The board governs through writing, deliberating, and approving policies, not micro-managing or rubber-stamping. It creates "outcome" policies based on myriad sources, including most importantly our bylaws. (For more information about outcome policies, see "Anatomy of an Outcome.") The board also sets "means" policies, limitations on how outcomes may be implemented. The means policies set legal and prudent boundaries, encourage communication, and require monitoring. The result is to free up the boundless creativity and efficiency of the highly professional and able staff and volunteers.

The board does not micro-manage the specifics of how the staff or committees go about achieving the desired outcomes. Disentangling the board from day-to-day management issues allows the board freedom to do more "big picture" thinking, and to act as leaders of the church as opposed to managers—a benefit not just to the board but to the staff and the congregation as a whole.