Governance Toolkit

What is Changing

Understanding the transition to Ministry Areas and what it means for governance in your local church communities.

• The vision behind Ministry Areas
• Timeline and transition process
• What stays the same, what's new
• Your role in the change

Why the Change

The theological and practical foundations for restructuring our diocesan mission and ministry.

• Collaborative ministry model
• Sustainability and resilience
• Mission-focused governance
• Sharing gifts and resources

Ministry Area Council (MAC)

The core governing body of the Ministry Area: structure, membership, and responsibilities.

• Constitution and legal status
• Membership and election
• Meeting requirements
• Decision-making processes
• Trustee responsibilities

Ministry Area Executive (MAE)

The executive body handling day-to-day decisions and urgent matters between MAC meetings.

• Membership and composition
• Powers and limitations
• Reporting to MAC

Ministry Area Team (MAT)

Clergy and licensed ministers working together across the Ministry Area.

• Team membership
• Collaborative working
• Relationship with MAC

Finance Sub-Committee

Oversight of financial planning, budgeting, and compliance across the Ministry Area.

• Terms of reference
• Financial responsibilities
• Budget preparation
• Reporting requirements

Property Sub-Committee

Managing church buildings, halls, and other property assets across the Ministry Area.

• Property responsibilities
• Maintenance planning
• Faculty applications
• Insurance and compliance

Church Committees

Local church committees maintaining connection and care for individual worship communities.

• Role and relationship to MAC
• Local responsibilities
• Communication pathways

Additional Sub-Committees

Forming working groups for specific areas: worship, mission, safeguarding, communications, and more.

• When to form a sub-committee
• Setting clear terms of reference
• Accountability to MAC

Ministry Area Leader (MAL)

Leading the vision and mission of the Ministry Area, chairing MAC, and oversight of ministry.

MAC Members

Charity trustee responsibilities, governance duties, and active participation in decision-making.

MA Treasurer

Financial management, budgeting, accounts preparation, and compliance with charity law.

MA Secretary

Organizing meetings, keeping minutes, maintaining records, and ensuring good communication.

MA Administrator

Day-to-day administrative support, correspondence, and coordination across the Ministry Area.

MA Safeguarding Co-ordinator

Ensuring safeguarding policies are implemented and maintained across all churches.