Vestry Service in the New Year

One thing we hear a lot in church communities is, “What does the Vestry do?” It’s true that some of the work of the Vestry is with the finances and administration of the church, but the hard work comes as we discern where God is calling us and how we faithfully live out our mission. So, the question might really be, “How does the Vestry do the work of lay leadership and what does that look like?” The catch is, the answer to that question is not always the same. It can depend on where a parish is in their communal life and what opportunities and challenges they may face as they try to be faithful to God’s call.

With Vestry elections right around the corner, our interim Sr. Warden Ross Fraser thought it would be a good idea to put in writing the expectations of service for Vestry members so the whole congregation can see. To that end, here is a list of expectations and responsibilities of the Vestry.

Vestry members are expected to 1) Attend the regular monthly meeting, 2) Be a part of the Vestry Person of the Week rotation, and 3) Attend the Vestry retreat. Each new Vestry member is also expected to familiarize themselves with the Vestry Resource Guide, which serves as a manual for work of the Vestry.

But, as we said, expectations of a Vestry can be dependent on what is going on in the community. And right now, our community is experiencing a movement of the Spirit and a sense of renewal. In order to be faithful to that movement, new and old Vestry members alike are expected to be familiar with the concepts in the book The Innovative Church, by Scott Cormode. That part is especially important as the book is the resource that will help the Vestry lead us in our renewal.

And there is more. In the coming months the parish will be invited into the process of renewal which will require extra time from the Vestry. This work is to be shared among the Vestry and Clergy of our parish so that we each carry our part of the load.

What questions about Vestry expectations might miss, however, is the most important part of Vestry service. That is, when everyone is doing their part and our leadership is functioning in facilitating the ministries and needs of our whole parish and everyone who is entrusted to our care, Vestry service can be one of the most rewarding positions in the church. It that respect, serving on the Vestry is a good work in which we find joy and pride.