From the Board: How Can We Improve?

We are in the thick of the interim period and Rev. Greg is beginning to help us examine our congregation. As board president, one thing that I have observed while on the board, is this:

We are a lively community, holding a wide range of activities and our Sunday mornings are abuzz with life and joy. We donate thousands of volunteer hours to make everything happen—our social justice work, our Rummage Sale, our religious education, & so much more.

But one place that I think we could improve is this–we could treat our staff better. I’ve heard this observation from several congregants, too.

Policy governance reminds us (the board and the congregants) that we are not the supervisors of the ministers or the staff. The Board monitors the staff & ministers and we ask them to help us work toward our Ends and mission.  We provide them with limitations (things like “the senior minister must not fail to maintain appropriate policies for risk management, safety, and security.” But that’s it. I am not supposed to walk up to Greg and say, “This new pilot for RE is all wrong—let’s change it,” for example. We can suggest ideas, or he (or any staff member/minister) can ask for our advice or opinion, but we are not their bosses.

So, please, be considerate about this. If you are not clear about who does what around here, simply ask, but be kind. The tone is important. Most of us are gracious, open-minded, and patient, but we have some folks who don’t understand policy governance and don’t generally approach the relationships in this manner. We also make mistakes–every last one of us. I, for one, have made my share of blunders and have been gently reminded to approach my “advice” in a different way. And although we have a great bunch of folks on staff, they also are not perfect – just like all of us.

Remember that our staff and minsters are dedicated and committed to UCE—just as we are.

Thanks for considering this and please, feel free to talk with me about this.

Jeanne Kerl

Board of Trustees, Chair