ACCOUNTABILITY PRINCIPLES The responsibility of the Executive Council before God, on behalf of people in Geneva, the surrounding region and the world who need to know Christ and grow to be like Him, is to see that First Baptist Church, through the leadership of its senior pastor, (1) achieves the fulfillment of its Ministry Goals, and (2) avoids violation of its Boundary Principles. AP1
AP2
As of April 15, 2014
Stewardship to Christ for Those He Calls Us to Serve The Executive Council shall maintain an active connection with the attendees of the church, Christ and the community he has called this church to serve. AP1.1
Seek Guidance Through Prayer and the Word of God Under the teaching and guidance of God’s Word, the Executive Council will continually seek the wisdom and leading of Christ as the Lord of the church.
AP1.2
Community Research and Public Relations The Executive Council will continually enhance its understanding of the needs of people in the community and to enhance the church’s reputation of service to the community.
AP1.3
Church Feedback and Assessment The Executive Council will monitor feedback from attendees, to better understand their needs. Annually the Executive Council will conduct a minimum of two town hall meetings. Every five years or less the Executive Council will arrange a full church assessment by a competent consulting group.
Executive Council Conduct The Executive Council shall conduct itself with discipline and integrity with regard to its own process of governance. AP2.1
Executive Council Style The Executive Council will govern with an emphasis on 1. Outward vision rather than internal preoccupation 2. Encouragement of diversity in viewpoints 3. Strategic leadership more than administrative detail 4. Clear distinction of council and staff roles 5. Collective rather than individual decisions 6. Future focus rather than past or present 7. Proactive rather than reactive
AP2.2
The Work of the Executive Council The essential responsibilities of the Executive Council are: 1. Serve as representatives of the congregation 2. Establish policy in the form of Guiding Principles 3. Review By-laws & Guiding Principles regularly 6