Sample Job Description:

Congregation Council President
 

The Congregation Council should tailor the position description to fit the specific needs of the congregation. This description is based on the duties outlined in the Model Constitution for congregations. Check you Congregation's Constitution, By-laws, and Continuing Resolutions for specific differences.

TITLE: Congregation Council President

POSITION SUMMARY

The President, in conjunction with the rest of the Congregation Council, has general oversight of the life and activities of the congregation, and in particular its worship life, to the end that everything be done in accordance with the Word of God and the faith and practice of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The President is elected by the members of the Congregation Council; in turn, the Council is elected at a legally called annual meeting of the congregation.

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES

A. Presides at all meetings of the Congregation Council and ensures that the Council performs its constitutionally mandated duties:

1. To lead this congregation in stating its mission, to do long-range planning, to set goals and priorities, and to evaluate its activities in light of its mission and goals.

2. To seek to involve all members of this congregation in worship, learning, witness, service, and support.

3. To oversee and provide for the administration of this congregation to enable it to fulfill its functions and perform its mission.

4. To maintain supportive relationships with the pastor(s) and staff and help them annually to evaluate the fulfillment of their calling, appointment, or employment.

5. To be examples individually and corporately of the style of life and ministry expected of all baptized persons.

6. To promote a congregational climate of peace and goodwill and, as differences and conflicts arise, to endeavor to foster mutual understanding.

7. To arrange for pastoral service during the sickness or absence of the pastor.

8. To emphasize partnership with the synod and churchwide units of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as well as cooperation with other congregations, both Lutheran and non-Lutheran, subject to established policies of the synod and the ELCA.

9. To recommend and encourage the use of program resources produced or approved by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

10. To seek out and encourage qualified persons to prepare for the ministry of the Gospel.

B. As a member of the Executive Committee, ensures that the Council is responsible for the financial and property matters of this congregation.

1. Ensures that the provisions of the congregation’s constitution and its bylaws are carried out.

2. Provides for an annual review of the membership roll.

3. Assists the Congregation Council in appointing and supervising salaried lay workers.

4. Presents a comprehensive report to the congregation at the annual meeting.

5. Calls special meetings (the Pastor may also call special meetings); these meetings are called at the request of at least one-half of the council members and with notice given to all who are entitled to be present.

6. Sets an agenda in advance of Council meetings, in cooperation with the pastor(s) and the Executive Committee of the Congregation Council.