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​Pastor/Staff-Parish Relations Committee



An effective committee builds a strong positive relationship between staff


and congregation so that the congregation makes disciples of Jesus Christ


for the transformation of the world. This committee will work with the lead


pastor and other staff to fulfill legal and ethical responsibilities related to 


staff.​

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Responsibilities of the Committee

• Committee members maintain a healthy and growing personal spiritual life. They engage in biblical and theological reflection about the mission of the church and biblical leadership.
• This committee encourages, strengthens, nurtures, supports, and respects the pastor(s) and staff and their families. They confer regularly about the personnel conditions and issues that affect the congregation’s total ministry, including healthy life-work balance. They help the staff set priorities.
• This committee communicates openly and regularly with the pastor(s), staff, and congregation.
• In consultation with the lead pastor and with awareness of the strategy of the church leadership team, this committee recommends needed staff positions and develops and approves written job descriptions and titles for staff.
• This committee recommends compensation, travel, housing, and other financial matters to the church council through the finance committee.
• In consultation with the pastor(s), the committee recommends to the church council a written statement of policy and procedures for hiring, evaluating, promoting, retiring, and dismissing staff members who are not subject to episcopal appointment (procedures must comply with local and state laws).
• This committee is responsible for carrying out, through appropriate agencies, proper screening (including background checks) for lay employees and volunteer staff.
• This committee weighs several factors as it meets with the district superintendent and/or the bishop in an advisory capacity related to clergy leadership. Committee members consider the age and stage of the congregation. They must have an understanding of the feelings and desires within the congregation about the pastor’s leadership and appointment. They also consider the culture and needs of the community around the church.
• This committee provides an annual evaluation of the pastor(s) and other staff for ongoing effective ministry.
• This committee enlists, evaluates, and annually recommends candidates for professional ministry to the charge conference.
• The work of the committee may include subteams (such as a parsonage committee or a volunteer staff committee). The committee on nominations and leadership development may help identify people for these groups.
• The committee works with the pastor and district superintendent to develop a church profile that reflects the needs, characteristics, and opportunities for mission of the charge consistent with the church’s statement of purpose. The profile will be reviewed annually and updated as per paragraphs 427 and 428 in the Book of Discipline.