1. Metropolis of Boston Parish Council Candidate Seminar

2. Opening Prayer
Shine in our hearts, loving Master, the pure light of your divine knowledge, and open the eyes of our minds that we may comprehend the message of Your Gospel. Instill in us also reverence for Your blessed commandments so that, putting down all bodily desires, we may pursue a spiritual way of life, both thinking and doing things that are pleasing to you. Amen.

3. We belong to the local parish, the Metropolis
"I Am the Vine ,
You are the Branches"
We belong to the local parish, the Metropolis
as well as the Universal Church,
the Body of Christ on Earth.

4. Ecumenical Patriarchate Archdiocese Metropolis Local Parish
The local parish belongs to the
Metropolis of Boston,
the Archdiocese & the Ecumenical Patriarchate 
All seek to bring people to Christ.

5. Leadership Role of the Parish Council
The Parish Council has a unique role and a responsibility to demonstrate to the local parish that they are part of their respective Metropolis, the Archdiocese, and the Ecumenical Patriarchate and their respective ministries. The stronger the bond between them the more vibrant the parish, Metropolis, and Archdiocese will be.
For this reason, attendance at meetings, workshops and Clergy-Laity Assemblies & Congresses is essential.

6. The Ministry of the Parish
The Mission of the Parish
is the Mission of Jesus Christ, to keep, practice and proclaim His Kingdom on earth.

7. “Parish councils help do the work of the church
“Parish councils help do the work of the church. And ‘the work of the church’ is to continue the work of Jesus Christ in the world.”
~ Fr. Stanley S. Harakas ~

8. Luke 10:29-37New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture Reading:
Luke 10:29-37New King James Version (NKJV)
29 But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
30 Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ 36 So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?”
37 And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.”
Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

9. A Paradigm Shift
One cannot separate the ministry of the Church from the management of the Church.
The business of the church must be managed in a way that supports the mission of the Church.

10. REGULATIONS OF THE G.O.A.A.
THE MINISTRY OF THE P.C. :
Proclaiming and teaching the Gospel in accordance with the Orthodox Faith
Sanctifying the faithful through God's grace in worship, the Divine Liturgy and the other sacraments
Enhancing its parishioners’ spiritual life
Adding to the numbers of the faithful by receiving persons into the Church through instruction, baptism and/or chrismation.
REGULATIONS OF THE G.O.A.A.

12. and give my life as a ransom for all” Matthew 20: 28
John and James, Sons of Zebedee, and their Mother’s Request “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.” Matthew 20: The Response of Christ: “I came not to be served but to serve
and give my life as a ransom for all” Matthew 20: 28

13. Leadership... IS: IS NOT: Initiating and Facilitating
Teaching and Showing
Personal and Uplifting
Liberating and Empowering
Controlling and Dictating
Commanding and Demanding
Impersonal and Demeaning
Constraining and Enslaving

14. ~ Saint John Chrysostom ~
“The most basic task of the Church leader is to discern the spiritual gifts of all those under his authority, and to encourage those gifts to be used to the full for the benefit of all.”
~ Saint John Chrysostom ~

15. Administrative Structure of the Archdiocese15 15

16. Regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
As amended is 2007
may be found on the Archdiocese web site:
or by going directly to

17. Parish Operating Manual
What are the Regulations of the Archdiocese all about?
The Regulations of the G.O.A. are in a real way the ‘Parish Operating Manual’ for each parish. They address nearly every situation that a parish will encounter, while allowing each parish to address its own unique requirements and needs by creating local bylaws, subject to the approval of the local hierarch.

18. Sexual Misconduct Policy
GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA
STATEMENT OF POLICY REGARDING SEXUAL MISCONDUCT
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America recognizes that Sexual Misconduct can have devastating consequences for a Victim and his or her family, for the Church community at large, and for all individuals involved. The Archdiocese therefore adopts this Statement of Policy Regarding Sexual Misconduct .

