PURPOSE: The Presiding Elder represents the Congregational Assembly on the Vestry, providing administrative leadership in consultation with the Vestry, as he assists all congregational leaders in carrying out the congregation’s purpose and objectives.

OBJECTIVES:
Run effective and orderly Congregational Assemblies

As a member of the Vestry, facilitate and supervise the administration of the day to day ministry of the congregation

Motivate and recruit willing workers for service as deacons and on ministry committees

Motivate and encourage members to attend all Congregational Assemblies faithfully

Keep the Presiding Elder’s Advisory Committee and the congregation at large informed on the various programs and on the business of the congregation

Offer his counsel as desired and needed as a welcome, advisory member of all committees of the congregation, assisting and assuring that they are focusing on the congregation's stated mission and objectives

Lead the congregation to a fuller vision of ministry in the immediate community and throughout the world

Assist the pastors in the training of the laity for service in various capacities in the congregation

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Chair all Congregational Assemblies

• Prepare, in consultation with the Vestry, the written agenda for Congregational Assemblies, including:
- Establish the time of the meeting
- Establish the time limits of the meeting
- Schedule various reports and proposals

• Conference weekly with the Vestry, carrying out all duties of Vestry members defined by the Articles and Bylaws

• Serve as a welcome, advisory member on all committees of the Congregation

• Chair meetings of the Presiding Elder’s Advisory Committee

• Concern himself with good communication between the membership and administration of the congregation

• Arrange for and/or deliver an occasional congregational address to keep everyone informed of the congregation’s affairs

• Encourage the use of congregational newsletters to keep the membership informed

• Prepare and present the annual report of all congregational ministry activity to the August Annual Assembly

• Oversee the presentation of the proposed congregational ministry plan and budget to the April Congregational Assembly

• Chair the annual nomination process for congregational leadership at the April Assembly (vacating the chair to the Presiding Deacon for the ratification of the ballot if he is a candidate for the Presiding Elder’s position)

• Receive monthly reports (minutes) from all deacons and all committees (when deemed necessary) that he might be informed and assist in facilitating the coordination and continuous progress of the congregation's work.