Tools for Administration

  • Living Into Our Ministries This guide is for conducting effective mutual ministry reviews in one's congregation. It was collaboratively developed by the Episcopal Church Foundation, the Episcopal Church Center's Offices for Ministry Development and Deployment and many diocesan representatives.
  • Sample Job Descriptions: Parish Administrator Looking to update your parish administrator's job description? Take a look at these examples.
  • Manual of Business Methods in Church Affairs A comprehensive, user-friendly manual which supports the increasingly complex work of all treasurers and parish administrators. Available in English and Spanish.
  • Copyright Guidelines for Churches Linda Grenz writes in her Vital Posts blog, "Churches often fail to observe copyright laws, or even the basics of courtesy. We have this unfortunate habit of thinking that just because it is "for the church" it is OK..."
  • Learn About General Convention Trying to describe the Episcopal Church's General Convention? These resources can help...
  • A Suggested Order of Meeting (for Vestry Meetings) In this new era the vestry and all leader groups will seek to give the congregation the gift of missional leadership. The governance functions in this agenda are concentrated, allowing greater time for the development of an atmosphere of discipleship formation in the church so that the people will be equipped to serve the world in the Name of Christ.
  • Disaster Prep: Before, During, & After Every parish has the potential of a devastating disaster. Are you prepared? These resources may help.
  • In Case of Disaster.... In the face of devastating loss, what are some of the key things a church community needs to do?
  • Crisis Preparedness: Making a Plan Is your congregation prepared for a crisis? Do you have a written, easy to access guide for dealing with a crisis? Are your staff and congregational leaders familiar with/trained to deal with a crisis should it arise?
  • Simplify Scheduling and Sign-Ups Two easy and free tools to make scheduling a meeting and doing sign-ups online much easier and more flexible for everyone involved.
  • Annual Giving Campaign Tools Does your congregation think about and talk about stewardship only during the annual funding campaign? If so, you’re missing year-round opportunities for formation. Not sure how to start? These two tools may help.
  • Affordable Care Act: Resources The Medical Trust offers information and resources to help church employers learn how healthcare reform affects them.
  • Collaborative Ministry Covenant Documents developed by two congregations who envision a sharing future who have developed a covenant to guide their conversations to explore collaboration.
  • Discretionary Funds: Guiding Principles Principles for managing clergy discretionary funds.
  • Electronic Giving Card: For Offering Plate If parishioners give electronically, how will their offerings get blessed? "I give electronically" cards may be the answer.
  • Consent Agendas Looking for ways to make your meetings more productive? Consider adopting the practice of using a consent agenda.
  • Pledge Drive & Plate Offering Analysis Worksheet If you were to analyze giving and pledging trends in your congregation, what trends and patterns would you realize? This worksheet may help you begin this process.
  • Statistical Data on Episcopal Congregations Do you know your congregation's statistics? Information is available: use this data to enhance your knowledge about your diocese, congregation, and local community.
  • Calculating Cost of Space Use at Your Church How much should your church charge outside groups for short-term use or long-term rent of your space? This worksheet can help with the answer.
  • Easy to Understand Treasurer's Report to the Vestry Use this template for a financial report that is easily understood by all on the vestry.