health, stewardship, and performance reviewed?

Who receives reports and responds?

Authority without accountability can become control.

Responsibility without authority can create frustration.

Accountability without clarity can become conflict instead of stewardship.

Definitions

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Question -

For each area of church life, where should each of these three functions primarily sit?

Options
Congregation
Board*
Elders
Deacons
Lead Pastor
Staff
Other

*Current board is Elder only

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Functional Areas

Area
Mission & Vision
Doctrine & Spiritual Oversight
Ministries & Programs
Staffing & Leadership
Finances & Stewardship
Facilities & Property

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Mission & Vision

	Authority	Responsibility	Accountability
Development of mission and vision
Approval of mission and vision
Planting of new church/campus

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Doctrine & Spiritual Oversight

	Authority	Responsibility	Accountability
Protects Biblical faithfulness
Major position statements
Discipleship process

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Ministries & Programs

	Authority	Responsibility	Accountability
Start, change, stop ministry
Evaluates impact
Ensures alignment to mission
Number of church services

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Staffing & Leadership

	Authority	Responsibility	Accountability
Hiring/Removing of Lead Pastor
Hiring/Removing of other Pastors
Hiring/Removing Ministry Leaders
Selection of Elders
Selection of Deacons
Creating Policies

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Finances & Stewardship

	Authority	Responsibility	Accountability
Develops budget
Approves budget
Financial reporting
Taking on debt

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Facilities & Property

	Authority	Responsibility	Accountability
Regular maintenance
Improvements within budget
Improvements beyond budget
Use of space