A Healthy Vestry
I served on a vestry as a lay person, I have worked as an ordained leader with the vestries of four congregations, and it is my observation that people on vestries are overworked and unappreciated. Consequently, it is a challenge to get people to serve on a vestry as those who do rarely enjoy their term in service. The people of St. Timothy’s in Herndon have worked quite intentionally to change this. They began with understanding and fulfilling the canonical call of the vestry, honoring the people who are elected and the work that has to be done, and borrowing wisdom from other institutions. The result is something that seems to work.
(1) A list is composed of adult members who are not already fully engaged in ministry, who have leadership skills, and who have not served on a vestry at St. Timothy’s before. The nominating committee looks for diversity (of thought, gender, race, etc.), people who attend worship at different times, and a mix of new and long-term members.
(2) Members of a nominating committee (made up of retiring vestry and members of the congregation) personally ask individuals from the list if they would consider being nominated to serve. The duties and expectations are made very clear. Each vestry member (except the wardens) serve as a liaison to a ministry (which they select), and are discouraged from also serving on that ministry. The intent is to involve as many people in the ministry of the church as possible. This will increase the experience and wisdom within the parish, and prevent burn-out. Candidates are also invited to come and witness the vestry in action.
(3) After the election the vestry and clergy go on a weekend retreat paid for by the parish. No vestry work is done on the retreat – no planning, no strategizing. With the guidance of a gifted spiritual director the vestry and clergy relax, worship, play, and become a community of co-leaders.
(4) Regular vestry meetings begin at 7:30 pm sharp. We open with a passage of Scripture and a prayer selected and offered by a member of the vestry. Each month a different person takes a turn (we have 12 vestry members, one meeting per month for twelve months; everyone gets a turn).
(5) Vestry meetings are limited to financial and property issues; ministry is done in the parish ministry groups, not vestry meetings. A draft agenda is circulated a week before each meeting so everyone has a chance to see what’s coming up. Changes are made to the agenda as necessary. Opposing viewpoints and votes are always honored. We strive for consensus. And we support the decisions made by the Vestry even when we disagree.
(6) The meetings end by 9:00 pm. We close with the general thanksgiving (BCP page 101) or a sung doxology.
(7) Apart from regular meetings each vestry person shares with the clergy the call to welcome and assist newcomers, shape and participate in the mission of the Church, and offer insights, wisdom, and inspiration, especially during critical times in the life of the parish. Between meetings we communicate by phone or email as needed.
Finally, when members fulfill their three years of service they are honored by the congregation. They then continue their ministries in one of the many ministry groups of the parish.
For More information contact:
The Rev. Brad Rundlett
St. Timothy's Church Church
Herndon, VA
