Banner Image:   DSC0671s

Being a member of the PCC 

 

Introduction and Character

This guide is an internal CtK document that seeks to outline the role for current and prospective PCC members, with information collated from diocesan sources, including our own. It is intentionally not exhaustive. PCC members have spiritual, pastoral and mission dimensions, working with the incumbent to further the kingdom of God I the form of the life and mission of the church in the parish. A good PCC member puts God, in three persons, at the centre of their own and the church’s life and is: a person of Christian faith and conviction; a person of prayer; someone willing to be involved in the life of the Church and the community beyond Sunday services; able to engage with and embrace suitable change; missional.
 
What is the PCC?

Every parish has a Parochial Church Council (PCC). This is an elected group of people who represent the church in that place, and are its main decision makers, working in conjunction with the incumbent. Its powers and duties are defined by legislation and can principally be found in the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956. The PCC is a corporate body, a separate legal entity, and is therefore separate from its members. Individual PCC members are not personally responsible for the liabilities of the PCC.
Good PCC members are committed congregants, interested in and involved with the life of the church and the local community · They are caring, willing to learn and to share ideas, with the ability to listen careful to another’s point of view.
 

Who is a PCC Member?

These are: clergy licensed to the parish; the churchwardens, elected by the annual Meeting of parishioners; those from the parish elected (by the APCM) to any one (or more) of General, Diocesan and Deanery Synod; laity elected by the APCM – with numbers determined by the size of the church’s Electoral Roll.

The PCC's role and member large responsibilities:

In addition to general areas mentioned above:

  • Legally, PCC members become Charity Trustees and must ensure the church complies with the Charity Commission guidance and legislation in relation to charities.
  • They must complete (and update as necessary) Safeguarding training pathways as follows: Basic Awareness; Foundations; Leadership.  This alongside always promoting a safer church.
  • The PCC is responsible for the finances of the parish. It also has ultimate responsibility for and shared oversight of the care and maintenance of all church buildings and their contents, including insurance.
  • The PCC may make representations to the bishop on matters that affect the welfare of the parish.
  • Appoint: a treasurer; a secretary; an independent examiner of accounts; a PSO and an ERO.
  • Elect, from its membership, a Standing Committee, its lay Vice Chair
  • Approve the annual accounts and report them to the APCM alongside the annual report.
  • Take responsibility for staff appointments, contracts, training welfare, etc.
  • Oversee relations with the Date Protection Commissioner
  • Develop, maintain and review all church policies and related procedures.
  • Raising such matters as the council consider appropriate with the diocesan synod or deanery synod.

 

Membership in Everyday Practice

Commit to the prayer life of the church, both individual and corporate, preferably a Life Group member.
Serve the church in areas according to one’s God-given talents, gifts and skills.
Listen to God and congregants to help discern wise decision making.
Receive a meeting’s agenda, read all circulated papers in advance and attend monthly meetings.
Declare any potential Conflicts of Interest regarding agenda items.
Contribute appropriately to meetings, maintaining a ‘whole church’ approach, not a personal agenda.
Follow-up from meetings where agreed actions require, including minutes review.
Become aware of the essential Church Representation Rules regarding PCCs.
Notify the chair and secretary of any intention to stand down, or if disqualification applies.
Don’t volunteer for a task unless you are sure that you have the time to complete it.
 
The PCC needs thinkers and doers, questioners and listeners.