MINISTRY AND PERSONNEL
Ministry and Personnel (M&P) is a mandatory committee required by the by-laws of The United Church of Canada. The M&P Committee oversees relationships within the pastoral charge ministry, particularly the roles and functions of paid leaders and employees. The M&P Committee is an ongoing, standing committee that is accountable to the Church Council.
Ministry and Personnel has three roles which must be carefully balanced: a consultative and supportive role, a human relations role, and a conflict management role. It does not have decision-making authority. It recommends particular actions to Council concerning staff, including ministry personnel.
The primary responsibilities of the M&P Committee are:
- to support communication between the congregation, ministry personnel and staff;
- to review with ministry personnel and staff their salaries, allowances, and benefits, and to make appropriate recommendations to Council prior to the beginning of the regular budgeting process;
- to clarify the responsibilities and lines of accountability of ministry personnel and staff, and to review with them their position descriptions;
- to consult with ministry personnel and staff regarding continuing education plans and needs, and make recommendations to Council to ensure that time and money are made available;
- to conduct an annual review of the effectiveness of all ministry personnel and staff; and
- to work to resolve conflict at the earliest possible stage.
The members of the Avondale M&P Committee are:
- Beth Bailey
- Kathy Bjorkquist
- Doug Lester
- Debbi Parks
- John Wright
- Christine Foster
Members of the congregation, ministry personnel or staff should bring complaints or concerns to the M&P Committee in writing, with specific details that will allow reasonable action. All issues brought to M&P are handled in a confidential manner.