In my first post of this series “On the Church” I dove into the mission of the church through the lens of the 5 Marks of Mission.  Today, we will look specifically at a body within an Episcopal Church that has a very important, and yet, misunderstood role.  The most common misunderstanding stems from whether vestry members are representatives or agents.  The former being understood as within the context of modern-day political structures where we elect a representative who has our best interest, we hope, at heart.  The latter being understood through the lens of disciples who were called to lead their communities into the future.  There is a great quote from the canons of the Episcopal Diocese of Florida that clearly states that the Vestry's duty is "to take charge of the temporal concerns of the parish and to work with the clergy and laity of the congregation for the furtherance of the Church's purpose" (Canon 19, Section 4).  This statement highlights a profound truth: the Vestry's primary responsibility lies in discerning God's call for the parish.  Furthermore, they partner with the Rector to answer that call not just for those sitting in the pews today, but for those God will call into the pews. 

This sacred duty requires a shift in perspective. Vestry members are not elected officials beholden to specific interest groups within the congregation. Instead, they are called to be vessels of discernment, seeking God's will above all else.  This does not, however, negate the importance of listening to the wider congregation.  True discernment emerges from a tapestry of voices, prayerfully woven together.  The Vestry must therefore engage in active listening, participating in the life of the church which creates space for them to experience diverse perspectives.

By embracing their role as discerning partners with the Rector, the Vestry can lead the congregation toward a deeper understanding of its mission and purpose. This collaborative spirit, rooted in prayer and open communication, allows the Church to flourish as a beacon of God's love and grace in the world.  In our next post, we will turn our attention to the Rector, exploring their unique role in this sacred partnership.

For more information from the canons on the role of the vestry check these sources out:

Episcopal Church Canons: Title 1 Canon 14 Sec. 1-3

Diocese of Florida Canons: Canon 19 Sec. 4