This part of a series on articles on United Methodist church committees. To learn about other committees click here.
What is the purpose of the pastor-parish/staff relations committee?
The pastor/staff-parish relations committee (PPRC) serves as a liaison between the congregation, pastor(s) and other church staff. According to the UMC Book of Discipline 2024 (¶ 258), “The committee shall assist the pastor(s) and staff in assessing their gifts, maintaining holistic health and work-life balance, and setting priorities for leadership and service.”
PPRC provides emotional and spiritual support for all church staff and collaborates with the pastor to develop job descriptions, fill new staff positions, conduct background checks and offer annual evaluations of all employees. Additionally, the committee recommends salaries and other compensation for church staff. In churches with a parsonage, PPRC approves renovations and improvements, while in churches without a parsonage, it works with the finance committee to establish a housing allowance. The committee may also recommend individuals for candidacy in ministry and advise the pastor or district superintendent regarding clergy appointments.
Who should serve on the pastor/staff-parish relations committee?
PPRC should consist of 5 to 9 members, including the church's lay leader and one lay member of the annual conference. The nominations and leadership development committee nominates additional members, including the committee’s chairperson. The committee must include at least one youth (ages 13-18) and one young adult (ages 19-34).
All committee members must be full or associate members of the church. The following individuals are ineligible to serve on PPRC:
- Anyone employed by the church or serving in a pastoral appointment
- Immediate family members of the pastor or church staff
- Immediate family members of someone already serving on the committee
Committee members should be deeply committed to the congregation and its mission. They should be familiar with the church, its ministries and its staff. A well-balanced committee includes individuals with experience in management, human relations, or psychology, as well as a mix of perspectives, energy and diversity. In multi-congregational charges, PPRC must include at least one member from each congregation.
Meeting frequency and term lengths
PPRC must meet at least quarterly, with additional meetings called as needed by the chairperson, pastor, district superintendent or bishop. The senior pastor should be present at all meetings unless they voluntarily excuse themselves or if a meeting is called by the district superintendent or bishop regarding that pastor’s appointment.
Most members serve a 3-year term, with the possibility of reappointment by the nominations and leadership development committee. However, the lay leader and lay member of the annual conference are exempt from this 3-year limit. Terms begin following the charge conference.
Best practices for pastor/staff-parish relations committees
- Begin with prayer: Opening meetings with prayer helps center members and reminds them of their spiritual purpose. Committees gather in Christ’s name, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Here’s an example prayer to begin a meeting.
- Maintain confidentiality: Discussions regarding staffing and clergy appointments are often sensitive. Members are never to share meeting conversations or minutes outside the committee. It’s vital to communicate the importance of this policy to all new members to the committee.
- Build strong relationships: Effective committees rely on strong relationships. At the first meeting after charge conference, members should introduce themselves and share their connection to the church. Repeat this practice when new members join. Consider socializing as a group outside of meetings.
- Engage with the church staff and congregation: As a liaison between church members and staff, PPRC must be accessible to both these groups. Committee members should get to know the church staff personally. Consider hosting social gatherings, such as potlucks or picnics in which staff can mingle with the committee members along with their families. Encourage the pastor and chairperson to meet with staff individually. Make a list of PPRC members along with other committees easily available to your congregation. The chairperson should be visibly present at worship services and community events, making themselves readily available to congregants who may have questions or concerns.
- Don’t be afraid to speak up: PPRC’s work can be challenging due to its sensitive nature. It can be tempting to step back and leave the decision-making squarely to others. However, every committee member has been chosen for a reason, and their perspectives are valuable.
- Stay focused on the church's mission: Committees like this one can become bogged down in details. To remain mission-focused, meetings should incorporate the church’s vision statement or ministry goals as a guiding framework. As the members make decisions impacting both the church and its staff, they should always be asking themselves, “How do we best live out our mission as a church?”
For helpful information and tips read Guidelines Pastor-Parish Relations 2025-2028 (Cokesbury 2024).
This content was produced by ResourceUMC on January 29, 2025. Philip J. Brooks is a writer and content developer at United Methodist Communications. Contact him by email.