Generic roles and responsibilities when serving as a Vestry Liaison
include:
1. Provide support to the area of ministry to which assigned. (At times,
the Vestry liaison will actually serve as the lead in the specified
ministry but that is not generally
the case. See 8 below.)
2. Be cognizant of the activities of the assigned area of ministry:
• Periodically (no less than once per month) meet or personally
contact via telephone the leader to ascertain status, progress,
accomplishments, and problem areas,
• Attend committee meetings when encouraged, or requested,
• Be familiar with budget and expenditures,
• Contact the leader directly when seeking information or when concerns
arise. In other words, get it straight from the leader rather than
hearsay.
3. Process vouchers for the area of ministry assigned according to
policies and procedures of Good Shepherd. Oversee approved budget.
4. Encourage leader of the assigned area of ministry to practice good
stewardship of resources - monetary as well as people supporting the
ministry. Specifically, make sure the leader is aware of budget,
expenditures, and financial status.
5. Be the advocate to the Vestry for assigned area of ministry.
Communicate status, progress, accomplishments, significant problems, and
needs on a regular basis, i.e., at least quarterly. Urgent matters
should be addressed more frequently with the Rector, Senior Warden, and
Vestry on a monthly basis or via personal contact, telephone or
email as required. .
6. Be a source of support to the leadership of the assigned area of
ministry. Specifically,
provide information on church policies, Vestry goals, functioning,
decisions, arid concerns, be aware of leadership problems and concerns,
coach and mentor the leadership, and be a source of information and
counseling in the assigned area of
ministry.
7. Do not micro-manage the leadership of the assigned area of ministry.
Clearly permit
leaders to take charge, make decisions, and carry out the leadership
role. The Vestry liaison role is characterized by good communication,
support, coaching, and mentoring - not command and control.
8. In those situations where the Vestry member functions as the leader
ofthe assigned
area of ministry, the assignment needs to be clearly specified and
documented so that the understanding of the normal role of Vestry
liaison is not compromised and the
leadership role is properly authorized.
Vestry Member Orientation _Nolting_2OO8
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