Vestry Charter

Trinity Anglican is a congregation guided by our vision implemented by the Rector (Lead Pastor) and staff leadership team, in consultation, deliberation, and discussion with the Vestry as selected. The Rector functions under the ecclesial authority of the Bishop of C4SO. The Vestry is responsible for the legal and temporal issues, it being understood that the Rector has spiritual authority over the congregation and is the leader of all staff, programs, and organizations in the congregation, all of which report to the Rector. The Vestry is also responsible for maintaining the long-term view and vision of the church, identifying and attending to future opportunities and challenges facing Trinity.

The Anglican Church, through its governing documents and as expressed in the Anglican Ordinal and the 2019 Book of Common Prayer Service of The Installation of a New Rector, has articulated the purpose and responsibilities of both the Rector and Vestry of the parish as follows:

Role of the Rector

  1. Provide for the Spiritual Life of all Members

  2. Offer Biblical Preaching and Worship According to Anglican Practices and Traditions

  3. Develop and Lead a Christ-Centered Staff and Leaders within the Congregation

  4. Unite the Congregation in its Mission, Vision, and Culture

  5. Direct and Oversee All Pastoral Ministry and Programming

Role of the Vestry

  1. Support and Protect Trinity’s Mission, Vision, and Culture

  2. Support the Rector and Provide for the Rector’s Sustenance

  3. Model Sacrificial Leadership and Biblical Generosity

  4. Ensure the Financial Integrity of the Congregation

  5. Provide Stability for the Congregation in Rector Transition

Organizational Structure of Vestry

  • Criteria for selection: Trinity members who are active participants, biblically generous, and theologically aligned with the church.

  • Vestry size: 12 members plus the Rector

  • Officers: Senior Warden, Junior Warden. (Treasurer, Secretary, and Chancellor are appointed by the Vestry.) The Rector or a designate preside over all meetings of the Vestry.

  • Terms of Office: 3-year rotating terms.

  • Frequency: 10-12 meetings per year, normally Sunday nights; one or more extensive retreats per year.

  • Agenda Makeup: Senior Warden and Rector set agendas for the meetings, which may include community, teaching, edification, ministry updates, financial reports, open discussion, and
    voting.

Nomination and Ratification of Vestry Members

New vestry members are nominated annually by the members of the church, vetted by a Vestry-appointed Nominating Committee, and reviewed/approved by the current Vestry.