Some congregations in the Episcopal Church are about to face an annual problem: Who will run for vestry? With annual parish meetings scheduled in January in many places, nominating committee members, wardens, rectors and others may be searching for suitable candidates for the vestry. In too many of our churches it's an annual struggle. For all sorts of reasons there may not be enough candidates to fill the number of openings. Unfortunately, many persons choose not to stand for election to a vestry because either they aren't well informed about what a vestry does, or they perceive, often incorrectly, that they have nothing to bring to a vestry.

Being a member of the vestry is an honor, and parishioners, if invited, should be willing to take on a leadership role. In many cases, a large percentage of the parish doesn't understand what vestry members are supposed to do, and therefore many persons are hesitant to stand for election. Vestry members serve with the rector as the leaders of the congregation. They are the decision makers, the overseers of budget, property, personnel and programs.

Vestry elections in some parishes are ineffective because they are popularity contests. The most popular members of the parish are elected year after year, even though it is possible that those members may not be the most gifted in the congregation. Ideally, vestries should be comprised of persons with a variety of gifts - perhaps a lawyer, an accountant or a banker, a personnel professional. A lifelong member of the congregation can bring one perspective and a relatively new member could bring another. An active college student or teenager may prove to be valuable, and someone who served on a vestry in another congregation might provide helpful experience.

It would be helpful if congregations could provide training for new vestry members. Returning members of the vestry, diocesan staff members and various booklets or pamphlets may be of value in introducing basic elements of this important ministry to new members. Persons who are hesitant about serving on a vestry might be more willing to participate if they knew some training was available.

Particular care should be taken in the election of wardens. The two wardens of the congregation provide leadership to the vestry and usually have a close relationship to the rector, often as a liaison between priest and people. In most congregations, there are senior and junior wardens, but in some places "priest's warden" and "people's warden" are used.

The roles of the wardens and vestry are magnified when a parish is without a rector. The wardens are then in charge of the congregation and need to arrange for services and to ensure that the church's ministries continue to be carried out. When the time comes to elect a new rector, the vestry is the electing body.

We hope when annual parish meetings are held that members will be willing to attend and to elect responsible, committed leaders. If you are asked to serve on the vestry, give it prayerful and serious consideration. Serving on a vestry can be a rewarding, positive experience.