The Vestry met last night for its regular meeting. The goal was for the Vestry to begin to develop a Vestry ministry plan.

A Vestry ministry plan describes the role of the Vestry in the life of the parish. It involves a mission statement, a simple statement that expresses a shared understanding of the Vestry’s purpose. It also includes a description of actions Vestry performs in pursuit of its mission, as well as a list of outcomes it hopes to achieve.

Some may think the work of pounding out a Vestry mission statement to be an unnecessary step and a waste of time. Isn’t the role of the Vestry obvious? Doesn’t everyone already know what the role of the Vestry is in a parish?

Well, yes many do. But that is sometimes the problem. Many parishioners do indeed know what the role of the Vestry is in a parish. But not everyone necessarily agrees on what the role of the Vestry is in a parish. Where people’s expectations diverge is where one finds the risk of unnecessary conflict and mission failure.

The work of developing a shared understanding of ministry generates a common understanding. Very truly this is a matter of discerning prayer. This preliminary work invites the Holy Spirit to guide and direct our path.

The Vestry met in retreat in March to work on developing a shared understanding of its mission. Before last night's meeting, members of Vestry did some homework, thinking through what each believed ought to be included in a ministry plan. Last night the Vestry talked for over an hour seeking consensus on a mission statement.

This is what they came up with:

The role of the Vestry is to focus the vision of our parish through strategic leadership and oversight as we follow Jesus toward a more intimate, life-transforming relationship with God and one another.

This statement includes the important work of generating and sustaining a vision for the parish and raising up parish leaders to embrace a common mission (strategic leadership), assuring responsible stewardship of parish resources (oversight), while keeping the gospel of Jesus Christ central in all we do (following Jesus toward a more intimate, life-transforming relationship with God and one another).

This mission statement excites me. What might it mean for our parish if our Vestry succeeds in this mission?

This would be a Vestry that awakens faith in all of us.

This would be a Vestry that models spiritual practices that will inspire others to greater adventures in faith.

This would be a Vestry that practices disciplines of prayer, scripture study, Sabbath keeping, stewardship, small group support, ministry and witness that will manifest the power of God at work in our midst.

This would be a Vestry that rises to the challenge of leading our parish into fruitful ministry for many years to come.

The Vestry did great work last night. I am blessed to find my ministry anchored by such faith.

The Vestry has much work to do as it continues to develop its ministry plan in discernment with the Holy Spirit. Next up: What activities must the Vestry pursue to advance its mission? And: What outcomes will signal that the Vestry has been faithful in its mission?

This is important work the Vestry is doing -- a first and necessary step toward the still more important work of generating a vision and ministry plan for the parish that will multiply and truly honor the great abundance of blessing God pours upon us every day.

And one more thing:

Don’t forget our Pentecost Festival on June 4! Those who miss it will hear the stories and regret they lost the opportunity to experience the joyful power of God at work among those who believe!