St. Christopher's Episcopal Church
Boulder City Nevada USA

What is a Vestry?

"The vestry, in cooperation with the Ecclesiastical Authority, and in compliance with applicable diocesan policies and standards, shall provide for the regular corporate worship and sacraments for the congregation; for the support and enablement of the ministries of its members; and for the stewardship of the resources of the congregation." Canon XIV, Sec 1(A), NV

Traditionally and by canon law, the vestry, consisting of wardens and other members, is the legal representative of the parish. It is the vestry's responsibility, together with the rector, if there is one, to enable the ministries of its members. In the Total Ministry Parish without a rector, the bishop is the rector.

Most vestries have the following officers:
The vestry is composed of one senior warden; one junior warden; ordained clergy serving the congregation; six to nine lay members, and two youth representatives. The senior warden chairs the vestry and is the support person for the rector if there is one. The junior warden has the particular responsibility for church property and buildings. A treasurer and secretary or clerk, who may or may not be vestry members, may be chosen. The office of treasurer oversees deposits and the disbursement of funds, and financial record keeping. The secretary keeps the minutes, gives notices of meetings to the parish and maintains vestry records.

Basic Responsibility of the Vestry
The responsibility of the vestry is to:

Help define and articulate the mission of the congregation; support the mission by word and deed;

Ensure effective organization and planning;

Ensure adequate resources in leadership and in financial stewardship;

Manage resources effectively;

Determine that appropriate programs, policies, and procedures have been developed and are followed;

Assess its own performance.

Responsibilities of Individual Members of the Vestry

Regularly prepare for, attend, and participate in vestry meetings;

Learn about the mission, goals, programs, services, activities, strengths, and needs of the congregation, diocese, and national church;

Maintain confidentiality on sensitive topics;

Serve the congregation as a whole rather than any specific group;

Encourage complainants to talk directly with the person(s) involved; avoid taking sides and inform the senior warden of serious concerns;

Avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest;

Study financial statements and ask questions;

Take on leadership roles or other tasks willingly and enthusiastically;

Help identify new leaders;

Contribute to the congregation;

Assist in stewardship education.

Canonical Responsibilities
Church canons (laws), parish by-laws, and civil laws define the legal responsibilities of the vestry. In the national canons, these include serving as the legal representative of the parish "in all matters concerning its corporate property and the relations of the parish to its clergy." Other topics are:

Funds and securities must be deposited in an approved bank or agency;

Withdrawals must require two signatures;

Appropriate accounting books and records of all Funds must be kept;

Those with responsibilities for funds over $500 at anytime must be bonded

All accounts must be audited annually by a CPA, LPA, or someone approved by the Diocese, and the audit must be reported to the Bishop;

All buildings and their contents must be adequately insured;

The Diocesan Finance Committee may require reports to the Diocesan Convention.

In addition to these national canons, each diocese may have canons that affect the work of the vestry.

The local congregation and its leaders, both lay and ordained, are created by and accountable to the diocese through the vestry.

Vestry Structure
In order to fulfill its mission, the members of St. Christopher's use a structure by which the various ministries of the parish are to be accomplished. Six standing-committees define this structure. SWEEPS is an acronym that encompasses most of the components of Total Ministry. Vestry members, within their recognized gifts, are asked to take on the responsibility of one of these committees. They are:

Stewardship---Developing and wisely using resources defined as congregational gifts of time, talent, and treasure.

Worship---Sharing activities by which we acknowledge, praise and commune with God.

Education---Leading people into an understanding of the Bible, the Episcopal Church and the worldwide community.

Evangelism---Bringing people into the church by word and example.

Pastoral Care---Providing spiritual support and Holy Communion for those members experiencing loss or illness of any kind, and those searching for meaning in their lives.

Service---Putting our Christianity into practice in the world.

There are three additional committees. Facilities oversees the physical plant and grounds. Hospitality provides a friendly, generous reception to all with an assurance of care and companionship. Social/Fellowship provides support for celebration, socializing and sharing stories.

Spiritual Leadership
In addition to the legal roles and responsibilities, there is the spiritual responsibility of leading a congregation. The mission of the church is "to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ" (BCP, p. 855) The elected leaders have a responsibility to model that mission in their work and to lead the congregation in fulfilling that mission.

Serving as a congregation's leader is a service of trusteeship. The congregation entrusts its leaders with its tangible property and its spiritual well being. It is crucial that clergy and vestries develop a corporate spiritual life that nourishes them as individuals and inspires them as a leadership team. Bible study, vestry retreats, prayer before and during decisions and regular attendance in worship and adult education are important ways of doing this. Careful attention to the vestry's corporate and individual spiritual nurture helps these leaders become effective servant leaders.

This information is adapted (with permission) for use by by St. Christopher's Church from a publication of the Cornerstone Project -- A ministry of The Episcopal Church Foundation.

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St. Christopher's Episcopal Church Boulder City Nevada USA

What is a Vestry?

St. Christopher's Episcopal Church
Boulder City Nevada USA