The Charge Conference

Charge Conferences provide a vital connection between local churches and their district superintendent. They reflect the connectional nature of The United Methodist Church, where decisions are made cooperatively by clergy, laity, congregations and connectional leadership. These conferences help ensure alignment in mission, accountability in leadership and continuity in ministry across the denomination. The Charge Conference meets once a year in the fall except when special “called” sessions are necessary. The membership of the  Charge Conference is composed of the clergy appointed to the charge and all the members of the Church Council, and does many of the following:

  • Reviews and evaluates the overall mission and ministries of the charge
  • Approves new lay leadership appointments and positions for the upcoming year
  • Adopts a budget for the coming year
  • Recommends candidates for ordained, lay or other forms of ministry
  • Sets salaries and compensation for pastors and staff appointed by the bishop
  • Supports the formation of satellite congregations with the district superintendent’s approval
  • Reviews annual membership records for each congregation

The Church Council

This is the executive agency of the congregation. This team meets every other month and oversees the administration and ministry of the church. Comprised of committee chairpersons and church officers, this group does many of the following:

  • Discerns how God would have the church live out a transforming ministry.
  • Initiates planning, establishes goals and implements action plans for ministry. 
  • Evaluates the effectiveness the church.
  • Encourages all people to grow in their discipleship, especially inactive members. 
  • Works with Lay Leadership and SPRC to provide effective church leadership.
  • Approves a ministry budget that provides financial support for the ministries and physical facilities, and meet the legal obligations of the church.
Trustees
 

These are the Christian stewards of the CUMC’s physical property. They supervise and maintain the property so that the ministries of the Church can be effective and local legal requirements related to property can be met. They meet as needed, and are responsible for the following:

  • They have oversight and care of all church properties and buildings. 
  • Receive and administer all special gifts (grants, bequests, etc.).
  • Review annually the insurance policies on property, equipment and personnel.
  • Submit an annual budget to the finance committee. 
 
Parsonage Committee
 
The Parsonage Committee performs the same tasks as the church trustees, but their work focuses on the pastor’s home. 

The Staff Parish Relations Team

This group focuses on building relationships between the congregation and staff and the district superintendent. This group meets at least four times per year, and does many of the following:

  • Confer regularly with the pastor about personnel conditions affecting the church. 
  • Help the pastor and staff set job priorities.
  • Recommend staff positions to the Church Council and approve job descriptions.
  • Advise the bishop and the cabinet regarding appointment issues. 
  • Provide annual evaluations for the pastor and staff.
  • Recommend to the Charge Conference candidates for ordained ministry.
  • Recommends to Charge Conference clergy compensation.
Nominations and Lay Leadership Team
 

This team identifies and evaluates the spiritual leadership of the congregation to fulfill the mission and vision of the church. They advise the Church Council on lay leadership needs in the church. They meet during the months leading up to the Charge Conference meeting, and do many of the following:

  • Become familiar with as many persons in the congregation as possible.
  • Work with the Church Council throughout the year to name other leadership positions.
  • Prepare job descriptions that are adapted to the needs and style of the congregation. 
  • Become familiar with the responsibilities for each leadership position, and match potential leaders with opportunities for spiritual leadership. 
  • Present a nomination list to for approval by the Charge Conference.