Information About the Upcoming Vote to Move to a Simplified Accountable Structure
At Hickory, we believe every structure in the church should help us do one thing well: make disciples of Jesus Christ and transform our community with His love. The Simplified Accountable Structure — or SAS — helps us do exactly that.
Instead of multiple committees meeting separately to handle administration, the SAS model brings key areas of leadership together into one unified Leadership Board. This Board oversees trustees, finance, and staff-parish functions, ensuring that our decisions are aligned with our mission and vision. Leaders who serve on the Board are chosen for their spiritual maturity, their heart for ministry, and their commitment to accountability.
Why make this shift?
Because we want to free our people for ministry.
By reducing layers of bureaucracy and streamlining decision-making, we are creating more space for prayer, discernment, and the work God calls us to do — from nurturing faith to empowering transformation within our community.
Our structure should never get in the way of our mission.
With SAS, we are better equipped to live it.
Want to know more:
A great article: https://um-insight.net/in-the-church/local-church/churches-find-simplified-structure-helps-accomplish-mission/
From UMC/Regional explanation: https://youtu.be/RL4XHn-6FZA?si=K80QOrXL-mC4gS2j (see first video below)
From Pastor Sarah/HUMC explanation: https://youtu.be/LgEtVX5zgKA (see second video below)