Episcopal Church Foundation Vestry Papers - for leading congregations

“Teach the vestry to teach,” says Bishop Claude Payne (retired from the Diocese of Texas).

Two years after hearing Bishop Payne convey this idea at a clergy gathering, it’s still sticking with me. Especially today, as I reflect on the webinar I led last night about Sound Practices for Vestry Leaders.

One of the participants asked a tough question: “As a vestry member, what do you do when your priest wants to control everything?” Ouch! Unfortunately, many of us have been in situations where this kind of behavior by clergy was evident – maybe not all the time, but enough that it stifled creativity and shared leadership. I don’t want to single out clergy or rectors as the only culprits – we know lay leaders who are controlling, too. But rectors hold an essential and influential position of leadership in congregations, so their style matters.

At least one alternative is to follow Bishop Payne’s advice: clergy can teach the vestry to teach. Why? Of course it could build a more positive relationship with the vestry. But there are other reasons:

• When we have to teach something to others, we digest it and understand it ourselves. Imagine vestry members who felt so confident in their understanding of spiritual leadership, stewardship, visioning and planning, parish ministries, etc. that they could effectively teach the rest of the congregation.

• When we have to teach, we turn our attention outward, not inward. By clergy intentional claiming a teaching role, they may release the desire for control – or sense of burden – in doing everything themselves, and instead focus on sharing their gifts and knowledge with others. By vestry members being enabled to teach, they may channel their efforts toward serving the wider congregation and community, instead of becoming an insular group.

• When we teach, we are equipping the saints for ministry. Ultimately, this is our call as church leaders, to form disciples and share the Good News.

The point is not to make every vestry member an “expert” on congregational life, scripture, leadership, or other topics. Instead, it is to infuse each person on the vestry with enough knowledge, confidence, experience, and trust in God that they can effectively serve and lead the members of the congregation, and beyond. With God’s help and a team of wise, servant leaders, all things are possible.