Committee on Ministry

The Parish Board on April 5, 2009, established the Committee on Ministry as a standing committee. The paramount duty of the COM is fidelity to First Church’s Mission/Vision and its connection to the church as a whole, where the whole is thought of as leadership, staff, and the congregation.

The committee’s role will be to:

  • Educate the congregation regarding Shared Ministry and what it means for individual members and groups
  • Support the health of the ministries of FC with a focus on the church as a whole
  • Provide ongoing personal and professional support to the Senior Minister (help him/her establish personal priorities and goals; encourage professional development and denomination and community work, etc.)
  • Act as a feedback path to the Senior Minister, as pulse-taking requires
  • Model and promote Right Relationship between and among all FC’s constituents
  • Promote appreciation and understanding among all FC’s stakeholders

As a standing committee, the COM will report to the Parish Board, generally every 3 months, on the health of Shared Ministry at FC and will discuss other topics, as relevant, such as:

  • The health of the church’s ministries
  • Possible improvements to evaluation tools and processes
  • Ways of improving communication and healing for parties in conflict which also discourage triangulation and suggest ways to seek mutually satisfactory solutions
  • Sponsoring workshops related to Right Relations, conflict resolution, etc., as authorized
  • Suggestions regarding ministerial compensation or other concerns relevant to the support of the professional ministry
  • Organizing celebrations of recognition for the ministries of FC, as authorized
  • Conducting listening circles or focus groups for the congregation or staff when requested
  • Maintaining discretion as necessary

Membership & Terms

The committee will be staffed generally by 6 members serving overlapping terms to provide continuity, with no member serving more than 3 consecutive years. New members will be selected by mutual agreement of the Senior Minister and the Parish Board President.

The committee meets on a regular schedule, monthly or as necessary.

The committee will work under these criteria until the fall of 2010, when this framework will be reassessed and adjusted if necessary.

For more information please contact us at mspaulding@uubelmont.org.