Staff Parish Relations Committee

2022 Committee Chair - Justin Lawson
Members:
Marvin (Doc) McCarty

David Willey
Justin Lawson
Judy Keiser
Lyman Bowker
Michelle Pawel
Dean LeBlanc
Beannie Rankin
Lay Leader - David Bradshaw
Annual Conference Delegate - Priscilla Spitzer
Pastor - Rev. James Bailes

Result Expected
An effective committee works with the lead pastor and other staff to identify and clarify values for ministry of the congregation so that the staff can set priorities for leadership and service. The committee will fulfill legal and ethical responsibilities related to the staff.

Qualifications for Job
Spiritual gifts: Exhortation (encouragement), wisdom, discernment, apostleship, administration, shepherding, teaching, leadership.

Experience, Skills
Committee members should be diverse in age, experience, and interests in order to bring all ministry opportunities of the congregation to the attention of the staff. Some experience in human relations, personnel management, and communications is helpful. These individuals must listen well to both staff and people of all ages in the congregation while keeping a focus on the mission of the church. These leaders must be able to maintain confidentiality.

Structure
The committee shall be composed of not fewer than five nor more than nine persons. One member shall be a young adult and one member may be a youth. In addition, the Lay Leader and Lay Member of Annual Conference shall be members. No staff member nor immediate family member of a staff person may serve on the committee. Only one person residing in the same household shall serve on the committee. The United Methodist Book of Discipline 2008, ¶258.2

Responsibilities

• Lead the congregation to encourage, strengthen, nurture, support, and respect the pastor(s) and staff and their families. Help the staff set priorities that strengthen the congregation's total ministry.
• Consult with the lead pastor to recommend staff positions to support the strategy of the Leadership Council.
• Recommend staff compensation, travel, housing, and other financial matters to the Leadership Council through the Finance Committee.
• Create and update written policy for hiring, evaluating, promoting, retiring, and dismissing staff members who are not subject to episcopal appointment. (Procedures must comply with local and state laws.)
• Conduct proper screening (including background checks) for lay employees and volunteer staff.
• Meet with the district superintendent and/or the bishop in an advisory capacity related to clergy leadership. Considerations include the age and stage of the congregation, an understanding of feelings and desires within the congregation about the pastor's leadership and appointment, and the culture and needs of the community around the church.
• Enlist, evaluate, and annually recommend to the charge conference candidates for professional ministry.