I was reminded Sunday we need to be careful of assuming people understand the terminology we sometimes use in church. As part of the morning service, I called on Bob Meadors who wished to say something on behalf of the "SPRC." Bob proceeded to acknowledge the four pastors on Staff as part of "Clergy Appreciation Month." (Thank you Bob! We feel so blessed to be here!)
After the service someone said to me, "What is the SPRC?" I had to apologize because I assumed, wrongly, that everybody would know what that meant. SPRC is a reference to the Staff Parish Relations Committee in the local church. They are an extremely important group and I want to make sure you know who they are and the work they do.
The Staff Parish Relations Committee could best be described as a "liason" between the church staff and the congregation. They help communicate needs of the staff to the membership and commuicate concerns and needs of the congregation back to the Staff. They provide support and encouragement the Staff need in order to be most effective.
The SPRC is the group that makes annual recommendations to the Conference regarding pastoral leadership. It is the group that determines Staff positions needed by the church to fulfill its ministry objectives. Working with the Finance Committee and Sugarloaf Council, it is the group that sets the annual salaries for all paid Church Staff.
This past month, the four pastors have completed annual evaluations with the committee. These evaluations help me, Larry, Kerry and Mike set the priorities for our work in the year ahead.
I wanted you to know who these folks are in case you have any questions. The current Chairperson is Leroy Toliver. Other members are Bill Garrett, Sara Hove, Bob Meadors, John Dillard, Wendell Tarkington, Susan Lane, Laurie Clough, and Josh Axelberd. These are great folks and I am truly indebted to them for all they do!
Till next time...
Stuart
