Spring has sprung and it’s time to nominate yourself or others for service on elected teams and positions for the 2026-2027 church year!
Nominations can besubmitted via this form, and are due by 12:30pm on Sunday, April 19th. If you have any questions, please reach out to Associate Pastor Amy Norton-Benfield at amy@upbrookline.org.
Read on for a description of the nominations process and elected teams:
HOW DOES THE NOMINATION AND ELECTION PROCESS WORK?
The Discernment and Engagement Ministry Team presents the official nomination slate, with input from the people of United Parish. The Senior Pastor and members of the Team consider all the names submitted before personally talking with the nominees and asking them to prayerfully consider the position for several days before giving their reply. The members of United Parish vote on the slate of nominees at our All Parish Meetings in June and November.
CAN ANYONE BE NOMINATED AS A CHURCH LEADER?
Church membership is required for service on the Church Council, but is not required for service on the Discernment & Engagement and Endowment ministry teams. All nominees must be known to support the church with their prayers, presence, gifts, and service, and should have the ability to be a problem solver, have a spirit of cooperation and a respect for confidentiality, and be willing to “speak the truth in love.” We recommend that new members spend some time in one of the non-elected Ministry Teams before entering into an elected position, to gain experience and knowledge about the needs of the congregation.
WHAT DO OUR ELECTED LEADERS DO?
The Church Council is the governing body of our congregation. It consists of 8-10 members, including the three lay officers of United Parish (Moderator, Clerk, and Treasurer), 4-6 at-large members and the Senior Pastor. Terms of lay members are three years. The Council members are responsible for the welfare, both spiritual and physical, of the members of United Parish, and guidance of the total program of the Parish. They have oversight of both pastoral staff and support staff and are responsible for the United Parish budget and financial stewardship. Meetings are monthly. If you enjoy looking at the “big picture” of an organization, this is a good place for you.
The Endowment Ministry Team consists of five members who serve three-year terms and manage the endowment funds given to United Parish, as well as funds entrusted to United Parish from its member churches. All three churches must be represented (American Baptist, United Methodist, United Church of Christ). This team typically meets 2-3 times per year. If you enjoy talking about responsible investments, figures, and legal issues, this is a good fit for you.
The Discernment and Engagement Ministry Team consists of 5-7 people who serve two-year terms and represent as wide as possible a cross-section of the congregation. D&E helps ministry teams find new team members, oversees the new member onboarding process, and provides nominees for elected positions, as well as helping members discern their sense of call and where they might serve in the wider community. This team typically meets 8-10 times per year. If you have been in the church for a few years, and would like to help others find a place to use their gifts, and/or if you love to welcome new members and get to know them, this is the group for you!
