Staff Parish Relations
To contact any member of the Committee, click on their name to send them an email.
Introduction
(as listed on the United Methodist Church website - umc.org)
The Staff-Parish Relations (SPR) Committee is the administrative unit in a local church where staff and congregational interests are integrated to focus on the mission of the church. The SPRC has some of the same functions of a personnel office or Human Resources department in other organizations.
The SPRC has primary responsibility to work with staff so that the mission of the church is realized. The SPRC should have a clear understanding of your local church's mission and vision, built upon the mission of the wider Church. Clear understanding of your church and prayerful listening to God's direction will guide both the development of job descriptions and the assessment of staff.
The SPRC works with individuals and groups, including:
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the lead pastor
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all ordained leaders-both elders and deacons-appointed by the bishop
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the lay staff
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the congregation (individually and corporately)
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the community outside the walls of your building
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the district superintendent
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the United Methodist conference and general church staff.
Remember that The United Methodist Church has an appointive system rather than a call system for clergy leadership. The SPRC consults with its district superintendent about congregational needs. The SPRC members must be attuned to the movement of God's Spirit so that they serve as guides, teachers, mentors, managers of conflict, and interpreters of ministry both to staff and the congregation.
Main Tasks of the Committee
Specific tasks for the S/PPRC include:
- explaining the nature and function of ministry to the staff and the congregation
- conferring with the congregation and the staff/pastor about ministry direction
- assessing the ministry of the congregation and the staff/pastor at least annually
- conferring and consulting with the district superintendent
- supporting lifelong learning for all staff (continuing education)
- identifying and supporting individuals from the congregation whom God seems to be calling for ordained ministry
- making recommendations regarding compensation, travel, benefits and housing to the church council
- recommending needed staff positions and develop written job descriptions and titles for associate pastors and staff
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For further information about church leadership, visit the United Methodist Church website at www.umc.org.
To view the Our Journey document, which serves as the Leadership Framework for Trietsch Memorial United Methodist Church, click on the title.
