A Sample Structure

The local church structure presented here is purely optional. Your church has no obligation to follow it. The Discipline states clearly that churches are free to develop the structure that best fits their needs and situation.

Many UB churches use a commission structure similar to the one presented here. This sample structure is provided only as a source of ideas as your church formulates a structure best suited for your church and community. The number of commissions, their titles, the personnel, the position titles, the areas of responsibility--you don't have to follow any of it. But perhaps this will help get you started.

Evangelism and Discipleship Commission

Suggested Personnel. The elected chairperson, and four persons appointed by the board.

Areas of Responsibility. Any evangelism and/or discipleship ministry, any spiritual renewal emphasis, and other areas of ministry as assigned by the board.

Missions Commission

Suggested Personnel. The elected chairperson, president of the WMF, president of Masters Men International, and two persons appointed by the board. (If the elected chairperson is president of either the WMF or Master's Men International, the board could perhaps appoint three persons.)

Areas of Responsibility. Missions conferences, self-denial emphases, thank offerings, mission work teams, and other areas of ministry assigned by the board.

Worship and Music Commission

Suggested Personnel. The elected chairperson, pastor, and three persons appointed by the local board.

Areas of Responsibility. Ushers, greeters, children's worship, choir, organist, pianist, special music, and other areas of ministry as assigned by the local board.

Christian Education Commission

Suggested Personnel. The elected chairperson, Sunday school superintendent/director of Christian education, youth sponsor, and two persons appointed by the local board. (If the elected chairperson is either the Sunday school superintendent/director of Christian education or the youth sponsor, the board could possibly appoint three persons.)

Areas of Responsibility. Sunday school, youth, VBS, singles, camping, senior adults, family, children's ministries, and other areas of ministry as assigned by the board.

Spiritual Care Commission

Suggested Personnel. The elected chairperson, lay leader, pastor, and two persons appointed by the board.

Areas of Responsibility. Visitation, deacons' work, social concerns, food pantry, and other areas of ministry as assigned by the board.

This commission also oversees areas related to membership. This may include interviewing and recommending persons for membership, conducting membership classes, correcting the membership roll, and the discipline and restoration of members.

Property Commission

Suggested Personnel. The elected chairperson, and four persons appointed by the board.

Areas of Responsibility. Care for all physical property needs--including the insuring, maintaining, and protection of all property--and other areas of ministry as assigned by the board.

Finance Commission

Suggested Personnel. The elected chairperson, church treasurer, and three persons appointed by the board.

Areas of Responsibility. All financial policies and procedures, pastor's salary and benefits, annual budget, the annual audit of church records, stewardship emphasis, and other areas of responsibility as assigned by the board.

The Finance Commission could name a financial secretary from the church membership. This person receives and records all offerings received for the support of the local and benevolent budget, provides for the counting of these funds by two or more persons, and keeps a confidential record of individual contributions given by envelope or check.

Personnel Relations Commission

Suggested Personnel. The elected chairperson, the chairman of the delegates, and three persons appointed by the board.

Areas of Responsibility.

a. Serve as a conferring and counseling committee to the pastor and other employed personnel.

b. Be sensitive to the relationship between the pastor and the local church.

c. Cultivate the pastor-church relationship.

d. Interpret to the congregation the nature and function of the pastoral office.

e. Make recommendations to the Finance Commission concerning the pastor's salary and benefits.

f. Make recommendations to the board concerning vacation, pulpit supply, and attendance at conventions and seminars.

g. Cooperate with the stationing committee in securing a pastor when the need arises.

h. Make recommendations to the board concerning job descriptions of other employed personnel.