Role of a Church Council member at LUC

The Church Council are a group of representatives of this congregation, elected to oversee the mission and ministry of LUC. This group includes a Chairperson,Deputy Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Safe Church Contact Person and other members who offer their gifts and skills in service and leadership. Church Council are seen as leaders within the church, who work collaboratively with the Ministry Staff.

Uniting Church regulations state that the role of a church councillor is to build the congregation up in faith and love.

Responsibilities include:

  • Sharing with the Minister/s in the pastoral care and spiritual oversight of the congregation (that is, ensuring that the pastoral care offered is adequate, and holding responsibility for what is heard in worship, what is taught in bible studies and small groups, etc.)

  • Collaborating and sharing with the Minister/s in the conduct of worship and sacraments (including worship times, approval of baptisms, confirmations and weddings in the church, and determining if each activity of public worship supports and serves the congregation’s mission)

  • Nurturing the congregation in their growth in discipleship

  • Making decisions in keeping with UCA regulations

  • Managing financial affairs and general administration, including necessary budgets, statements and reports

  • Exercising discipline on behalf of the congregation as appropriate (figuring out procedures in discipline action to be taken against a minister or member of LUC)

  • Oversighting four (4) leadership teams (Pastoral Care Team, Property & Finance Team, Epworth House Management Team & Communications Team)

  • Relevant activities as employing body of non-ordained staff.

  • Other work as required.

At LUC, we expect church council members to abide by the following:

  • Attendance at Church Council meetings (around every six weeks, for a couple of hours), plus extraordinary meetings when required.

  • Respond to email and Slack correspondence in a timely manner.

  • Be faithful in attending worship, and take seriously the responsibility to be leaders in these gathered spaces – watching out for new people, ensuring the space is safe, supporting the ministers etc.

  • Councillors are elected by the Congregation for (up to) a three-year term. A councillor can serve for a maximum of three consecutive terms.

Updated October 2022