1. All written policy should indicate who has the authority to approve mediation
and, how and where to inquire to address a questions or complaint.
2. Understand, when policies are not clearly communicated, assumptions
arise between individuals that spell ‘unforeseen problems’.
‘Individual will take matters into their own hands’.
3. There should be a specific location for discovery concerning all
standing policies.
4. All documents should include the origination of all established ministry
policies. Who drafted it. Who authorized it. The date of authorization.
A stated reference of origination is also wise--
‘our bylaws state’,
‘under the church constitution’,
‘the board has amended’,
‘It is the decision of the pastoral staff’, ‘
‘This is an executive decision by the senior pastor or ministry
leader’ etc.
5. When a ministry encompasses a large regional area, it is wise to
compose a ministry policy manual with specific instructions how to perform
ministry.
6. Understand a failure to communicate standing policy will give rise
to dissension and confusion, especially among leadership when something
goes wrong.
7. Understand that an ongoing, on the spot decision making policy opens
the door to vulnerability and resentment among the leadership because
no one will know who has authority to do what.
8. A standing procedure should be in place to create or change policy
when needed. Open round table discussions will allow a platform for
creative non-confrontive solutions when a legal board is not in place.
This format will defuse unwanted tensions among individuals laboring
together in ministry.
9. A mailing notification should be addressed to all ministry participants
concerning a change in policy. It is wise to identify a location where
changes are regularly posted with additional sheets for staff members
and ministry participants.