19. Dispute Resolution Procedures: An example…
III. Disputes involving Parishioner & Parish Council
or Parishioner & Parish Assembly
FURTHER APPEAL: to Hierarch
Hierarch has sole discretion & final determination
Determination forwarded to hierarch within 60 days for review/approval
APPEAL
Local Dispute Resolution Panel
A standing panel appointed by the Hierarch from among the Local Council membership
Voting Members: 1 Priest, 2 lay persons ~ preferably including an attorney
Non-Voting Member: Chancellor of Archdiocesan District/Metropolis
FIRST LEVEL REVIEW Chancellor of Respective Archdiocesan District / Metropolis
Pastoral Intervention by Parish Priest

20. Our responsibility...
It is our responsibility as parish leaders to inform all concerned of these dispute resolution procedures and urge them to use them whenever a dispute arises within the Church family.

21. Archdiocese of America
What is the Archdiocese? Article 1: Section 1
The Archdiocese, the Eparchy of the Ecumenical Throne in the United States of America is one indivisible entity in its entirety. It is comprised of the Direct Archdiocesan District, headed by the Archbishop, and the Metropolises of the Archdiocese, each of which is headed by a Metropolitan.
How is the Archdiocese governed? Article 2: Section 1
The Archdiocese is governed and administered in accordance with the Faith, Tradition and Holy Canons of the Church together with the provisions of the Charter, these Regulations and the decisions of the Synod and of the Congress.

22. The Holy Eparchial Synod
The Holy Eparchial Synod is the ecclesiastical instrument of governance of the Archdiocese and is comprised of the Archbishop and the Metropolitans.

23. Parishioners in Good Standing.
Who can participate in the Administration of the Church?
Parishioners in Good Standing.
Article 18
Canonically Baptized & Chrismated;
18 Years of Age or over;
Live according to the tenets of the Orthodox faith;
Faithfully attend Divine Liturgy & participate in the sacraments;
Contribute toward the progress of the sacred mission of the Church;
Remain current in stewardship obligation to the Church (the priest may waive this under special circumstances);
Cooperate in every way towards the well-being of the Parish.

24. May non-Orthodox spouses of members
participate in the parish’s governance?
Only Orthodox Christians who are in good standing with the Church are able to participate in the governance of the parish. However, non-Orthodox spouses are welcome and should be encouraged to participate in the various ministries & activities of the church with the approval and under the guidance of the parish priest.

25. Parish Regulations Part 2: Article 24
The Ministry of the Parish Council
Parish Regulations Part 2: Article 24
PARISH COUNCIL
To serve on a Parish Council is a ministry and all those who serve are called to represent Christ and the Orthodox Faith to all whom they meet in all aspects of life.
The Parish Council shall consist of the Priest, as the head of the Parish, and a number of elected lay members

26. REGULATIONS OF THE G.O.A.A.
The Priest as head of the Parish, by virtue of the ecclesiastical authority vested in him, shall guide and oversee the Parish.
The Priest together with the Parish Council is responsible to the respective Hierarch for the whole life and activities of his Parish.
Each Parish shall be administered by the Priest and Parish Council cooperatively.
REGULATIONS OF THE G.O.A.A.

27. Responsibilities of the Parish Council Include:
Assisting the Priest in administration of the affairs and ministries of the Parish;
Establishing committees, including Stewardship, Finance, Outreach, Youth, Education and Planning;
Implementing & expanding the Parish Stewardship program and ministries;
Preparing budgets and collecting the revenue of the Parish;
Providing financial resources for the Parish's administration and ministries;
Submitting to the respective Hierarch and the Archdiocese, at the end of each year, the financial statement of the Parish for that year (certified by the Parish's Board of Auditors) and the Parish budget for the ensuing year; and
Submitting annual Parish profile reports that may be required by the Archdiocese and the respective Archdiocesan District/Metropolis.
Ministry Based PC

28. The Parish Council members have fiduciary responsibility for the parish. Upon assuming their position on the council, individual council members accept responsibility for the proper management of the financial matters of the parish.
All Church funds received through stewardship, special gifts, fund-raisers, bequests, etc. are for the ministry of the church and all decisions must be understood in this context. Funds contributed for a specific purpose (dedicated funds) may only be utilized for that specific purpose.

