I've been asked to run for vestry

[Fortinbras Armstrong]

11. I was on the parish council for my Catholic parish

I learnt more about the care, tending and replacement of large air conditioners than I had expected. I also know more about parish finances and budgets than I had before.

There will probably be one or two people who will try to dominate. If you disagree with them, don't let them bulldoze you. You will regret it. We had to dismantle our adult education program because one unqualified loudmouth insisted that he run it. Well, he ran it into the ground, so much so that we got rid of the program altogether for about three years (when that loudmouth was no longer on the council).

This does not apply to Catholic parishes, where the pastor will be assigned by the bishop, but I had a friend who was a Presbyterian who told me that if your church is hiring a new minister, be prepared for long hours, many interviews and very likely some contentious vestry meetings.

However, it can be a rewarding job. You will be in the center of how your church is run.

If I think of something later, I will post again.