Vestry Role Description
General Job Descriptions for All Vestry Members
Vestry members should, to the best of their ability
• Have a love of God and demonstrate a commitment to following the way of Christ
• Be active in and knowledgeable about the congregation, its programs, and governance
• Be fair, interact well with people, and strive to earn the respect of the members of the congregation
• Commit themselves to the concept of partnership between vestry and clergy leaders, recognizing the success of an inclusive model of leadership relies on everyone's participation
• Offer talents to discern and support the congregation's mission and vision
• Be active ministers of the gospel in daily life and work
• Pledge financial support early in the annual or other campaign
Vestry members should be able to make the following time commitments
• Vestry meetings and committee work
• Vestry retreat
• Weekly worship services, rotating occasionally if more than one is offered
• Congregational events: coffee hours, meals, fundraisers, Christian formation programs, etc.
• Diocesan meetings as necessary
• Annual Meeting
Episcopal Church canons stipulate the vestry shall
• Be agents and legal representatives of the congregation in all matters concerning its corporate properties and the relations of the congregation to its clergy (Title I. Canon 14, Section 2).
• Ensure that standard business methods, as outlined in The Episcopal Church's Manual of Business Methods in Church Affairs, will be observed (Title I. Canon 7, Section 1).
• When a congregation is without a rector, the officers of the vestry are responsible for the continuation of worship, including the calling of a new rector (Title III. Canon 9, Section 3).
• The vestry has responsibility for nominating persons for holy orders (Title III. Canon 5, Section 2).
Vestry members are responsible for
• Bringing one's whole self to the table: being present in mind, body, and spirit
• Risking openness with one's ideas, beliefs, and desires
• Praying daily for the rector, leaders, and members of the congregation