A Volley from the Canon, Number 106 Vestry Don'ts

A VOLLEY FROM THE CANON, NUMBER 106: VESTRY DON’TS

JULY 19, 2011

First of all, DON’T neglect last week’s DO’S list: it is much nicer to focus on positives rather than negatives.

But there are a few things NOT to do with regard to Vestry leadership that ought to be articulated. Some may not be easy to pull off in a very small congregations, in which choices can be very limited (in those instances, having the smallest permissible Vestry (as few as three!) can be a good start.)

1) DON’T nominate someone to the vestry just to placate them and make them “feel included.”
Vestry service calls for the most mature, responsible, committed team players the congregation can produce. Even one obstructive, obstreperous individual can seriously hamper the congregation’s ability to move forward, and the experience is frustrating for all, including the conflicted person.

2) THINK TWICE about steering a new church member to Vestry membership, even when she is very excited about her new church community. If the Vestry is in conflict or any form of dysfunction, a bad early experience could permanently hinder, perhaps even kill, that person’s spiritual growth in the congregation. With excellent tutelage and personal support, on a healthy, committed Vestry, on the other hand, it could be a good formative process.

3) When some in the congregation have conflicts with the clergy in charge, DON’T elect as Senior Warden someone whom the rector does not trust, as a sort of “loyal opposition.” It doesn’t work that way—you’ll get opposition, but not loyalty! The senior warden and the rector must work together closely as a team. Otherwise, all energy is directed toward internal conflict, and none is left for the mission of the church.

4) DON’T re-elect the same people as wardens or trustees indefinitely. While some continuity may be desirable, far better to have many in the congregation fully in touch with all the congregation’s financial affairs. Remember: a complete and transparent report on all property and funds managed by Trustees is required at every annual parish meeting. All church funds are controlled by the Vestry. Make sure terms of service as well as the manner of election (parish meeting or Vestry appointment), are clear and expressed in congregation by-laws, and practice regular rotation in leadership in these roles, as elsewhere.

5) DON’T let the tyranny of a long-term, domineering member kill the congregation by running off every potential new member, and by stymieing all new ideas and leadership. “If we confront him, he may leave!” people say. So what! Better the one that is causing all the trouble than a dozen or more others who need the church and who will be its hope for the future. Stand united as a Vestry for healthy and responsible church manners and for generous inclusion of new members, and make no peace with oppression—inside the Church as well as outside!