29. Ministry-Based
Organization 29 29

30. Ministry-Based Organization
With the Priest, the Parish Council is to identify all the ministries that exist or should exist in the parish. 30

31. Ministry-Based Organization
organize
Together the Priest and the Parish Council organize these ministries into interrelated groupings. The recommended number of groupings should be equal to the number of elected Parish Council members except President & Treasurer. 31 31

32. Ministry-Based Organization
A typical grouping of parish MINISTRIES:
Education and Culture Life
Parish Life
Youth
Religious
Stewardship
Outreach and Welcoming
Interfaith Marriage
Planning and Budget
Facility Operation
Facility Development
Facility Finance 32

33. suggested implementation...
Ministry-Based Organization
suggested implementation...
Each January, all Parish Council members (except the Priest, the President, and the Treasurer) indicate in writing their ministry preferences and their qualifications.
The Priest and President then appoint the Council members to Ministries based on each member’s gifts and talents. 33 33

34. Ministry-Based Organization
Give Leadership Responsibility to Parishioners
Ideally, each ministry program, activity, or event is headed by a parishioner who is not a member of the Parish Council. Thus the primary role of a Parish Council member assigned to a Ministry is to oversee the work and serve as liaison for the Parish Council. 34 34

35. Ministry-Based Organization
Role of the Parish Council Member as Liaison:
Assist in organizing and improving the ministry
Recruit and develop leadership for the ministry
Monitor each ministry’s progress & intervene when necessary
Support and encourage ministry’s workers
Assisting with budgeting
Acknowledge work & progress both privately and publicly 35 35

36. The Parish Council members are responsible to the their Parish Assembly and Hierarch for conducting the affairs of the parish, keeping with the mission, aims and purpose of the Church.
The Parish Council must understand and adhere to the Archdiocesan Regulations, as well as federal, state, and local statutes which apply to the parish.

37. Leadership Role of the Parish Council
The Parish Council should provide the Parish Assembly with the information it needs to make informed and sound policy decisions.

38. Audit Committee & Election Committee
On behalf of the General Assembly…
The Audit Committee assesses the implementation of established fiscal policy.
The Election Committee provides for the proper election of effective Parish Council leaders.

39. What authority does a parish have?
The parish is governed by the Regulations of G.O.A.;
Each parish governs itself to the extent that major decisions (buying, selling, mortgaging, etc.) are subject to a vote of 2/3 of the members in good standing present at a properly called meeting of the parish;
All major decisions are subject the approval of the local Hierarch. This approval also extends to the ratification of all parish council elections. Those elected cannot take office until such time as the local hierarch ratifies their election.

40. ARTICLE 16: PARISH PROPERTY
Church facilities are to be used for the ministries of the Parish.
The Parish shall hold title to all real estate and personal property in its corporate name.
Purchase of property must follow specific procedures for approval by Parish Assembly and the respective Hierarch.
Architecture, Iconography & Artistry must be in accordance with Orthodox tradition.
All plans for building, renovation, iconography must be approved by the respective Hierarch.
Special contributions, bequests, and gifts beyond stewardship must be used for the purposes for which they were made.

41. In addition, the Parish shall establish educational and philanthropic activities to foster the aims and mission of the Parish and to edify its parishioners in the Faith and ethos of the Church. The Parish shall also engage in such inter-Orthodox, ecumenical and interfaith activities as are consistent with the policies of the Archdiocese, under the guidance of the parish priest.

42. CLERGY--LAITY CONGRESS
Article 4 on page 3
Except for dogmatic and canonical matters, the Congress is concerned with all other matters which affect the life, mission, growth and unity of the Archdiocese and especially the uniform administration of the Archdiocesan District, the Metropolises and the Parishes. It is also concerned with the educational programs, financial programs and philanthropic concerns of the Archdiocese as well as the participation and role of the Archdiocese in the life of America. The Congress makes such decisions as it deems appropriate.
The Congress is the legislative instrument of governance of the Archdiocese.

43. Article 17: Clergy
Section 1: The Priest by virtue of his canonical ordination and assignment heads and administers the Parish and exercises on its behalf the priestly duties, which consist in shepherding the Parish entrusted to his care, directing its orderly life, preserving its unity and keeping it faithful to its divine purpose.
Section 2: Clergy are assigned or transferred by the respective Hierarch within his Metropolis by virtue of the authority of his office and in accordance with the canons, ecclesiastical procedure and the needs of the Archdiocesan Metropolis.
A. In accordance with the canons and ecclesiastical procedure, neither the
Parish Council nor the Parish Assembly is authorized to dismiss a Priest.
Section 3: The Priest shall have charge of all matters pertaining to the spiritual life and growth of the Parish, including, but not limited to, divine worship and related personnel.

