Episcopal Church Foundation Vestry Papers - for leading congregations

An Orderly Chaos - Episcopal Governance

For the June Vital Practices Digest, we’re sharing five resources on how governance works – or can work – in our Church, from General Convention to your parish vestry or bishop’s committee. Our fifth resource is to help congregations strengthen their practice of year-round stewardship.

It’s easy and free to connect with these resources for your congregation. Subscribe to ECF Vital Practices to receive Vestry Papers and this Vital Practices Digest in your inbox each month.

1. Our Story

“Our Story” explores the roots of the Episcopal Church’s democratic style of governance and invites us to consider ways to balance an organization’s need for order with its equally important need for creativity and risk-taking.

2. By-laws & Shared Ministry, Part 1: Unburdening the Vestry

Are By-Laws for a congregation what monastic orders call a Rule of Life? “By-laws & Shared Ministry, Part 1: Unburdening the Vestry” shares how St. George’s vestry has begun to intentionally shift to healthy practices of leadership.

3. Being on the Same Page How do you ensure clergy, staff, and lay leaders are following the same best practices and procedures? “Being on the Same Page” provides suggestions on how church leaders can work together towards the same goals and in the same direction.

4. Learn About General Convention Looking for information related to General Convention? “Learn About General Convention” is a collection of resources related to Episcopal Church governance, structure, and polity as well as tips for reporting on General Convention.

THIS MONTH IN YEAR-ROUND STEWARDSHIP

5. Who’s Responsible for What?

Some of the tension that arises when congregations are creating a new budget is caused by a lack of clarity as to who is responsible for what in the process. “Who’s Responsible for What?” shares an example of how the budgeting process can be delegated in a helpful and healthy way.

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