Parish Administration & Leadership Resources
Administrative Resources
This page lists policies and information relevant to lay leaders, parish administrators, vestry members, and many aspects of church operation. Here you can find forms, guidelines, and links to support managing parish finances, insurance, licensing, parochial reports, and more.
Alcohol Policy
Audits
The Canons of the Episcopal Church require annual audits for all parishes, missions, and other institutions. The canons permit the auditing of congregational accounts by "an independent Certified Public Accountant," by "an independent licensed public accountant," or by such a committee as shall be authorized by the Finance Committee, or by the appropriate diocesan authority. While audits by CPAs are preferred, committee audits can be performed using alternative audit procedures to accommodate parishes with limited income.
Church Property & Real Estate Transactions
When a church in the Diocese of Western North Carolina wants to sell (alienate), purchase (encumber), alter existing property, or secure bank financing for property-related transactions (encumber), parish leaders must submit a Property Transaction Form to the bishop's office to receive the required approval from the bishop, Standing Committee, Executive Council and Diocesan Trustees. Parish leaders are strongly encouraged to notify the Canon to the Ordinary with any questions and the intention to submit the necessary form.
Church Personnel Management
Communications
Diocesan Financials
Diocesan Grants & Loans
Diocesan Pledges
Insurance
Investments and Gifts
Lay Leadership
Lay leadership keeps our churches and our diocese moving forward. From vestry members and staff to lectors and acolytes, our communities thrive when lay people get involved. Some lay ministries require licensing from the bishop and extra training, while others require only dedication and drive. Explore the Lay Leader Licensing page for details on who needs a license, and check out the Lay Leadership Resources page for helpful information on how to grow and thrive in lay leadership.
Manual of Business Methods in Church Affairs
A comprehensive, user-friendly manual from The Episcopal Church. The manual supports the increasingly complex work of all treasurers and parish administrators, and it includes forms, such as the parochial report form, with instructions.
Parochial Report - Due March 1st
The Parochial Report, established by the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church, is a tool for collecting data intended to assist The Episcopal Church in planning for its mission. Every church in the Diocese of Western North Carolina must file a parochial report.
Technology
Parish Leadership Resources
In this section, you will find resources that support the work and formation of lay leaders in the church.
General Leadership
ECF Vital Practices offers parish leaders, including vestry members, the resources and tools to respond to the changing needs of the Church.
FACTS on Church Growth
A look at the dynamics of growth and decline in Episcopal congregations based on the 2014 Survey of Episcopal Congregations. To view the entire report, visit the Episcopal Church website here to download a copy. A brief summary, Key Characteristics of Congregations Experiencing Growth, has been prepared by the Rev. Jason Lewis. You can download it here.
ChurchNext has numerous paid and free online courses on various topics for parish leaders.
The Alban Institute at Duke Divinity School provides educational materials, books, publications, and consulting services for clergy and congregations. Membership gets you a weekly e-mail and a book discount.
Child and Youth Resources for formation within the youth and young adults in your parish or the diocese.
Vestry Leadership
Stewardship
Treasurer Tools
Vestry Leadership
Vestry Resource Guide
The Vestry Resource Guide offers an approach for leaders of congregations and faith communities to work together to become an effective, even transformational leadership team. The full guide is available for $15 from Forward Movement here. A free preview is also available at that link.
Evangelism
Evangelism Toolkit
Every Episcopalian is commissioned in baptism to proclaim by word and example the loving, liberating, and life-giving good news of Jesus Christ. Through the spiritual practice of evangelism, we name and celebrate Jesus’ loving presence in the stories of all people - then invite everyone to join us in the journey of faith. The Episcopal Church has prepared this Evangelism Toolkit to help us live into that call.