Directions to QCUMC

Administrative Council to a Unified Leadership Board

Effective January 2022, the leadership structure of Queen’s Chapel changed from an Administrative Council to a Unified Leadership Board. While not explicitly addressed by name, this simplified model is permitted by the Book of Discipline (BOD) ¶ 247.2. Also, it is the preferred method of leadership in the Baltimore-Washington Conference. The church members unanimously accepted the transition to the Unified Board leadership model and approved it by the District Superintendent during the October 2021 Church Conference.

Why the Change?

Queen’s Chapel is now considered a mid-size church by the Baltimore-Washington Conference and is expected to operate as such. Too much time was consumed by meetings and discussions but no action. Churches in this Conference have used This leadership model for over ten years. It is like the decision-making processes of successful corporations. This change was needed to fulfill our vision of becoming “Kingdom-Focused and Disciple Strong.” It was determined that we needed to create an environment where our members freed up enough to have the opportunity to make a spiritual impact in both the community and the world.

Unified Board Design and Responsibilities.

The Board replaces members of the four administrative committees (SPRC, Finance, Trustees, Council) and serves as the decision-making body for programs, projects, financial commitments, and ministry activities. Former committee members may continue to work in their specialty areas but will operate as a ministry. Matters are brought to the attention of the Board through the CIA. The Board meets quarterly, approximately two weeks before the quarterly Congregational Meeting. Board. Minutes from the board meetings can be made available to the congregation upon request. Selected personnel matters (addressed formerly by SPRC) may be excluded from the general minutes.

Church in Action (CIA) Teams. There are five ministry teams, of which all approved ministries shall be aligned. Additionally, there is an administrative team. They are “Church in Action (CIA) Teams. CIA teams are described by using the five elements of the Mission statement. For clarification, they are called Gracious Hospitality, Praise & Worship, Biblical Faith Development, Outreach & Evangelism, and Faithful Generosity.

Each CIA team has an assigned coordinator. Coordinators are responsible for ensuring projects and programs are executed under the guidelines established by the QCUB.

Relationship between the Mission, the Board, and the church’s Members.

The chart on this page shows the operational relationship between the various entities of the church. This is a fluid design and may change as we continue working under this form of leadership. There is also a ministerial relationship between the Mission, the ministries, and the board. The Mission and vision are the driving forces behind what is accomplished at Queen’s Chapel. The successful operation of active ministries is critical for the church to execute its Mission. Related ministries have been grouped into five Church in Action (CIA) teams. (See Church in Action teams below.)

Current Board Members (2023)

Rev. Butler (who sets the tone and priorities of the Board); Deborah Carr (chairperson); Lester Gross III (ministry emphasis); Jackie Bethune (finance emphasis); Kenneth Johnson (finance emphasis); Maurice Gadsden (facilities emphasis); Anita Burton (designated Trustee); Dr. Bernadette Johnson-Williams (liaison between CIA teams and Rev. Butler); Sondra Stevenson (outreach emphasis); Samantha James (human relations emphasis); Sheri Melvin (human relations emphasis).

Queen’s Chapel’s Unified Board

The Board will be responsible for 1) performing duties under the provisions of the BOD; 2) Ensuring church activities are performed in keeping with the Vision and Mission of the church; 3) Documenting the policies and procedures of the church; 4) Monitoring the revenue and expenses to ensure the budget supports them; and 5) Approving the continuations and/or start of QCUMC ministries.

Ministries

All ministries are constantly being reviewed to determine if they are functioning under the Vision and Mission of the church. The reevaluation process takes place annually, and I reported by the Board Chairperson before the church conference. No ministry projects, programs, or events will take place without approval from the CIA Liaison and the Senior Pastor. Administrative matters may be brought before the entire board is implemented or approved.

The District Superintendent approved these persons at the October 2021 church conference. The Senior Pastor and the CLM are permanent board members assigned to Queen’s Chapel. All other members are limited to rotational term limits and are identified by the Nominations & Leadership Development Committee.