44. The Leadership Role
of the
Parish Council

45. Leadership…
The Parish Council members are expected to act on the reality that by being the most visible parish group, they serve as models for the parish –
either as positive or negative models impacting the behavior of other parishioners.

46. Leadership…
Parish Council members are expected to attend church services and participate in the sacraments, thereby setting an example for fellow parishioners.

47. Everything we do as parish leaders has a ripple effect…
Leadership…
Everything we do as parish leaders
has a ripple effect…
It either helps or it hurts.

48. Leadership…
Parish Council members are expected to participate in parish events and functions, setting an example for fellow parishioners.

49. Leadership…
Jesus takes the boy’s offering of five loaves & two fishes and feeds the 5,000
When Parish Council members openly support the parish’s stewardship ministry, the parishioners will more likely respond enthusiastically to the annual stewardship drive as well as remaining current on their offering of time, talent, and treasures.

50. The role of the Priest as an active member of the Parish Council is critical to the effective functioning of the Council.
The Priest, as the spiritual leader of the parish and the Council, contributes to the culture of consensus and empowerment within the Council as well as the parish.

51. Planning
One of the more important and often overlooked roles of the Parish Council is planning:
 developing a vision of the parish’s future and its implementation
 identifying and implementing needed improvements and new ministries
 instituting succession planning

52. LEADERSHIP AND VISION Understanding the Kingdom of God
Living the Kingdom on Earth
Developing a Vision based on the Kingdom of God
Applying It in the Local Community 52

53. LEADERSHIP AND VISION
“Ultimately vision informs and shapes everything that we do, the life that we live, all that we are.”
Williams & McKibbens,
Oriented Leadership

54. Williams & McKibben, Oriented Leadership
“Without the experience, training, and calling which our leaders bring, the vision could easily be wrong; without the consensus and practical perspective brought by the followers, the vision could just as easily be incomplete.”
Williams & McKibben, Oriented Leadership

55. Belasco, Teaching the Elephant to Dance
VISION AND EMPOWERMENT
People can only be empowered by a vision they understand.
Understanding is enhanced by participation.
Participation produces empowerment.
Belasco, Teaching the Elephant to Dance

56. LIVING THE VISION
Leaders have to live the vision, or they will ultimately fail.
When the leader is not serious about living the vision consistently, neither will the followers. When the leader lives his vision inconsistently, so will his followers.

57. LEADERSHIP TRAITS THE LEADER… Initiates Provides Ideas and Structures
Takes the Risk of Failure
Elicits Trust
Is a Good Listener and Responds to Problems by Listening
Always Accepts and Empathizes, Never Rejects
Is Genuinely Interested in the Followers
Has a Sense for the Unknowable and Foresees the Unforeseen
Is a Good Communicator
Is Naturally Intuitive

58. THE ART OF LEADERSHIP
Live the example of your LEADER, our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.
Nurture your relationship with Him.
Listen to His voice.
Allow others and especially your priests and Fathers of the Church to mentor you.

59. THE ART OF LEADERSHIP
A leader is not someone who stands alone but someone who lives in relation to a group of people. In the case of the Church we are there to serve our Community. We need the Church’s direction, the Grace of God and the assistance of others to do and complete our task.

60. Leadership Role of the Parish Council
A succession strategy which includes mentoring of future leaders is critical for properly preparing individuals for taking their place on the Parish Council -- for leadership as well as for the ministry liaison role.

64. Parish Council Leadership / Mentoring:
Ministry-Based Organization
Parish Council Leadership / Mentoring:
I do it. You watch me do it.
I do it. You do it with me.
You do it. I watch you do it.
You do it. I do something else in the Ministry of the Parish. 65 65

65. The parish operates most effectively in an atmosphere of peace, love, and unity.
The open sharing of information regarding plans, decisions and finances dispels rumors and contributes to an atmosphere of trust.

66. Thank You, and May God Bless Your Ministry!