Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6

Annual Council Responsibilities Checklist

Set the Annual Budget

Annual Review of Pastor(s)

Review Pastor’s Report to ELCA

(per section C9.12 c) of the Constitution)

Review Short and Long Term Goals

Elect a Nominating Committee

Elect Audit Committee Members

Attend Council Retreat / Visioning Session

Prepare and submit Annual Report for Your Board or for your office (President / VP)

Review of Pastor’s review of staff

Explanations as to Annual Council Responsibilities Checklist

Yearly Council responsibilities:

1.    Set the Budget

Assist your specific Board in planning their annual Budget in September or October. This Budget will then be submitted to the Council for incorporation into the budget for the whole church.

The Council will prepare and discuss the Budget in December and must be prepared to present it to the congregational meeting in January.

2.    Annual Review of Pastors

Chapter 12.04 (d) of the church constitution states that one of the duties of council shall be:

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

3.    Review Pastor’s Report to ELCA (per section C9.12 c) of the Constitution)

This is to be done in conjunction with the short and long term planning to see if the goals are being met.

4.    Review Short and Long Term Goals

5.    Select a Council Nominee for the Nominating Committee.

This is a committee of 3 people of which 1 should be an out-going Council member.  The Congregation elects the committee at the January meeting.

6.    Elect Audit Committee Members (C13.03)

No Council member can be on this Committee.  Each year Council elects 1 person for a three year term and to fill unexpired terms which are vacant as needed.

7.    Attend Council Retreat / Visioning

A time for the Council to grow together in prayerful deliberation.