MISS PIOUS'

ADVICE COLUMN

Dear Miss Pious,
Who runs this church anyway? Sometimes it seems like decisions have been made but very few people know anything about them.
Gentle Parishioner

 

Dear Gentle Parishioner,

Churches having episcopal polity are governed by bishops, who have authority over dioceses. It is usually considered that the bishops of an episcopal polity derive their authority from an unbroken, personal Apostolic Succession from the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. Their leadership is both sacramental and political; as well as performing ordinations, confirmations, and consecrations, the bishop supervises the clergy within the diocese and is the representative to both secular structures and in the hierarchy of the church

 

As in all Episcopal parishes, the Vestry is the elected governing body of the parish. In addition to the Rector, our Vestry is composed of the Senior and Junior Wardens and seven other members, who represent a broad spectrum of the St. Matthew's community.

 

As a whole the Vestry:

• - As its primary responsibility, the Vestry oversees the parish’s financial health. In partnership with the rector, it  develops and approves the annual parish budget;

• - Helps to discern the vision toward which God is drawing St. Matthew's Church;

• - Articulates and communicates that vision;

• - Holds the church community accountable for its realization of the vision;

• - Keeps the mission of the Church and that of the individual congregation clearly before the parish community.

Communication remains the main priority for congregations and the vestry to work together effectively. It is the responsibility of individuals to ask questions and talk to vestry members or the Rector about concerns. In that format, issues can be addressed before they become problems.

 

I hope this helps answer your question.
Sincerely, Miss Pious

”