Committee Spotlight: SPRC

This committee might not have an easy-to-remember name, but its work is certainly memorable and vital to congregational ministry. SPRC stands for Staff–Parish Relations Committee.

Our Staff–Parish Relations Committee: (back row, l-r) Committee Chair Roberta Houser, Pastor Jim Sands, Don Dierdorf, Helen Bloom; (front row, l-r) Mary Corless, Betsy Cole, Linda Hill

Sometimes called Pastor–Parish Relations Committee, the name of this committee describes its primary role: to manage the relationship between the staff and the rest of the congregation (a.k.a. the parish). In the corporate world, this committee would likely be called the Human Resources Department or Personnel Department.

One of the committee’s responsibilities came to the forefront this year with the change in pastoral appointments at Monaca UMC. While SPRC does not choose or hire the church’s pastor, the District Superintendent and/or Conference Bishop will consult with the committee as they consider who might be a good fit for the congregation.

Other key responsibilities of this committee include:

• Support and nurture leadership
• Encourage spiritual and professional development
• Act out of respect for the pastor, staff, and their families
• Handle the annual evaluation of all personnel
• Make annual recommendations on wages and benefits to Executive
  Council for all personnel
• Make decisions regarding the hiring and—if necessary—the dismissal
  of non-appointed staff
• Collaborate with the pastor to establish goals and track success

Our SPRC includes our pastor, Lay Leader, and Lay Member to Annual Conference, as well as six church members elected through the nominations process. If you are interested in serving on SPRC for a future term, please see Roberta Houser.

For more information on this committee, see https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/church-committees-staff-parish-pastor-parish-relations.