Last June, Parish Board created the Governance Advisory Task Force to explore the possibility of revising our bylaws and adjusting our governance structures. Since then we have consulted, researched, and reflected deeply on the relative merits of sticking with the status quo versus embarking on change. Task force members include Jen V., Teresa C., Jack D., and Lisa S. and, in earlier stages, Simon H. and Robin T. We became persuaded that substantial, but discerning, change would empower and preserve what we love about Follen. To that end, we have drafted a “directional” proposal that envisions a simpler and more comprehensible governance structure with a robust architecture for the operational work of ministry.

Both Parish Board and Program Council have provided significant input into the creation of the proposal, and at their March 17 meeting, we were delighted that Parish Board unanimously approved the directional proposal to be shared more widely with the congregation for discussion. Many crucial details still need to be worked out in an extensive, inclusive process next church year. We have started a list of Questions/Topics to be addressed next church year if the directional proposal advances.

Now it’s your turn. We will be holding in-person discussion sessions on Sunday, March 30 and Sunday, April 13 after worship to answer any questions you may have and to collect feedback on areas that need further refinement. You can also provide feedback through an online feedback form. (Please see Follen for You for links to sign up or give feedback.)

Please consider the following questions:

• Do you feel this proposed alternative governance structure could work more effectively at Follen than the current structure? Why or why not?
• In addition to the proposed topics and draft questions we provided, are there other areas of inquiry we should focus on for improvement?

If enough of you agree with this direction, the directional proposal, with suggested revisions, will be approved at the Annual Meeting on May 18. And we’ll all get down to business building the next iteration of Follen’s governance. The church year from September 2025 through May 2026 will be used to develop an implementation plan for the following church year.