“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.”
Accountability is a biblical principle and, as a parish church, our aim is to comply with all relevant government and ecclesiastical legislation. We also seek to keep ourselves accountable through a clear governance structure so that it is clear where decisions about our life together as a church are made, who has authority to act on the church’s behalf, how we will act, and who is accountable for each of those things.
Wise governance keeps us safe and enables us to honour the Lord with the resources he has given us and the ministries we undertake.
Our church is part of the Anglican Diocese of Auckland. The Vicar is accountable to the Bishop of Auckland and is required to undertake ongoing professional development, including pastoral supervision and safeguarding training.
The parish itself is governed by a church council called a ‘Vestry.’ Vestry is responsible for promoting the worship of God, fostering spiritual growth, and for all matters related to governance, finance, administration and property within the parish.
Vestry is accountable to the members of the church, who elect members to Vestry each year at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Increasingly, we are trying to profile Vestry members and give them a portfolio, so that at any given time Vestry has a range of experience and expertise to help to cover every aspect of compliance and governance.
Every member of Holy Trinity has a role to play in governance:
Pray. Ask the Lord to give Vestry wisdom, guidance and unity of purpose.
Nominate and Vote. Prayerfully consider who would make a good Vestry member and come to the AGM to vote.
Speak. Talk to Vestry members and issues that are important to you and ideas that you may have. Ask questions about the Vestry agenda.
Stand. Take a look at the role description for a Vestry Member, and prayerfully consider whether you have the godliness and expertise to serve on Vestry.
Documents and Policies
The church also has a complaints policy. This is posted at the back of church and is also available upon request.