Structure and Expectations of the Vestry of The Church of The Good Shepherd

Good Shepherd Episcopal Church
Kingwood, Texas

Parish Handbook

Parish Handbook - Structure and Expectations of the Vestry

I. ELECTED CONGREGATIONAL LEADERS

A. Vestry members must affirm that,
     1. “I am persuaded that the Holy Scriptures contain all doctrine required for eternal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and accede to the Doctrine, Discipline, and Worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church.”
     2. Vestry candidates and members must also be enrolled Communicants in good standing of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, attend Church regularly, and be faithful in working, praying, and giving for the spread of the Kingdom of God.

B. Vestry supports the Rector in governance and spiritual leadership.|

C. Twelve elected leaders
     1. Serve 3 year terms
     2. Serve as wardens and liaisons
     3. Legal representatives of the parish in all matters concerning its corporate property and the relations of the Parish to its Clergy

D. Expectations of Vestry Members
     1. Conduct personal life in an exemplary fashion thus providing a role model for parishioners of all ages.
     2. Pray daily for spread of the Kingdom of God, programs and ministries of Good Shepherd and the Christian Church at large, leadership at all levels, parishioners in need, and peace in the world.
     3. Study the scripture on a regular basis taking advantage of adult education opportunities when possible.
     4. Attend services at least weekly including during vacation and travel.
     5. Pledge within capacity to do so and generally practice good stewardship of time, talent and treasure.
     6. Become knowledgeable and facilitate practices consistent with Church policies, processes, and practices through study and training. (See References.)
     7. Attend all Vestry meetings including special meetings for planning, budgeting, and annual campaigns. Attendance is assumed unless written notification is provided to the Rector, Senior Warden, and the Office Manager (email is satisfactory). Regular meetings are currently held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM.
     8. Whenever possible, schedule personal events such that significant Vestry meetings and commitments can be attended.
     9. Frequently attend church functions including special services.
   10. Help resolve issues brought to the Vestry and prayerfully formulate positions on each issue and take leadership in issue resolution.
   11. Abide by the policies, processes, and practices established by the Vestry (Ref. Parish Handbook).
   12. As a dedicated Christian, represent Good Shepherd and the Church at large to the Community in a positive and evangelistic manner (Ref. Good Shepherd prayer for evangelism).
   13. Attend and participate fully in the annual Vestry Retreat.
   14. Participate and take an active role in Vestry visioning workshops, mission determination, and goal setting meetings.
   15. Attend one or more Diocesan workshop or training event per year:
          a. Gathering of the Diocese
          b. Warden’s Conference
          c. Evangelism Conference
          d. Diocesan Church Conference (Size Dependent)
          e. Stewardship Conference
   16. Become aware of Diocesan and Church at large activities, issues, and events. Participate as required representing Good Shepherd in Diocesan forums and discussions.
   17. Communicate! Communicate! Communicate! Utilize established internal Vestry communication methods promptly and accurately including email, mailboxes, phone calls, or in person. Be ready to communicate to newcomers, parishioners, and staff at any time on the business of the Vestry and the Church. Participate in Newcomer Program actively.

II. OFFICERS OF THE VESTRY

A. Rector is Presiding Officer of Vestry

B. Wardens
     1. Senior Warden
          a. Selected by the Rector
          b. Chairs the Vestry in absence of the Rector
          c. Support person for the Rector
     2. Junior Warden
          a. Oversees maintenance and operation of church property and buildings
          b. Chairs Property Commission
          c. Serves as backup to the Senior Warden
     3. Treasurer
          a. May or may not be Vestry member
          b. Chairs Finance Committee
          c. Oversees financial record keeping
          d. Coordinates annual budget formulation
     4. Clerk
          a. May or may not be Vestry member
          b. Keeps minutes at Vestry meetings, collects and makes corrections to minutes, and provides corrected minutes for distribution in a timely manner
          c. Maintains Vestry Records and Parish Handbook
          d. Develops official documents and correspondence and coordinates signatures

III. LIAISON ROLES

A. Ministries and Areas of Emphasis
     1. Worship
     2. Youth and Young Adults
     3. Pastoral Care
     4. Fellowship and Service
     5. Christian Education
     6. Outreach
     7. Evangelism
     8. Stewardship
     9. Communication

B. Assignment and responsibilities
     1. One or more Ministry and Area of Emphasis
     2. Ministry teams (committees)
          a. Supporter of
          b. Advocate for
          c. Communicator with
          d. Vision facilitator
          e. Link between Vestry and Ministry
          f. NOT a micro manager

C. Budget and Financial Control Documents
     1. Participate in budget formulation
     2. Authorize and monitor expenditures against the budget.
     3. Review monthly financial statements.

D. Vestry meetings
     1. Provide agenda items as necessary.
     2. Send in reports, items for discussion, and motions ahead of time so they can be reviewed before meetings.
     3. Devotional as assigned.

IV. THE BIGGER PICTURE

A. VISION AND MISSION
     1. Ongoing need to freshen our vision
     2. Planning for actualizing the future

B. MEANS AND ENDS
     1. Focus on "ends" - Bringing people to know the love of Christ.
     2. Do our "means" produce intended results?

5/20/2008