Episcopal Church Foundation Vestry Papers - for leading congregations

Who is going to lead?

Are you ready for your full slate of activities from Sunday school, the stewardship campaign, and the next big fundraiser? Are you brainstorming new ministries and projects?

Hopefully your congregation is abuzz with activity and generating excitement, but you may be wondering, who is going to get this done? Below we offer articles and resources for vestries and leaders in congregations on developing leadership teams, running effective meetings, and identifying new leaders.

Creating a Culture of Discernment
In many congregations, the vestry feels the onerous of having to “run” the majority of activities and manage the congregation. Healthy and vital vestries have learned to move beyond being managers, focusing instead on being the spiritual leadership of the congregation. In “Cultivating a Culture of Discernment,” Blaire Pogue shares the five year process her vestry and congregation undertook to re-envision the role of the vestry as a spiritual discernment team.

Getting to the 'Why' 2
Our congregations depend on the dedication of our volunteers. How can we strengthen the commitment within our congregation? How can we find new leaders? In “Getting to the ‘Why’ 2,” Miguel Escobar offers some of the best practices to both build a shared sense of purpose and strengthen leadership capacity.

Blog Posts Backbreaking Meetings: Meetings are the backbone for getting our work done and effective planning helps make for healthy, productive meetings. Jesus Didn't Micromanage: When leading a team, it can be difficult to know how to delegate. Learning how to clearly communicate vision and knowledge is an important step. Results, Relationships, Process: What types of people do you need on your team? Where might be your blind spots as a leader when leading or working on a team?

Tools and Resources Structuring Leadership Teams: Use this guide to help build up your leadership team to create both structure and space to work well together. Running a Holy and Effective Meeting: Watch this recording of a webinar offering practical guidance for running spiritually grounded and effective meetings. Fall ECF Webinars: Leadership topics include Vision & Planning, Food & Faith, and Leading Change. Register for one or more free webinars today.

Wisdom Gathered, Lessons Learned