Written by Liz Buckingham

Earlier this year, HAUMC members adopted a streamlined church governance structure [more information here] and then approved the slate of Governance Board members [more information here]. To promote accountability, clarity, and transparency, the Governance Board has established Guiding Principles. Please click here to access them. The three-part Guiding Principles function as a starting point and we anticipate them evolving over time.

Part One of the Guiding Principles describes the Mission Principles. The Mission Principles consist of HAUMC’s existing mission, vision, and reconciling statement plus HAUMC’s core values, practices, and distinctive qualities. When HAUMC updates any of the Mission Principles, the Governance Board will update the Guiding Principles to reflect the updates.

Part Two of the Guiding Principles defines the Boundary Principles. The Boundary Principles define the limits of our Lead Pastor’s authority. Within these limits, the Lead Pastor will use her judgment and discernment to achieve the annual church goals that she will set with the Governance Board beginning in 2025.

Part Three of the Guiding Principles identifies the Accountability Principles. The Accountability Principles describe the application process and term limits as well as the duties shared by all members and those specific to certain members. They detail how meetings will be conducted and what our governance style will be. They contain a behavioral covenant that each member has separately signed. Please click here to access the separate Member Covenant. Finally, the Accountability Principles explain the process of annual goal setting and then how the Lead Pastor and the Governance Board will be held accountable for their performance.

We will provide an overview of the Guiding Principles including the Member Covenant at the November 10th Church Conference. For more information about the Governance Board, please visit us here at the HAUMC website.