Vestry Member Job Description
POSITION TITLE: Vestry Member
POSITION REPORTS TO: Rector and entire Vestry
TERM OF OFFICE: Three years. Elected at an Annual Meeting (late January) by parishioners. Mid-term appointment may be made for balance of term vacated through an election by the Vestry. Termination of position may occur after three consecutive absences from Vestry meetings.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Qualified Member of the Parish as defined by the Parish Bylaws (Communicants in good standing who have not served a three-year Vestry term within the last year and are of legal age.) Willingness to serve and fulfill the responsibilities of the position.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The canons of the Church specify Vestry responsibilities for (a) the stewardship of money and property, (b) personnel management, and (c) program development and oversight. Each is discussed below.
(A) STEWARDSHIP OF THE PARISH’S FINANCES AND PROPERTY
The Vestry has a responsibility to ensure the fiscal health of the Parish by:
- Annually establishing an operating budget for the subsequent fiscal year.
- Annually establishing a capital improvement budget for the subsequent fiscal year.
- Annually ensuring that an independent outside audit of the Parish’s financial records takes place.
- Regularly reviewing the Parish’s financial statements.
- Periodically reviewing the Parish’s investment policies and providing a mechanism for oversight of those investments.
- Approving and overseeing expenditures related to capital improvements of Parish property.
- Approving and overseeing revenues and expenditures related to either the sale or acquisition of Parish properties.
- Contributing personal financial support to the Parish’s operating fund through an annual pledge and, as able, to other special projects that the Vestry may from time-to-time approve.
- Encouraging other parishioners to contribute financially to the Parish’s operating fund and to special projects that the Vestry may from time-to-time approve.
Vestry members support the Rector by providing regular feedback on his or her performance, by encouraging him or her to pay attention to clergy wellness issues, and by encouraging clear and direct communication between the congregation, the Vestry, and the Rector.
The Rector serves as the Chief Executive Office of the Parish and is responsible for the Parish’s personnel management, but may from time to time consult with the Vestry or individual Vestry members regarding personnel issues. During periods in which there is no Rector, personnel management responsibilities fall to the Senior Warden, who may choose to consult with the Vestry or individual Vestry members regarding personnel issues.
After the departure of a Rector, the Vestry, with the assistance of the Bishop and the Senior Warden, is responsible for calling clergy to lead worship. The Vestry may call an interim Rector. The Vestry shall call the Rector.
(C) PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND OVERSIGHT
The Vestry, working in concert with the Rector, is responsible to approve or discontinue Parish programs. Issues that should be considered in the approval or discontinuation of programs should minimally include (1) the impact of the program on the Parish’s worship and spiritual life and (2) the impact of the program on the Parish’s financial and property resources.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
In addition to the responsibilities listed above, Vestry members:
- Seek God’s guidance in the work of the Vestry.
- Attend and participate at Vestry meetings, serving on committee(s) of the Vestry as appointed or requested.
- Participate regularly in the worship services, ministries, and prayer life of the Parish.
- Become knowledgeable about the congregation, its programs, and governance.
- Help establish and then demonstrate a commitment to Welcoming, Mission, and Vision Statements.
- Serve collectively as the legal representatives of the Parish in all matters concerning its corporate property and the relations of the Parish to its Clergy.
- Serve as public and community advocates for the Parish, working with the Rector to ensure the congregation’s visible presence in the wider community.
