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