The Vestry Handbook, Fourth Edition
Description
An indespensable resource that supports vestry members and clergy in their ministry.
Trusted by tens of thousands of vestry members, wardens, and rectors, The Vestry Handbook is the indispensable guide to the day-to-day functions of an Episcopal parish. The handbook includes explanations of leadership roles and organizational structure, parish finances, building maintenance, tax considerations, elections, the spiritual lives of vestry members, and more.
This new fourth edition responds to the changing needs of Episcopal churches with additional coverage of diversity and inclusion, new guidance for parish finances, and advice tailored to small congregations. The volume has been updated throughout to reflect the current canons of the Episcopal Church.
More details
Other editions
Additional editions
Person
Christopher L. Webber, a graduate of Princeton University and the General Theological Seminary in New York, is an Episcopal priest who has led urban, rural, and overseas parishes. He is the author of several books, including Welcome to Christian Faith,Beyond Beowulf, and A Year with American Saints, co-authored with Lutheran Pastor G. Scott Cady. Webber grew up in Cuba, New York, and lives in San Francisco.
Content
- Intro
- Title Page
- Copyright
- Contents
- Introduction
- 1 - The Role of a Vestry Member
- Canons and Customs
- Representation, Leadership, and Communications
- 2 - Vestry Structures: With a Note on the Annual Meeting
- Leadership
- Wardens
- Committees, Commissions, Task Forces, Parish Councils
- Dispatch of Business
- The Rector or Priest-in-Charge
- Making Committees Work
- A Note on the Annual Parish Meeting
- Conflict and Competition
- Dealing with Conflict
- 3 - Finances
- Stewardship
- Parish Income
- The Budget Process
- Capital Funds
- 4 - Buildings and Grounds
- Use of the Buildings
- Taking Inventory
- Doing the Job
- A Note on Cemeteries and Columbariums
- A Note on Global Stewardship
- 5 - Insurance
- Some General Comments
- Insurance for Buildings
- Building Contents and Fine Arts
- Liabilities
- Financial
- Life, Health, and Injury
- Other Kinds of Insurance
- Summary
- 6 - The Care and Feeding of Rectors
- Sharing the Work of Ministry
- Defining Relationships
- Compensation
- A Note on Clergy Housing
- A Final Word
- 7 - The Parish Staff
- Volunteers
- Secretarial
- Custodial
- Music
- Pastoral Staff
- Compensation
- Tenure
- 8 - A Vision for Your Parish
- Setting Goals
- Goals and Objectives
- Spiritual Growth
- Evangelism, Church Growth, Membership
- Serving the Community
- Working for Change
- "Burnout"
- 9 - The Search Process-And Afterward
- Informing the Bishop
- The Interim
- The Search Process
- A New Beginning
- 10 - The Vestry Member's Spiritual Life
- The Vestry Meeting and the Vestry Member
- The Prayer Book Pattern
- Intercession
- Private Prayer and Meditation
- A Rule of Life
- 11 - The Diocese and the National Church
- Church Government
- Origins of the Episcopal Church's Government
- Parish and Diocese
- The National Church
- The National Church and the Parish
- Ecumenical Relations
- In Conclusion
- Summary of Relevant Canons
- Concerning Buildings and Property
- Concerning Finances
- Vestry Responsibilities
- Dealing with Conflict
- Other Matters
- Leadership Roles
- The Role of Warden
- Sample Agenda for Meeting of Warden(s) and Priest
- The Role of the Treasurer or Financial Secretary
- The Role of the Vestry Clerk or Recording Secretary
- Sample Property Surveys
- Building Survey A - Date: ________________________
- Building Survey B - Date: ________________________
- Building Survey C - Date: ________________________
- Grounds Survey D - Date: ________________________
- Sample Statements of Purpose
- Sample Columbarium Contract*
- Terms and Conditions
- St. Paul's Church ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
- A Glossary of Church Terms
- Resources
- Books for Further Reading
- Index
