Episcopal Church Foundation Vestry Papers - for leading congregations

Top Ten Resolutions for Church Leaders in 2015

ECF Vital Practices, after taking a look back at the questions you asked us, has pulled together a top ten list of resolutions for congregational leaders to consider in 2015. If you find this list helpful, please subscribe to ECF Vital Practices to receive updates twice a month with recources for your congregation.

10. Get that endowment started.

Been thinking about starting an endowment? Make 2015 the year it happens. “Endowments” will introduce you to the basics while “Swimming Naked” offers a look at the consequences of not having one.

9. Learn something new in a webinar.

Webinars bring information about a variety of topics to you. We recommend checking out ECF’s 2015 webinar series on vestry orientation, capital campaign basics, team leadership development, and more as well as the e-learning opportunities offered by The Center for Ministry in Teaching’s webinar "Spiritual Resources Online" on January 13 and website resources.

8. Start a community garden.

“Gardens have always been places to meet God and God’s people.” Get some inspiration and ideas for a garden for your congregation in “Meeting God in a Faith Garden.” Also, if you move quickly, apply for a Kitchen Garden Grant for a garden that supports a food pantry.

7. Deal with debt.

There are healthy ways to address debt. Both “Is Debt Limiting Mission?” and “A Debt Campaign is Never About Debt” raise important questions congregations with debt should consider. And, “Forgive us our Debts” offers on important questions parishioners may want to think about related to their personal debt and their spiritual health.

6. Review and update insurance coverage.

Liability, liability, liability: don’t be caught off-guard. CPG offers several helpful, easy to use guides for evaluating your insurance needs in “For Things Done and Left Undone” and “Help When You Need It.”

5. Schedule a vestry retreat.

Get practical tips for both an enjoyable and productive retreat in “Create Holy Time Away for Your Vestry” and “Bootstrap Your Vestry Retreat.” Also consider bringing your vestry to the Leadership Conference presented by Kanuga and ECF. It’s a great event for vestry learning and formation in a beautiful setting.

4. Have some fun with the stewardship campaign.

Adding an element of fun in your stewardship campaigns can be a good way to engage your congregation. Here are two fun campaign ideas developed by congregations: “All Saints' Mad-lib Pledge Card” and “Hello! Taking the Mountain to Mohammed.”

3. Become more prayerful, especially at meetings.

Learn more about how prayer can transform meetings in “The Lord Broke Through.” Also look into the offerings and resources of RenewalWorks for increasing spiritual vitality in your congregation.

2. Rethink the annual audit.

Rather than thinking of the annual audit as an annual – and costly – chore, consider your audit as both a resource and a planning tool. “Sharing Audits” describes ways to team up with neighboring churches to conduct an audit. “Audits: Practicing Internal Controls” shares how regular audits can help prevent future problems by identifying areas of concern early on.

1. Become a well-functioning lay+clergy team.

Conflicts in leadership styles can bring a congregation to a brink. Two different takes on this issue, “Confronting Clergy Congregational Conflict” and “Equal Partners” examines how effective lay+clergy team leadership may be an answer to this problem. Find out more about the importance of team ministry and ECF’s new initiative to promote effective lay+clergy partnerships in “Why Vital Teams.”

What are you going to commit to doing in 2015? Add your comments below or tell us on Facebook or Tweet us at @ECFVP.

Don't miss a blog post! Subscribe via email or RSS, using the grey box on the upper right.