PURPOSE: The Presiding Deacon represents the Parish Council on the Vestry, providing administrative leadership in consultation with the Vestry, as he supervises and assists the deacons of the Parish Council in carrying out its purpose and objectives.

OBJECTIVES:
Run effective and orderly Parish Council meetings

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 deacons to attend all Parish Council meetings faithfully
Keep the Presiding Elder and the congregation 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 under the Parish Council, ensuring that they are focusing on the congregation's mission statement

To 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 Parish Council meetings

• Prepare, in consultation with the Vestry, the written agenda for Parish Council meetings, including:
- Establish the time of the meeting
- Establish the time limits of the meeting
- Schedule various reports

• Actively monitor and supervise all deacons and all ministry activities under the responsibility of the deacons

• Serve as a welcome, advisory member of all committees under the Parish Council

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

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

• Arrange for (and/or deliver in the absence of the Presiding Elder) an occasional congregational address to keep the congregation informed on the affairs of the congregation

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

• Make an annual report of his activity to the Presiding Elder and the Presiding Elder’s Committee

• Receive monthly reports (minutes) from all deacons and their committees (when deemed necessary) that he might facilitate the coordination and continuous progress of the congregation's work