A GUIDE TO THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
This booklet is not intended to be a definitive guide to the PCC, but a guide to what the PCC is and does. Our Vicar, Stuart Dimes will be able to provide further information. Simply the role of the PCC member is to consult with the Incumbent (the Vicar) and PCC on matters of general concern and importance to the parish; and promoting in the parish the whole mission of the church, including its spiritual, legal, financial, pastoral and missionary functions
WHAT IS THE PCC?
The Parochial Church Council is the governing body of a parish church. It is also a charity and is registered with the Charity Commissioners, so certain charity rules apply.
WHAT DOES THE PCC DO?
The PCC is a team made up of members of clergy and members of the congregation (lay members of the church). Together they are responsible for the overall wellbeing, practical as well as spiritual, of their church, the church members, and the church buildings. The PCC also has a duty to promote the mission of the church within the wider community. Some of the responsibilities are devolved to the Vicar and Churchwardens but, to quote from the Parochial Church Council (Powers) Measure 1956 section 2, ‘It shall be the duty of the minister and the PCC to consult together on matters of general concern and importance to the parish’. Members of the PCC have the right to be consulted, to know what is proposed, and to have the opportunity to express an opinion on it. Rev Stuart, as Vicar is Chairman of the PCC though he may on occasion ask another member to chair a particular meeting. A
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treasurer, a secretary and vice-chairman will usually be elected to office at its first meeting after the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM). The PCC will also appoint a standing committee, typically the Vicar as chair, the churchwardens, the treasurer and two elected members.
WORSHIP AND PRAYER
The chief end of God’s people is to enjoy God and worship him forever. Therefore, worship and prayer are at the heart of the work of the PCC. The PCC should ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place for public worship and provide an opportunity for people of all ages to meet for worship and prayer.
PASTORAL CARE
The PCC and its members have a duty to support their clergy, prayerfully and personally. They have a duty to support the members of the congregation and to extend a welcome to all who visit the church, to members of the church community and to those visiting the church at other times. The church has a duty of pastoral care to all who live in our communities, whether members of the church or not, and PCC members are expected to take the lead in demonstrating that care.
FINANCE
The PCC appoints a treasurer to manage the day to day finances of the parish. The treasurer does not need to be a qualified accountant (though a very large parish might consider it appropriate to appoint a qualified accountant). they must understand how to maintain books, must have a good knowledge of the parish and the work of the church, and importantly must have the full confidence of the PCC membership.
The treasurer will keep members informed on the financial situation and present a full report to each PCC meeting. PCC members are Trustees of a charity and are responsible for managing the Church’s finances. They must ensure that all funds are properly accounted for, the books properly maintained, and the PCC annual accounts inspected or audited, and formally approved by the PCC, prior to the APCM.
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BUILDINGS
The PCC along with the Church Wardens are responsible for the care and maintenance of the fabric of the church, and any other buildings owned by the church.
THE PCC MEETING
The PCC is required by law to meet several times a year to enable the efficient running of the church (one meeting may follow on from the APCM. Our aim is that meetings last for a maximum of two hours, aiming for one and a half as the norm. Meetings start at 7:30pm
The PCC meeting should be a forum for open discussion with every member feeling able to ask a question or voice an opinion.
WHO CAN BE A MEMBER OF THE PCC?
If you are 16 years old or over, have been on Hampton in Arden’s electoral roll for at least 6 months and are an actual communicant, you can stand for election to your PCC.
MEMBERSHIP OF THE PCC
Members of the PCC are drawn from two sources, those elected at the Annual Parish Church Meeting, and those who are ex officio members. The following are ex officio members,
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All Priests and Deacons licensed to the parish
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Licensed Lay Workers licensed to the parish
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The churchwardens
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Any deanery, diocesan or general synod rep
Additional members may be co-opted onto the council by the PCC during the course of the year.
The number of elected members on a PCC is governed by the Church Representation Rules and is based on the number of people on the electoral roll.
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Someone may ask - What skills do I need to be a member of the PCC? Skills may be too prescriptive, it is better perhaps to say that someone interested in becoming a member of the PCC may be a
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regular member of the church family here at Hampton in Arden
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Interested in and involved with the life of the church and the local community
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Willing to learn and to share ideas, experience and gifts
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Caring Able to listen to another’s point of view
Some golden rules of PCC membership Do
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Attend meetings (and on time)
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Read the papers before the meeting, be prepared
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Ask if in doubt (especially important for new members)
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Try not to fall out with your fellow members
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Listen to all the arguments being put forward before making up your mind
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Enjoy being a member of the PCC!
Do not
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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 but YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE
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A SAINT
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A THEOLOGIAN
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AN EXPERT
Though nobody will mind if you are! Thank you
Stuart Dimes Vicar