Basic responsibilities of the Vestry
The responsibility of the Vestry, like that of the governing body of any organization, is to:

• Help define and articulate the mission of the congregation;
• Support the mission by word and deed;
• Select the rector;
• Ensure effective organization and planning;
• Ensure adequate resources in leadership and in financial stewardship;
• Manage resources effectively;
• Determine that appropriate programs, policies, and procedures have been developed and are followed; and
• Assess its own performance.

Though the Vestry has some similarities to a board of directors, it is important to remember that this ministry of leadership is exercised in the Church. The success of a congregation is not measured in terms of numbers of members or size of the endowment, but rather in the degree to which it is working toward the fulfillment of the mission of the Church.

Responsibilities of Individual Members of the Vestry

• Regularly prepare for, attend, and participate in vestry meetings.
• Learn about the mission, goals, programs, services, activities, strengths and needs of the congregation, diocese and National Church.
• Maintain confidentiality on sensitive topics.
• Serve the congregation as a whole rather than any specific group.
• Encourage complainants to talk directly with the persons(s) involved; avoid taking sides; inform the rector and senior warden of serious concerns.
• Avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest.
• Study financial statements and ask questions.
• Take on leadership roles or other tasks willingly and enthusiastically.
• Help identify new leaders.
• Contribute to the congregation.
• Assist in stewardship education.

A specific proposal for St. John's
The Vestry will model good management skills through focusing on the "big picture" of congregational mission and values and leave specific implementation of those mission goals to individual councils or areas of mission.

If an individual member of the Vestry has a specific question about the work of a council or ministry, that member will follow the following procedure

Speak directly, outside the Vestry meeting, to the Vestry Advocate or staff member with specific responsibility for the area of concern.

If not satisfied, carry your concern to the Rector and Senior Warden.

Only then, if concerns continue, should the matter be placed on the Vestry agenda.

Questions and concerns should be raised in a positive manner to support the parish's overall mission, and in the words of the Baptismal Covenant, respect the dignity of every human being. Concerns should be raised about specific issues that are occurring at the present time and not "once upon a time." Personal attacks and "the committee always ..." statements are out of order at all times.

The Vestry deals only with major issues. When votes are taken, the insights of the minority may in fact be the Word of the Holy Spirit and should be taken seriously.

Communication is a partnership. All vestry meetings are open to any member of the parish. The Vestry will endeavor to seek the guidance of parishioners on important matters and publicize decisions promptly in the church newsletter, Revelations. Members of the congregation do have the responsibility to keep informed on parish matters.

Vestry members serve an essential communication function in the parish. When a complaint is received, the following procedure is to be followed:

The person with a concern is assured that their issue will be taken seriously.

The parish member is encouraged to speak directly with the staff member or other person involved.

If they choose not to, the Vestry member will offer to make an appointment with the staff member or other and accompany the parishioner to see the person involved.

If this offer is declined, the Vestry member will offer to raise the issue with the staff member or other who is involved, but only after clearly stating to the parishioner that all complaints or suggestions are accompanied by the name of the person initiating the conversation.

If the parishioner declines to release his name, the Vestry member clearly informs the parishioner that he cannot take the complaint any further but assures the parishioner that, should he change his mind, the Vestry member would be happy to initiate the above process at any time.