The Leadership Team is the governing body of our local congregation. At Rusk UMC, we operate under a single board model, which offers an efficient and effective way to communicate the needs of the congregation, plans for the ministry of the church, and decision making on behalf of the congregation. The Team votes on all church matters, but some members of the team will serve as "point persons" for specific areas of church business. These positions come with both a voice and vote on the board, except for the ex-officio members which include the pastor and finance manager. This committee typically meets once during the odd months of the year. At this meeting we will hear reports and updates from all ministry areas. These meetings are open to all participants in the congregation, and the agenda, minutes, financial reports, and subsequent reports are made available to all church members in the church office. The only time the meeting is closed to non-Leadership Team members is when the Team is meeting with regard to personnel matters.


Chair of the Team: The chair of the Leadership Team is tasked with preparing for, communicating on, and leading the meetings of the Leadership Team. This position is held, ideally,for no more than three years and is asked to serve a subsequent year to help with transition and provide clarity on past decisions if necessary. The chair will need to meet with the pastoral staff prior to the monthly meetings to set the agenda for the .meeting ahead. This position will be held by someone having served on the Leadership Team in the past.

Lay Leader: The Lay Leader of the congregation is tasked with informing the laity (congregation members) of the happenings and ministry opportunities of the church. The lay leader serves a three­ year term and may be the lay representative for Rusk UMC at district and conference events. This person will be tasked with making reports to the congregation about district and conference matters.

SPRC Point Person: The Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) point person is responsible for connecting with, advocating for,and communicating needs to the staff persons of the church. This position requires an ability to have potentially difficult meetings with staff persons, to help address congregational needs for pastoral staff in the event of emergencies and may require contact with the District Superintendent.

Trustees Point Person: The Trustee point person is responsible for monitoring the overall management of the property of Rusk UMC. This includes all buildings on property,as well as the church parsonage. This point person will be made aware of any emergency needs for the church property and will be willing to stay informed regarding all conference and state requirements for serving the public. The trustee will help navigate and facilitate any contractual documents needed by the church.

Finance Point Person: The financial point person serves as the treasurer for the congregation. Alongside our volunteer or paid Financial Manager,the financial representative will communicate the financial landscape for the congregation,as well as any financial needs. This person will have knowledge of giving and tithes to the church so extreme confidentiality is required.

At-Large Team Members: These positions may be held by people wishing to participate on the Leadership Team in a general role. This position may be held for up to three years but may also be a position served for one year at a time. At-large members have full voting rights and offer an opportunity to learn about the administrative workings and decision making of the church.

Outreach and Missions: This Team upholds the mission of the UMC to make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World. This team may create opportunities for the congregation to engage in and support local and non-local missional opportunities and outreach projects.

Family Life: This Team will coordinate care efforts for our homebound members, and coordinate with pastoral staff about other needs in the congregation. This Team also facilitates fellowship meals for the congregation.

Christian Education: This Team will work with the pastor to find and develop educational materials for Sunday School, Bible Studies and other educational opportunities.

Prayer Ministry: This Team is tasked with keeping up with the prayer needs of the congregation.

Worship: This Team works with the pastor to plan worship experiences throughout the year, from Communion to Lent to Advent preparations.

Nominations Committee: The nominations committee is chaired by the pastor. It consists members in three classes of three-year terms. This committee is responsible for inviting members of the congregation to serve in leadership positions including the nominations committee itself and the Leadership Team.